President Trump shops pop up and organizers plan peaceful protest as rally nears

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – On Wednesday, tents with President Trump merchandise popped up on Broad Street and Dayton Blvd.

“We’ve got t-shirts, flags, coffee mugs,” Robert Hickman said. “It’s called the MAGA hat. It has ‘Make America Great Again’ on it. That’s the number on seller.”

Hickman was one of some people selling President Trump goods.

They travel around and set up days before the President’s rally.

This is his fourth rally.

Hickman is also a President Trump supporter.

“All the places that I have been, he’s done a lot of good,” Hickman said. “Overall I think he’s been a pretty good President.”

While some people have been helping folks prepare for the President’s visit by selling President Trump merchandise, others have been working to make a peaceful statement.

“I’m honestly just kind of fed up of hearing this back and forth in the news and so I just wanted to do something,” Allison Mendel said.

Mendel has been organizing an event called “Stand for Peace.”

She said it will start before the President Trump rally at the UTC University Center then it will move to McKenzie Arena.

“I think what we need more is to find the common ground between us instead of finding the things that are different,” Mendel said.

As for Hickman, he said the President Trump shop will be open until the rally is over.