The coronavirus pandemic has forced many small businesses to get creative and diversify their product offerings, and Four Seasons Total Landscaping in Philadelphia is no exception.
After skyrocketing to internet fame when the - with many speculating the campaign had in fact intended to book the Four Seasons hotel - the family business is now selling merchandise.
And it appears the t-shirts, mugs, and hoodies are popular: on Tuesday morning, they released a statement on Facebook saying they were “slammed” with orders, but seeking to maintain “lawn and order” for their clients.
“Thirty-six hours ago, we could not have imagined we’d be the center of attention,” they wrote. “We appreciate your patience as we work to get more merchandise options.”
A hooded jumper featuring an American flag and the company's name is selling for $50, while punters can nab a t-shirt bearing the same design for $25. A sticker declaring “MAKE AMERICA RAKE AGAIN” appears to have sold out.
Symbolic of the coronavirus era, the company has also released a Zoom background featuring the now-famous garage door and a “lawn and order” face mask.
Lawyer for US President Donald Trump, Rudy Guilliani, fronted media outside the landscaping business on Sunday to give an update on legal challenges involving unfounded allegations of electoral fraud shortly before it was announced Democratic candidate Joe Biden had won the presidency.
The bizarre location - a concrete slab between a crematorium and a sex shop - left many people scratching their heads after President Trump tweeted details of a media conference at "Four Seasons, Philadelphia" before issuing a second post clarifying it would actually be at "Four Seasons Total Landscaping".
Afterwards, the Four Seasons hotel in Philadelphia posted a tweet of their own, stating: “To clarify, President Trump’s press conference will NOT be held at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia. It will be held at Four Seasons Total Landscaping - no relation with the hotel.”
However the mix-up happened, Four Seasons Total Landscaping said they were “honoured to be asked to host a press conference” and made clear they would have done so for either campaign.
“Our team at Four Seasons would have proudly hosted any presidential candidate’s campaign at our business,” they said in a statement on Monday.
“We strongly believe in America and in democracy. We hope that our fellow Americans can join together and support all local small businesses during this time.”
It is still unclear how the Trump campaign came to book the landscaping shop instead of a luxury hotel, but that hasn’t stopped thousands of people around the world having a chuckle.
“I woke up early, still laughing,” said The Wire writer David Simon on Monday. “The Trumpist incompetence that delivers this coda. Magical.”
