NEW YORK • Bailey White, 13, stood patiently in line with her little brother Keaton, 10, at the gift store inside the Trump Tower in Fifth Avenue, each clutching a stuffed toy named Charlie that costs US$35 (S$50).

The beagle, with a Trump monogram on its white bandana, was modelled on the pet dog of Eric Trump, son of United States President-elect Donald Trump. It was one of the few items left on the shelves of the store, which had sold out that morning's fresh batch of red "Make America great again" T-shirts by noon.

As businesses around the President-elect's glitzy New York home have had to deal with extra security and crowds reducing foot traffic sales in the lead-up to Fifth Avenue's busiest shopping weekend, Trump souvenirs have been flying off the shelves at the billionaire's gift store.

Trump supporters, such as the White siblings and their mum Laura, have proven to be a boon for at least one of his businesses in the immediate aftermath of the US presidential election.

In just one hour, a Reuters reporter counted at least 100 people crowding the shop located on the lower level of the Tower to buy hats, pins and more. Many were disappointed to find the US$30 red "Make America great again" hat and all campaign T-shirts out of stock.

Outside, where some of the world's most well-known retailers spend more on rent than in just about any other city, shoppers had to fight through security, crowds and media packs to enter the Gucci store or jeweller Tiffany and Co.

Inside, shoppers also had the option of buying Trump cufflinks, blankets, bags, perfume, candy, books authored by members of the family and more.

The line shortened somewhat during lunchtime when visitors turned their attention to the Trump Grill, which does not offer reservations but a US$25 fixed-price meal.

NYTIMES