BURLINGTON—While the confederate battle flag controversy stirs passions in the Tar Heel state, a Burlington store is cashing in on all things Dixie.
Dixie Outfitters sells the rebel flag along with various prints and merchandise. Since Monday, the owner says many have called to ask if the store will remain in business.
“People are asking are we closing, can we get this can we get that, and all we tell them is no, we're not closing we do have some stock in,” JR Faircloth said. “It's my First Amendment right to be able to sell this stuff, until they make a law that I can't sell it. We're going to be here, we're not going anywhere."
The “crossed bars and stars” is under scrutiny after a racially motivated shooting that killed nine people in a Charleston church. However, flag supporters say it's not a symbol of hate but southern heritage.
"This flag had nothing to do with slavery,” Faircloth said. “It was a southern battle flag. Did it get used improperly in the course of history? I would say yes, but that's not what that flag was about."
Faircloth says he’s taking orders for any confederate battle flag merchandise but his wholesaler is swamped with orders at this time.