DICKSON CITY, PA — As the Fourth of July approaches, fireworks retailers like Bulldog Fireworks are experiencing a surge in demand, driven by the holiday falling on a Friday this year. This timing allows for extended celebrations throughout the weekend, according to Chuck Karam, the store’s owner.
“People are going to be able to celebrate the entire weekend,” Karam noted, expressing optimism about the upcoming sales. Despite a rainy spring that initially dampened business, the onset of summer has seen a significant uptick in customer activity. “Now with the sunshine, people are starting to move around,” he added.
Fireworks sales are notably higher when Independence Day lands on a Friday or Saturday, with Karam estimating a 20% increase in profits compared to mid-week holidays. This trend is part of a larger national phenomenon, with the American Pyrotechnics Association reporting that fireworks contribute over $2 billion annually to the U.S. economy. Last year alone, Americans set off 295.3 million pounds of fireworks, marking a nearly 20% increase from the previous year.
Economic Impact and Market Dynamics
Bulldog Fireworks has managed to maintain stable prices despite potential cost increases from tariffs on Chinese imports. “We were fortunate enough to receive our goods early and avoid the tariffs,” Karam explained. “We were able to get probably 75% of our order prior to the tariffs being enforced. Can you imagine some people paid 145%? You can’t stay in business.”
Meanwhile, the industry is witnessing a technological evolution. At Bulldog Fireworks, customers can preview products using QR codes that link to demonstration videos, a significant shift from the days when buyers had to rely on box descriptions alone.
Fireworks vs. Drone Shows: A Cultural Debate
While drone light shows offer a quieter alternative to traditional fireworks, Karam believes they won’t replace the classic displays. “Although they’re very cool, I don’t think they’ll ever take the place of fireworks,” he said. “Fireworks are an American tradition.”
Steve Houser, former president of the National Fireworks Association, concurs. “I’ve seen drones with fireworks in shows and that’s really cool … they blend well together,” Houser remarked. “But I don’t think drones can ever replace fireworks. It just doesn’t have the same effect.”
Technological Advancements and Consumer Trends
The fireworks industry has seen significant advancements over the years. Karam recalls the simple bottle rockets of his youth, contrasting them with today’s sophisticated offerings. “We had little rockets when we were kids that went up and made a little spark,” he reminisced. “Now, they have rocket packs. Today, the stuff is so cool.”
At Springbrook Fireworks in Pittston Township, owner Bryan Heal notes a consistent demand for 500-gram repeater cakes and mortar shells. “There are always new ones every year and the mortar shells get bigger and bigger with more effect,” Heal observed.
Looking Forward: The Future of Fireworks
Despite economic challenges and evolving technologies, the fireworks industry remains robust. Houser, who has transitioned from display fireworks to consumer products, reports strong sales nationwide. “Sales have been very strong in the consumer arena,” he said. “You have people with multiple days off and they’re allowed to shoot on those multiple days across the country, so that always spikes demand.”
Houser, who frequently visits production hubs in China, is impressed by the advancements in fireworks technology. “The effects they can produce, the color quality they have available now … there is so much more variety than there was 10 years ago,” he noted.
While traditional fireworks continue to captivate audiences, novelty items are gaining popularity, particularly among children. “Kids love them because they’re fireworks now and a lot of them are made with plastic molds,” Houser said. “It’s kind of like the gift that keeps on giving.”
Ultimately, fireworks remain a beloved part of American culture, appealing to a diverse range of customers. “We have people who love fireworks from as young as 4 years old to as old as 80,” Karam said. “Fireworks are something everyone can enjoy.”