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Fireworks Flying High as Fourth of July Spending Sizzles
Americans are gearing up for a Fourth of July celebration with a bang, and fireworks sales are reflecting the excitement. Industry insiders report a significant surge in spending on consumer fireworks this year.
Bruce Zoldan, CEO of Phantom Fireworks, told us that average sales at their physical stores are booming, hitting approximately $400 per customer. This represents a 10-15% increase compared to last year.
Zoldan attributes this surge to a combination of factors, including the holiday falling on a Friday and growing anticipation for America’s 250th birthday next year. He believes people are already testing out fireworks for their big celebrations planned for the semiquincentennial.
While traditional favorites like Roman candles and parachutes remain popular, Zoldan notes a growing demand for larger 500-gram repeaters. Assortment packs, offering a variety of firework sizes, are also a hit, with prices ranging from $99 to a whopping $1,500. Interestingly, sales of child-friendly light-up items and pet safety products are also seeing a boost.
Steve Houser, president of Red Rhino Fireworks and former president of the National Fireworks Association, echoes Zoldan’s observations. As a wholesaler and distributor, Houser has seen strong retail sales and a flurry of “comeback orders” – customers returning for more fireworks after their initial purchases.
He, too, points to the Friday holiday as a key driver. Houser noted that while some smaller retailers have opted to sit out this year due to tariff-related price increases, those who are open are experiencing brisk business.
He’s observed that comeback orders are largely focused on larger fireworks, family packs, and assortment trays, though smaller items like sparklers and Roman candles continue to sell steadily.
Last year, the American fireworks industry generated $2.2 billion in consumer fireworks revenue. While tariffs on imports from China, the primary source of fireworks for the US, have raised concerns about price hikes, Zoldan assures consumers that Phantom Fireworks’ prices have remained stable.