Jul 3, 2009 6:42 pm US/Eastern
Fireworks Sales Not Exploding
Imploding Economy Sees Consumers Cut Back
DANIA BEACH (CBS4) ―
At TNT Fireworks in Dania Beach, customers were streaming in and out Friday, uniformed attendants were directing traffic in the busy parking lot, and buyers crowded the aisles inside snapping up sparklers, bottle rockets, roman candles and other light and noise makers for backyard celebrations on July 4th.
But the rush at the fireworks store was a modest one compared to years past as the economy takes the shine off this year's rocket's red glare.
"The economy is definitely hitting Independence Day," said longtime employee Tony Ramos. "Most years the rush starts a full week before the holiday, but this year it has been slow in coming, it's just now cranking up."
Customer Joe Shuttlesworth put a bag full of pyrotechnics in his van, about $200 worth, he said, considerably less than he spent last year. "We're not going to be shooting as much stuff off up in the air," Shuttlesworth said, "but it'll be a fun time. It will work out great."
Marnee Macphee and her two daughters carried a "combination box" of fireworks out to the family car. Macphee said the family is foregoing a big summer vacation this year, as well as spending less on fireworks. "We're just going to stay at home this year and just do fireworks in the backyard with the girls. We're definitely watching our budget this year."
Jacob and Whisper Cleveland left the store with a cart piled high with fireworks. They spent more than $700. "You have to celebrate once in a while," Cleveland said.
"And it's my mom's birthday," added Whisper.
TNT manager Itzhak Dickstein didn't discuss numbers, but said the economy has seen sales fizzle compared to previous years. "Absolutely, we can feel the economy," Dickstein said. "Hopefully, by the end of the year, it will pick up again."
In an effort to lure celebrants into the store, TNT was offering buy one, get one free specials, as well as "dollar specials" on some items that normally sell for four or five dollars, Dickstein said.
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