Fireworks prices dip for Fourth of July despite rising inflation

Fireworks enthusiasts are excited to purchase their set of fireworks for the holiday.
Published: Jul. 3, 2024 at 5:43 PM EDT
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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - As inflation continues to drive up costs nationwide, the fireworks industry has not taken as much of a hit.

“So far we’ve been running about even with last year,” said Mike Kimzey, manager at Pyro City Fireworks.

Kimzey said he has seen some of his best business during the COVID-19 pandemic when people cleared his shelves while celebrating from home. Though sales in 2024 do not correlate with that period, a different consumer trend may help keep revenue on an upward trajectory.

Inflation is not having the same effect on fireworks prices as it has on grocery bills. The driving factor behind lower prices is a dip in overseas import rates, bringing consumer rates down 5% to 10%, according to the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA).

“I’d say 60% of the store is cheaper than it was before,” said Kimzey. “Prices have started to come down from where it was in COVID and after COVID.”

The APA expects industry revenue to exceed $2.4 billion in 2024. However, Kimzey is still waiting for the rush of big spenders to hit his store for the July 4 holiday and hoping the stormy forecast hits the area at the right time.

“The weather these next two days is going to be very dependent,” explained Kimzey. “That rain keeps moving further back, which helps, and if it gets out of here tomorrow by noon, we won’t be able to handle this place. It’ll be insanity.”

The weather is not stopping some shoppers, though, and neither is inflation.

“Every year, I’m coming here to Pyro City, and I’m sitting around $600 to $700,” said customer Calin Kinney.

A hefty total on the bottom of his receipt is something Kinney said he prepares to spend every year, no matter the economic outlook.

The same goes for Pyro City customer, Chris White. He has no issue opening his wallet for the fireworks that will put on a show for his favorite holiday, and inflation has not changed that.

“If it says 16 shots, 12 shots, 36 shots, whatever it is. If it goes up in the air, that’s what I want,” said White. “I just want something bright and loud and so everybody can have a good time. At this point, I’m not even looking at the price. I’m just grabbing. Whatever I see, I like. It’s kind of my guilty pleasure this one time of the year. So, I’m just going to go big and go home.”

While firework sales have fluctuated over the last few years, firework stands are already preparing for potentially record sales in 2026 for the 250th Fourth of July holiday.