With the Fourth of July just days away, local fireworks retailers say customers are already stocking up for what they expect will be a busy Independence Day celebration.
JJ Nelson of Mark’s Fireworks (3633 Frederica Street) said sales traditionally don’t begin to surge until after Father’s Day, but this year has been noticeably busier than usual.
“We’ve definitely seen an increase this year,” Nelson said. “I think a lot of that has to do with America celebrating its 250th anniversary. People are excited to celebrate.”
Unlike many seasonal fireworks retailers, Nelson said Mark’s carries its own exclusive brand of fireworks, sourcing products directly from manufacturers in China.
“That’s what really separates us,” he said. “These are our own brand of fireworks that we’ve sourced ourselves.”
Customers can also preview nearly every firework before buying. By scanning a barcode on the package, shoppers can watch a demonstration video on an in-store display screen showing exactly what the product looks like when it’s launched.
Mark’s is currently open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., but Nelson said those hours will expand as the holiday approaches.
“As we get closer to the Fourth, we’ll stay open later,” he said. “A lot of nights, we won’t close until the bell on the front door finally quits ringing.”
The store is also offering a variety of promotions, including buy-one-get-one, buy-one-get-two, and even buy-one-get-three deals on select items.
“The more customers spend, the more we’re willing to throw in,” Nelson said. “We want people to leave feeling like they got a great value.”
Across town, Laurie Drake of Marvina’s Fireworks (2935 KY 54) said shoppers are already planning big celebrations.
“People are definitely buying early and voicing their big celebration plans — 250 years of freedom,” Drake said.
Drake said Marvina’s is fully stocked with a large selection of fireworks at competitive prices. The store is currently open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with extended hours beginning July 1.
“July 1 through the Fourth, we’ll be open from 9 a.m. until late,” she said.
Drake also pointed to the advantages of shopping inside a permanent retail store.
“The difference between Marvina’s and a tent is air conditioning,” she said. “And I don’t have to deal with rain.”
At BOGO Fireworks (1212 J.R. Miller Boulevard), store manager Jamus Richey said sales have started much like they have in recent years, with expectations that business will ramp up heading into the holiday weekend.
“We expect them to start going up this weekend as people start getting out and getting ready,” Richey said.
BOGO’s signature promotion allows customers to receive the same dollar amount they spend in free merchandise, rather than requiring them to take duplicate items.
“It’s not your traditional buy one, get one free,” Richey said. “Whatever you spend, you get that much more free in other items. You don’t have to get the same thing.”
Richey said the store carries fireworks ranging from 49-cent novelty items to large backyard displays costing as much as $1,900.
“We’ve got a little bit of everything,” he said. “From your kids’ safe-and-sane fireworks to our big artillery shows.”
BOGO will be open daily from about 9 a.m. until 10 or 11 p.m. through July 4 and plans to remain open through July 5.
All three retailers encouraged customers to shop before the holiday rush for the best selection and to take advantage of seasonal promotions.
