Southern Indiana fireworks retailers expect boom for Fourth of July despite tariffs

JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. (WDRB) — As Americans prepare to celebrate Independence Day on Friday, local fireworks retailers are hoping for an explosive surge in sales — and early signs point to a busy week.

At Powder Keg Fireworks in Jeffersonville, Dave Wurm was stocking up for his neighborhood’s annual celebration.

“Everybody just buys their own stuff, and we just help them out. We blow up stuff and watch other people blow up their stuff,” Wurm said. “Like a firework potluck.”

Despite new tariffs on Chinese imports, prices have remained steady compared to last year, thanks to a little creativity behind the scenes.

"You watch your mail in the last week or two and you're getting coupons from all these different fireworks manufacturers or firework stores," Wurm said.

To stay ahead of the price hikes, Pyro City in Clarksville sourced its inventory early — and from new suppliers.

“To avoid the Chinese tariffs, we bought a lot of product from Cambodia,” said Josh Adcock, a Pyro City assistant manager.

Firework vendors say there’s something for every budget. Entry-level shoppers can grab a pair of Black Cat packs for $25 or a larger variety assortment for $50. On the high end, the “Godfather” display will set customers back $849.

“People will come in here and they’ll spend about $40 on novelties — either that or they go straight to the artillery shells and spend $400,” Adcock said.

Wurm said he typically spends between $300 and $400 for the neighborhood show.

“I blow up my stuff, but I get to watch my neighbors blow up their stuff, too,” he said.

With the holiday falling on a Friday this year, vendors are expecting even higher demand. Lents said some customers are traveling long distances to stock up.

“I’ve gotten people coming from Memphis, Tennessee — even New Orleans,” he said.

As for safety, Wurm offered his own advice: “You just gotta be able to run faster than the other guy who’s lighting the firework," he laughed. "As long as you’re fast and can get out of there before it blows up, then you’re good to go.”

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