Despite many Americans feeling the economic pinch with gas and groceries on the rise, families are still finding room for fireworks in the budget. \u2014 Despite many Americans feeling the economic pinch with gas and groceries on the rise, families are still finding room for fireworks in the budget.<\/p>\n
\u201cFamily, freedom and fireworks.\u201d That\u2019s the theme for many shoppers packing fireworks stores ahead of Independence Day.<\/p>\n
\u201cWatch the fireworks and going to the pool,\u201d one child told Action News Jax.<\/p>\n
Another shopper added: \u201cFamily, and freedom, right? And fireworks.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lines outside Phantom Fireworks off Interstate 210 in St. Johns County have been stretching out the door as Americans get ready to celebrate the nation\u2019s 250th birthday.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the 250th anniversary. I mean that only happens once in our lifetime,\u201d said Bryan Narvaez, a manager at Phantom Fireworks. \u201cSo everybody\u2019s excited. Yesterday was the busiest I\u2019ve ever seen it, and then we expect it to be like that again today.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, Americans are expected to spend a record $2.5 billion on fireworks this Fourth of July.<\/p>\n
Even with higher prices, many shoppers say they\u2019re still willing to spend.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis was about $500, so yes, less than last year, but I didn\u2019t go as crazy, because prices are a little insane,\u201d one customer said.<\/p>\n
Fireworks sales surged during the pandemic, and the industry says demand has remained strong ever since. Plus, America\u2019s 250th birthday is adding even more fuel to sales this year.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not gonna lie, we are playing catch-up because there\u2019s just so many customers coming in and coming in,\u201d Narvaez said.<\/p>\n
Some customers are spending far more than the average shopper.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just know it was about six carts,\u201d Narvaez said of one customer. \u201cWe filled up her Honda Pilot, and she still had to come back and grab a remainder of one cart and a half.\u201d<\/p>\n
Store managers said that customer spent more than $6,600 on fireworks in a single trip.<\/p>\n
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