by Marcus Washington
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A boom in business is one thing fireworks vendors say they did not have this year. They say dry weather and burn bans knocked out at least 60%, putting many in a financial hole.
There are a number of ways to describe fireworks sales this year, but the best word is probably just plain bad.
Phil Adkisson, owner of Phat Phil's Firework, has been here on Nolensville Road in Williamson County for years. He says this is probably the worst sales season since the early 1960s, as his sales fell 60% from years past.
"We're scrambling just to sell enough to pay our expenses this year, so it's going to be tough," said Adkisson.
A day after the July 4th, dozens of boxes sit full of fireworks behind the counter; with the few customers looking for the day after July 4th deals.
"It was on selection. A lot of times I hit the tents the day after, every year, and I'll just purchase some fireworks and save them for next year," said shopper Daniel Noga.
It really doesn't matter the tent or county you travel to, you hear the same story from fireworks vendor and sales.
"We haven't come across anybody that's done half or marginally close to what they've projected or done over the past few years," said vender Matt Bradshow.
In Wilson County is where you would find Matt Bradshow and crew packing up what they have left.
He says in all they had around $67,000 worth of fireworks to sell, but this year sales are down between 6- and 70 percent; bringing in less than$15,000 in fireworks sales.
With business dry as the weather; packing up seems to be the best decision until the next go around.
"I don't know, none of us are looking forward to (selling) any fireworks soon," said Bradshow.
For the veteran, Adkisson, he's staying to the final seconds of the fight; hoping to at least break even.
"The 5th is the last day we can legally sell fireworks, so we may be here until midnight."
Tent vendors can only sell around the 4th of July and New Year's Eve; so many vendors will store the fireworks until December.
As long as the explosives are stored in a dry and room temperature area, the fireworks can last until July 4, 2013.
