ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A local fireworks stand saw fewer customers heading into the holiday weekend as tariffs continue to impact business.
The owner of Boomerz Fireworks on Marketplace Drive said tariffs have affected their business. The Supreme Court struck down global tariffs in February, but fireworks stands are feeling the impact this year because many of them buy their product months or a year in advance.
Heather Roberts and her husband own the fireworks stand and said business has been slower this year.
“It kind of comes in waves, but it’s not that we haven’t had sales,” Roberts said. “It just seems like people are spending about half as much as what they typically do.”
Customers have told her about needing to scale back fireworks purchases this year.
“We really have tried to do all the things we can to cut costs,” Roberts said. “I have heard that from a lot of people. I need to get the most for my money because I have a lot less resources now.”
A mom stopped by to purchase fireworks with her son. She remembers her father buying plenty of fireworks for the family.
“I remember spending lots of money,” she said. “Now we’re just kind of like, you know, let’s get someminimal stuff that we can kind of have fun with. I’d love to get that huge pack there. They are pricey, you know? The best thing is just being together with the family.”
Roberts said they worked to reduce costs on their end and get people in the door.
“We did things like purchasing at different times,” Roberts said. “We knew that there would be deadlines regarding tariffs. We have gone and picked up our product personally. So we save on some shipping.”
Regulars who stop by each year are helping the business.
“They like to support us, but they also have to pay their rent,” Roberts said. “And so it might be a little less than what they usually do.”
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