Fireworks Prices Boosted by Beijing Olympics

ST. AUGUSTINE, FL -- A fireworks shop in St. Augustine is serving 15,000 customers per day despite the higher prices indirectly caused by the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

"July 3rd is the busiest day of the year for the fireworks industry," said Dave Nolan, General Manager of the Phantom Fireworks store in St. Augustine.

Nolan says his store has been open around-the-clock for 10 days, selling fireworks ahead of Independence day.

Workers stock the shelves in the early morning and only re-stock the shelves after everything has sold-out for the day.

The single most expensive item, at $270, is sold out. There are only a few of the top-of-the-line $700 assorment available.

"It only happens once a year, so you have to go all out," said customer Brandon Ford.

He drove down from Jacksonville Beach to spend $427.51 on fireworks. Ford says the fun is worth the money.

"Basically to go out there and do the cookout thing and have a good time. We've been celebrating like this for years," said Ford.

However, some people are cutting back their annual fireworks celebrations. Nolan says sales are off almost 15%. Others are spending the same amount but buying different items.

"[This year] is different than previous years and the smaller items, which gives them more bang for their buck... are flying off the shelves," said Nolan.

This year, there is less to sell. Nolan says the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing has reduced the amount of available merchandise.

According to Phantom Fireworks, China produces 95% of the fireworks sold in America.

Instead of the 1,000 crates of fireworks the company usually buys, Phantom Fireworks purchased only a third of that.

"China shut down all of their ports and factories for a month prior and a month after the games for security reasons. That's the time when China goes in to production for the United States," said Nolan.

The law of supply and demand caused slightly higher prices.

Ford says he's willing to spend the money for a good time.

Nolan says by sundown Saturday, every single item in his store will likley be sold - no mater the cost.

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