This coming New Year’s Eve you will probably be allowed to light your own fireworks for the last time. At fireworks shops in Brabant they see that extra supplies are being stocked up. “We really see a kind of hoarding behavior,” says Jeffrey Tepe of Vesta Vuurwerk in Roosendaal.
Tepe opened his webshop earlier this year because people stock up extra early. The average order amount has also increased. “The target group that initially spent a hundred euros is now double that amount. The first products have even already sold out.”
Many people go for the big one compounds. “These are decorative pots where you get a whole show and only have to light something once. We have been seeing this trend for a number of years, but this year the average amount that people spend is also a lot higher.”
“A huge amount is being ordered, while suppliers have purchased less.”
Jan de Wit of El Blanco’s phone is also ringing off the hook. He has fireworks stores in Helmond, Eindhoven, Deurne and Someren. “A huge amount is being ordered at the moment,” he said at the beginning of November.
Due to the fireworks ban, he will probably have to close his shops. As a result, he will not make it to his anniversary. “I just won’t make it to 40 years and that is very annoying. The pension provision is now completely gone, because no one wants to take over a fireworks store anymore.”
Dennis from fireworks store Knalkoning Oss is also disappointed with the ban. “As a retailer, your trade has suddenly decreased. The biggest problem in the Netherlands is illegal fireworks from abroad. As long as the borders remain open in Europe, everyone can get them in Belgium and Germany.”
Because fireworks from abroad are often not approved, Dennis fears for next year. “We expect even more victims and even more aggression against the police. I think the ban will actually be counterproductive.”
“Maybe this is the last year, very strange.”
People are also buying more at Dennis this year. “For example, you now get people who normally do not light fireworks and who now do so because it is probably possible for the last time.”
Dennis has had his fireworks shop for fifteen years. It is his main income. That is why he is now preparing his store for the opening with mixed feelings. “I’ve been decorating for weeks. Then you walk around here and think: yes, this might be the last year. Very strange.”