8 hours ago 4

Jackson fireworks outlet operating “tariff-free,” owner says

JACKSON, Mich. (WLNS) — As fireworks light up the sky this Fourth of July, vendors say tariffs threaten to dim the sparkle by driving up supplier costs and straining inventory. The 36% tariff on firework imports from China has sparked concern over available inventory, but at Sparky’s Fireworks Outlet, owner Mark “Sparky ” J says there is enough selection to satisfy all firework needs.

“You’ve got the highest quality at the best prices and an enormous selection, almost 850 items underneath the roof here. So it’s kind of like the House of Fun,” Sparky said. “At Sparky’s, we were fortunate enough to be ahead of that game, and we are tariff-free.”

Sparky says pop-up sellers are few and far between this year, and adds that his store will have more than enough stock for the weekend.

“We actually have started stockpiling. We have enough to survive the next season. Even so, we’ll be in good shape, but there will be a lot of shortages,” Sparky said.

For longtime customer Snane Neff, Sparky’s is the most reliable shop in Jackson.

“Sparky’s been about the only one around for all my years growing up,” Neff said. “We went from just fine on road stands, and then they did the tarps, and now they have a warehouse. Can’t beat it!”

America celebrates its 250th birthday this time next summer, and Sparky says he is confident there will be enough stock for this year and the next.

“The 250th anniversary, we were hoping in the fireworks business that it could have been maybe one of the biggest years, and maybe it still will be,” said Sparky. “We’re just going to have to wait and see how that plays out, aren’t we?”