The sale of decorative fireworks is going very well despite the closure of 338 shops. The turnover is expected to exceed 80 million euros this year. That is higher than before the corona crisis, when 77 million euros were sold.
“We see total sales increasing, including via online shops,” says Belangenvereniging Pyrotechniek Nederland (BPN) president Leo Groeneveld. “People want certain products. If this continues, turnover will exceed 80 million euros this year.”
The increase is staggering, as some 338 stores have stopped selling decorative fireworks. According to Groeneveld it makes little difference, because there is still good national coverage with a thousand outlets.
“There are several reasons why the shops have stopped selling,” says the BPN chairman. “Take, for example, the bike shops that no longer sell decorative fireworks because they make a lot of money from e-bikes. Also, these are small shops that either have no following or are no longer needed financially.”
In the last two years there has been a ban on the sale and lighting of fireworks, rockets, single shots, baby arrows and roman candles. As a result, more and more Dutch people seek refuge in Belgium, Germany and Poland. As a result, the industry not only loses revenue but also leads to dangerous situations.
“This is a thorn in the side of the shopkeepers who have always made a living off it,” says Groeneveld. “Many consumers obtain fireworks illegally from Belgium and via online shops from Poland. With all the consequences that entails.”
‘Provide an alternative legal solution’
Groeneveld believes that policy makers should primarily look for an alternative to illegal firecrackers. “These products are getting heavier and that creates dangerous situations if, for example, they are stored. We are a fireworks mad nation. So there is a need for bangers. Therefore, please provide an alternative legal solution, so that you , like the government, have direct control”.
On Wednesday, the fireworks industry will launch the #VeiligVieren information campaign together with fireworks enthusiasts, who have united in the Stichting Het Vuurwerk Lovers Verbond (HVLV), to ensure that the next New Year goes as smoothly as possible. safe as possible. The campaign aims, among other things, to raise awareness among young people to reduce injuries.
“This is a group that often handles fireworks recklessly. And the temptation to light illegal fireworks remains great. Good information about this definitely helps,” says Groeneveld.
