The Firework Store, we know our fireworks
We opened The Firework Store in 2004 from a small shop in Wakefield after years of buying and letting off fireworks, which gradually got bigger and bigger. At the time we were the only "proper" firework shop in Wakefield other than the supermarkets. Our first year was a success and so we spent a bit more money, put up a website, one of the first in the country with videos of the fireworks and that year we won 3 awards for our shop, our website and just being us. These awards were voted for by customers around the country. Unfortunately, that award was stopped some years ago, but we still boast about it.In 2010 we went to Liuyang, China, the home and birthplace of fireworks and from where the majority of all fireworks sold in the UK originate. To say it was an eye-opener is an understatement. Apart from the cardboard tube manufacturing, everything is done by hand. Rows and rows of buildings fill a vast site where a workforce laboriously works on fireworks. Away in the distance will be the powder rooms where the tubes are filled with the explosive powder and away from the main area.
It really is a sight to behold as the whole area, approximately the size of greater London without the population, depends solely on Fireworks. Everywhere you go there are small workshops making something Firework orientated. As for letting them off...anywhere and anytime. Throughout the day you hear them but when it gets dark, there always seems to be something going on.
In 2009, we moved to Millennia Park, and in 2020 we moved to our current location on the same estate. A 2,000sq ft building designed purely with the purpose of selling the best fireworks in the area. Each year we welcome back customers old and new, and it's great to see people coming in, that we remember coming in with their parents. Without blowing our own trumpet, we are THE place to come for your fireworks. We've worked really hard to get where we are and we do get fed up with other companies copying us, but they do say that imitation is the best form of flattery. That might be the case, but please come up with your own ideas.
So as you can see, we know about fireworks. So when you come to our shop or call us we can give you the advice you need. We know that around Bonfire Night, the world and his wife seem to suddenly be fireworks retailers with amazing deals and offers. But what happens if you want to buy fireworks in March, where are they then? The answer is nowhere to be seen. Why? because it's not profitable and it's expensive to be a year-round retailer. That's what separates them from us. We often get asked mid-year "Do I get a discount as it's not Bonfire night?" the answer is no. If anything we could put our prices up as the Usual Suspects don't sell them, they're too busy selling tins of beans or plants.
We offer more than just selling fireworks, and regularly advise on safety, firing, and displays and can aid in the design of your display. Remember you're buying explosives, so you'll have questions about safety, you'll want to know if am I buying the right fireworks, what are the effects, and will my choices work well together. We can help and advise on all these things, remember suppliers have their own version of a firework. If you're not careful you could end up with a similar firework in various labels, that'd be a repetitive night. We don't just point at boxes and grunt and shrug our shoulders when you ask something as last week I was on groceries, now I'm on Fireworks.
Around Bonfire Night, in addition to the "Pop-Up" shops we've mentioned, you may be tempted by fireworks from a dubious source.
"My mate Dave's** got a great box of fireworks, normally sells for £100 but you can have them for £30"
This is wrong on so many levels. Firstly, if it's too good to be true, it is. Secondly, there are legal requirements to be able to sell fireworks. Thirdly, all fireworks sold to the public must undergo stringent tests and conform to CE specifications, anything not covered by these standards are illegal to sell as a retail product. Finally, in the event of a problem who do you go to, are the fireworks stolen? Our advice is NEVER to buy from the back of a van, a guy in the pub, or "Dave**". Remember you're dealing with EXPLOSIVES, they go bang, they hurt, and can kill. Is it worth putting your friends and family at risk? Also, the fireworks "Dave**" is selling are nowhere near the quality we sell so not only are they dangerous, they're usually cr*p.
** Dave is a fictitious character we use and does not represent ANY specific person or company. Any similarity to a genuine Dave who legitimately sells fireworks is coincidental.