Westfall, Pa. — The Wal-Mart of fireworks is coming to town.
Yes, another fireworks store will open along Route 209 between Westfall and Milford — a commercial strip already saturated with gas stations, fireworks and cigarette shops.
Phantom Fireworks, slated to open May 1, is the largest retail fireworks company in the United States. The company currently has 50 stores in 13 states.
The 10,000-square-foot store joins Keystone Fireworks, which opened last year. Both companies decided to set up shop in Westfall because of the proximity to Interstate 84. Phantom will sit beside Price Chopper.
"We go where we believe the market will support us," said William Weimer, vice president of Phantom Fireworks. Weimer said the company's development team thought the area was a good retail location.
Phantom is building three other stores in Pennsylvania this year. Weimer said the store's makeup will be similar in size to that of a Walgreens drug store, with wide aisles and plenty of checkout counters.
The influx of firework stores to the area doesn't seem to bother many in town.
"We kind of feel that any growth is good as long as it meets planning codes," said Supervisor Lester Buchanan. "What type of business it is, is not our concern."
Although fireworks shops thrive between Memorial Day and Fourth of July, other occasions are boosting their annual sales numbers.
"After the millennium, our business really kicked off," Weimer said. "People are using fireworks for picnics, birthdays and weddings. They are slowly gaining popularity."
Gary Linton executive director of the Tri-State Chamber of Commerce, said the fireworks shops benefit the area because they draw people from various locations.
"I'm sure people are not coming here just to shop and leave," said Linton, who hopes people are also frequenting the eateries. "I believe there is a draw to other businesses, but how much I can't say."
Yes, another fireworks store will open along Route 209 between Westfall and Milford — a commercial strip already saturated with gas stations, fireworks and cigarette shops.
Phantom Fireworks, slated to open May 1, is the largest retail fireworks company in the United States. The company currently has 50 stores in 13 states.
The 10,000-square-foot store joins Keystone Fireworks, which opened last year. Both companies decided to set up shop in Westfall because of the proximity to Interstate 84. Phantom will sit beside Price Chopper.
"We go where we believe the market will support us," said William Weimer, vice president of Phantom Fireworks. Weimer said the company's development team thought the area was a good retail location.
Phantom is building three other stores in Pennsylvania this year. Weimer said the store's makeup will be similar in size to that of a Walgreens drug store, with wide aisles and plenty of checkout counters.
The influx of firework stores to the area doesn't seem to bother many in town.
"We kind of feel that any growth is good as long as it meets planning codes," said Supervisor Lester Buchanan. "What type of business it is, is not our concern."
Although fireworks shops thrive between Memorial Day and Fourth of July, other occasions are boosting their annual sales numbers.
"After the millennium, our business really kicked off," Weimer said. "People are using fireworks for picnics, birthdays and weddings. They are slowly gaining popularity."
Gary Linton executive director of the Tri-State Chamber of Commerce, said the fireworks shops benefit the area because they draw people from various locations.
"I'm sure people are not coming here just to shop and leave," said Linton, who hopes people are also frequenting the eateries. "I believe there is a draw to other businesses, but how much I can't say."