FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Indiana’s NewsCenter) - Local fireworks sales are fizzling compared to this time last year

Several fireworks vendors say, this year, their location could make or break sales.

Local managers with Freebies Fireworks say their sales are down at least 25 percent compared with this time last year.

They cite the increase in shipping costs from China to the US and the struggling economy.

But just down the street at USA Fireworks, at the busy intersection of Illinois and Hillegas, the manager says sales are up 40 percent.

He cites a great location and heavy marketing for an up-tick in sales.

Each manager says they won't let the sour economy drag down their Fourth of July spirit.

“It's all around that's just the nature of what our nation is suffering though,” said Freebies Fireworks employee Julius Causey. “So, you can't get too down, I mean you just kinda gotta go through it and hope and pray for the best and keep on pushing forward.”

And it seems the recession is shortening the fuse for fireworks displays across the country this year.

Many fireworks shows are being canceled or cut back, mostly in small and medium sized communities.

The head of an industry group says that some fireworks companies have reported that business is off about 10 percent from last year.

Most fireworks stands will remain open Friday night until nine and will re-open Saturday morning around nine.