Despite an upcoming fireworks ban in the municipality of Utrecht, local sellers report a surge in sales. Many vendors are experiencing higher turnover compared to previous years, with some noting that online orders have doubled.
Fireworks shops are permitted to sell products online, with customers able to collect their orders during the last four days of the year. "We have never had so many orders as now," says fireworks seller Coen van der Wind. He believes that the ban has not deterred people. "They think: we'll set off even more fireworks."
Similar trends are observed in Amersfoort, where a fireworks ban is in place for the second consecutive year. Seller Thom Waardenburg notes that people want to keep the tradition alive. "By banning it, people won't enjoy it any less," he explains.
Last year, fireworks sales in the Netherlands reached €105 million, slightly less than the record €110 million in 2022. Sellers in cities with bans, such as Amsterdam, have also reported strong sales figures.
Source: NOS News