Economics 101 for Louisianians

From 2Millionth Web Log

It's all about the fireworks:

Like many retailers this holiday season, fireworks vendors in the New Orleans area are worried that the national recession will have a major impact on business.

For the fireworks stands that spring up along major highways this time of year, it is too soon to predict the final tally.

Even in a good year, sales do not pick up until just before New Year's Eve. Christmas week typically brings in only a trickle of customers.

But in an ominous sign, one major vendor's wholesale business is down 50 percent from last year.

Carl Hodge, known locally for his chain of Crazy Carl's fireworks stands, supplies retailers in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Those retailers had a bad Fourth of July and may still be using up inventory purchased at that time, Hodge said.

But Gret Stet denizens are stepping up to the plate and doing their part:

Sam Gambino and his 13-year-old son, Trey...were at Loco Joe's on U.S. 190 near Covington picking out bottle rockets, smoke bombs and sparklers in the first of many visits to fireworks stands to stock up on supplies.

Gambino, of Isabel in Washington Parish, said he is not cutting back this year, since his carpentry business is doing well. He typically spends $200 to $300 on fireworks for Trey and his 10-year-old sister.

He does not worry about the children indulging in their enthusiasm for pyrotechnics, as long as they are supervised by an adult.

"My little boy drives me nuts, " Gambino said. "He's addicted to popping."

Popping for America...