Economy affecting fieworks sales

WAUSAU (AP) - Some fireworks retailers in central Wisconsin say the sour economy is affecting their sales heading into the Fourth of July weekend.

Jerry Bamke of Fireworks Country in Wittenberg says customers are spending less this year and commenting that they have to cut back.

Derrick Sukow of Fireworks Depot near Merrill says traffic and sales are down from a year ago. He says people who are buying are settling for some of the cheaper fireworks, not the top quality ones.

Gloria Jaegler of Old Glory Fireworks in Merrill says she has noticed more comparison shopping as people for look for the best deals because of the economy.