1. Big Supermarkets.
Put bluntly, the worst choice. Poor, uncreative and repetative selection, service can vary from fake-friendly to downright incompetent. Fireworks will be OK, but nothing special. The sole advantage these have is their evening opening times.
2. Smaller Supermarkets (Aldi/Lidl/Netto etc)
A slightly better option than their bigger counterparts, and less likely to do phoney special offers. IE rather than selling a selction box at £9.99 Buy one get one free they sell it at £5 on its own. Selection of fireworks can be VERY poor, service can be a little annoying.
I can personnally recommend Aldis (Weco brand) selection boxes.
3. Seasonal ranges in shops such as newsagents, garden centres etc.
A traditional way to sell fireworks, shops get in a range (sometimes very large) to sell exclusivly in the run up to November. Price tends to be at full RRP, product quality depends largely on the brand.
Beechwood Garden centre , in Blackburn, do a large range of Cosmic brand fireworks- some are worth checking out.
4. Dedicated seasonal shops.
Quality, service and products can vary wildly. Some are run by enthusiasts who open during the season with a range selected based on quality, others (most) are simply out to make a quick profit. Some do sell decent stuff, others simply overpriced rubbish. Buyer beware.
I can personnally recommend
Cabbage Patch Fireworks, Rotherham.
5. All year round firework shops.
Generally the best choice. Most are staffed by people who have a genuine intrerest in what they are selling, and as such can make proper recommendations. Also will be around AFTER bonfire night if anything didn't function, etc. On the two (rare) occasions that I have had misfires the all year round shop I bought it from offered me a refund/replacement. This simply wouldn't happen with seasonal shops. Prices/deals can often be negotiated too.
I can personnally recommend the following-
Great Northern Fireworks
Firework Factory
Epic (Jimmy's)
Pure Party (Spyrotechnics)
(Dishonourable mention) Back of a van, carpark sellers etc
Avoid. Put simply you have everything to lose and nothing to gain from buying from these people.
Edited by David, 31 August 2008 - 05:27 PM.
