Maple Grove’s Cherry Bomb Fireworks Looks to Compete in Crowded Market
In parking lots across the Twin Cities, tents selling 4th of July fireworks have sprung up faster than Spirit Halloween stores in the fall.
In Maple Grove, there’s a new tent in the Kohl’s parking lot that’s vying for the attention of folks looking to celebrate America’s birthday with a few sparks and explosions.
“Usually over the 4th of July, I always feel like it’s a happy holiday and people are celebrating and having fun,” said Natalie Everhart of Cherry Bomb Fireworks. “At least I always had really good memories growing up with the 4th of July.”
Everhart and her boyfriend, Cobey Bullock, are the owners of Cherry Bomb Fireworks, which they describe as Maple Grove’s first independently owned firework tent.
“We worked in this industry, I guess, for the last few years,” Everhart said. “And we decided that we could probably give it a go and be able to give people a more affordable option, I suppose. Or just another option, more variety.”
The couple got a loan from the bank, found a wholesale supplier and created the Cherry Bomb brand all on their own.
Everhart even got the logo tattooed on her arm.
“I own all the rights to it and get as a [tax] write-off now,” said Everhart. “I never thought I would be able to write a tattoo off, but there you go.”
Cherry Bomb Fireworks is located in the parking lot of the Maple Grove Kohl’s store along Wedgewood Lane.
However, the big challenge is competing against the big-name tents (such as TNT Fireworks), one of which is located in the same general area as Cherry Bomb.
“Optimization-wise for Google, I’m never gonna beat out a huge corporation like that. There’s no way I could ever do it. Not now at least, not my first year,” said Everhart.
Her hope is that because they don’t have to share a percentage of their sales with anyone, which happens at the other tents, that they can offer families more affordable prices.
It’s an uphill battle for this team of two, but they’re determined to build their brand.
“So, I’m hoping that we’ll be something new and different and hopefully people will support a local [fireworks tent] instead,” Everhart said.
Cherry Bomb Fireworks is located near the intersection of Wedgewood Lane and 80th Avenue in Maple Grove.
The tent will be open through Sunday, July 6.
Related: Fourth of July Fireworks Can Be Stressful for Pets
