This Fourth of July, 84% of Americans plan to celebrate, according to the National Retail Federation, and the Independence Day holiday often brings a big boost in business for many across the country.
On July 3, it was all hands on deck at Zen Tubing’s Midtown location in the River Arts District. Employees hustled to keep up with demand as hundreds chose to float the French Broad River over the holiday weekend. Site manager Courtney Malone said it’s their busiest weekend of the summer.
“We had about 500 to 600 floaters yesterday, and we’ve had about 550 [Sunday],” Malone said. “Tomorrow, our numbers are a little bit lower, around I think 300, I think just because it’s a Monday.”
According to Malone, who has been with the company for eight years, the numbers don’t include Zen Tubing’s south Asheville location. She said the other location is the same, if not busier at times.
Over at the Ace Hardware on Merrimon Avenue, Aerin Mauk said river tubes are one of their best sellers.
“We try to keep these in stock all summer, but boy howdy, it’s hard to keep ‘em in,” Mauk said.
According to Mauk, overall, Sunday sales were up 10%, and the assistant manager said they’ve sold several grills heading into the holiday weekend. This Fourth of July, Walet Hub estimates Americans will spend $7.7 billion on food. Despite rising costs due to inflation, hamburgers and hot dogs are still predicted to be an Independence Day staple, with the National Retail Federation stating 150 million hot dogs are consumed each year on the Fourth of July.
“Our most popular thing right now is going to be charcoal,” Mauk said.
Pool noodles and mosquito repellent have also been in high demand this year, according to Mauk.
Catawba Brewing Company also saw an increase in foot traffic over the weekend.
“This is a little bit busier than most Sundays,” said shift manager Adam Jennings.
July 4 ranks first as America’s top beer-buying holiday, according to Nielsen. This year, WalletHub predicts more than $1 billion to be spent on beer -- although, the revolving door of customers is not too unusual for the highly busy brewery, Jennings said.
“There are many, many breweries in this area, so usually what you’ll see is they’ll stay for one or two and roll on to the next place,” Jennings said.
Their location though, is prime for viewing the Fourth of July festivities, he added.
“We’re right by the baseball stadium, and we’re right downtown so you can see fireworks from around here,” said Jennings.
According to WalletHub, more than $2.4 billion will be spent on fireworks over the July 4 weekend in 2022.