Phantom Fireworks acquires Sky King locations

Eric Wilson, manager at Phantom Fireworks stocks shelves with inventory at his store in Easton. New state legislation proposes to allow Pennsylvanians to buy all kinds of fireworks, but will tax the purchases to increase tax revenue in the state.

It’s almost Independence Day, and you know that that means: Time to stock up on fireworks. (Safely.)

But first, some news from the world of consumer fireworks.

Phantom Fireworks has purchased six locations from Sky King, including the store on Morgan Hill Road in Williams Township. Phantom is also taking over four other Sky Kings stores in Pennsylvania: Tioga, Erie, Shrewsbury and Morrisville, as well as a location in Daytona Beach, Florida.

The acquisition means Sky King has 14 stores in four states. Phantom now has 91 in 15 states.

Phantom said in a news release that Sky King employees would remain on board at the stores.

“We have known the Sky King principals for years and have worked with them on industry issues. This acquisition by Phantom is a good fit for us, and it was natural to do business with old friends,” Bruce J. Zoldan, Phantom president and CEO, said in a statement.

The new locations join Phantom Fireworks stores on MacArthur Road in Whitehall Township and Cedarville Road in Williams Township.

(As a reminder, consumer fireworks are legal in Pennsylvania, but there are restrictions: They cannot be ignited or discharged on public or private property without the express permission of the property owner; cannot be discharged from within or toward a motor vehicle or building; cannot be discharged within 150 feet of an occupied structure; and cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or another drug. Certain municipalities may have their own restrictions.)

Under new ownership

Allentown’s K.V. Knopp Funeral Home is under new ownership, but with a familiar face: Employee Alexander Maher has purchased the business from longtime owner Kenneth V. Knopp. Maher has managed the funeral home under Knopp for six years.

Knopp, who owned the funeral home for 42 years, remains as funeral director.

“It has always been a dream of mine to own my own funeral home,” Maher said in a statement. “Ken has not only been a mentor but also a friend. I am thrilled to continue working with him and I thank him for this opportunity. Funerals are becoming more and more personalized, and we want to ensure we are changing with the times, while still maintaining the traditions and legacy that Ken has built for generations.”

Maher is a 2009 graduate of Northampton Community College, where he earned a degree in the Funeral Service Education Program. He’s president of the board of the Eastern Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association.

In a statement, Knopp thanked the families he and his wife, Jayne, have worked with over the years.

“This truly is a family business, and we are honored that so many of you have put your trust in us,” Knopp said. “Alex is the perfect person to take over the funeral home. His hard work and dedication over the past six years here have been a real asset to me. I look forward to working with him and keeping the family traditions we built here going. But I am most excited to help him achieve his goals going forward.”

Lehigh Valley retail news in brief

Artists At Heart, an art studio at 674 Mickley Road in Whitehall Township, is changing its business model and becoming a Hawaii Fluid Art franchise. The new studio “will be an inclusive space for creativity and community, offering a unique blend of locally crafted treasures and immersive art experiences.” Fluid art uses different pigments of paints using different materials that make art through fluid dynamics. In addition to the art studio, customers can also enjoy an artisan marketplace filled with a selection of handmade jewelry, pottery, woodwork and more, as well as community events and workshops.

Hounds Town Allentown is now open at 2305 28th St. SW in Allentown. The dog care service provides dog day care, boarding and a pet spa. Go to www.houndstownusa.com.

Retail Watch is a weekly column covering retail and restaurant news in the Lehigh Valley. Have a question, tip, or want to see something in the area? Email Retail Watch at retailwatch@mcall.com.