News | April 8th, 2025

Party City is going out of business. What will the future hold for parties and event planning?

By: Tatyanna McCray

Party City has been a staple in communities across for quite some time. It was founded in 1986 in New Jersey by Steve Mandell. The store was once a small business that eventually blossomed into the big franchise it came to be. By 1996, the company went public after being franchised and gradually became present across multiple states.  

Party City wasn’t just a staple store for families, event planners and decorator enthusiasts; it was a store that kept trendy items for year-round holiday celebrations. The store also carried various candy brands in bulk and one-of-a-kind balloon décor, making it quickly become a top store to purchase party items. Despite its long run, the store has met its inevitable end.  

Sudden Suprise 

Just before Christmas 2024, an abrupt announcement had been made that Party City would be closing its doors for good. After a good run of 35-plus years, a store that has become a household name will eventually fade into the background.  Missing out on great party and event décor is not the only downside for Americans; it’s just the tip of the iceberg. 

“We didn’t even know that they were going to do this. It affected us harshly, and it was such a short notice given,” said Tallahassee party city team leader Brittany Johnson. 

Party City stores were located in 45 states and the US territory of Puerto Rico and offered online shopping options. However, this was not enough to sustain the growing internal issues. In addition, thousands of employees have been left to scramble to find other employment opportunities in a struggling economy.  

The closing of Party City will lessen American’s access to party and specialty items. Finding trendy parties and event items will become increasingly difficult once the stores close their doors.  

“A vendor will buy both party city and the vendor of the goods Amscan. I hate that it’s going out of business, but the most sales and traction we got was usually around the holidays,” said Johnson. 

The cost of fun 

The costly pricing of items is another potential factor causing the closure of Party City. Despite its popularity, the store has also been called out for how expensive its prices were, which has turned many people away from shopping with the brand. Despite its popularity, Party City hardly ever offered coupons aside from a 25% off option by subscribing to emails. 

Americans will now have to scout out party and event resources elsewhere, which can be a challenge. For instance, there are retailers such as Walmart, Target, Michaels and Hobby Lobby. However, the options vary based on the vendors, seasons and what’s in stock.  

Tallahassee’s Party City location is expected to close by May 2025. With Tallahassee being a college town, several events are held throughout the year, from career expos to parties, beauty panels, probates, homecoming season, and graduation; where will they find the material or party and event favors?