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ST. LOUIS — Party City closures may have left its customers scrambling for last-minute items such as balloons, however, local stores are seeing a boom in business because of the party supply giant closing.
Michelle Koleas co-owns Hico with her husband, a balloon wholesale store in St. Charles, which provides balloons, accessories and helium to stores in the St. Louis area and nationwide.
She noticed her clients, such as Just Balloons and Balloon Theory St. Louis, ordering more balloons and helium back in January soon after Party City announced its closures.
Small, locally owned businesses now have a shot in the market that was dominated by Party City, according to Koleas.
“It really helps out the small local businesses,” she said. “We’re grateful that our customers can benefit.”
Balloon Theory St. Louis has had “very positive” impacts, according to Melissa Fox, founder and owner. The business has been seeing a growth in customers and phone calls.
Within the last three weeks, Balloon Theory has experienced at least a 50% increase in sales, which is uncommon for this time of year in the balloon industry.
“December through February is pretty quiet. There’s not as many events,” Fox said. “In February, our sales were very high.”
The boom in business has led to hiring more staff and purchasing three times the number of supplies to keep up with the demand.
The most purchased items have been grab-and-go balloons, which are pre-inflated and designed by Balloon Theory, but styled by the customer.
While Balloon Theory is not a walk-in store, Fox said there has been more people coming to the studio for last-minute balloons.
She has educated new customers on how her business operates and refers those to other stores that can offer same-day balloons.
“It’s definitely a big shift for clients and the business side, but I think if we all work together, we can find new solutions on how to party,” Fox said.
She misses having support and partnership with a local Party City owner, where they would exchange advice each on tricky situations.
A spokesperson for Schnucks said the local grocer’s floral departments in the St. Louis area recently have seen a “significant increase” in customer demand for balloons.
Just Balloons in Bridgeton has seen a rise in customers seeking balloon bouquets even before the official closures of Party City.
Ebony Chambers said her business has experienced at least a 50% increase in sales of helium balloon bouquets and balloon décor.
This has led to stocking up on more inventory of balloon bouquets and helium as Mother’s Day, graduation and other celebrations and events are on the horizon.
The growth in business has had a great impact, according to Chambers.
“We’re looking to scale up eventually to make sure we’re supporting our everyday consumer,” she said.
“Just because Party City is no longer around, the customers don’t have to worry. We are definitely here to service them and we look forward to the future.”
