After 40 years of providing balloons and party supplies for birthday and graduation celebrations along with Halloween costumes, Party City announced on Dec. 20 that it will be closing all of its stores by February 28, 2025.
There are six Party City stores in Suffolk County including ones in Centereach, Patchogue and Commack.
The announcement was made by Party City CEO Barry Litwin to corporate employees via video conference. Litwin, who was appointed CEO just four months ago, cited financial challenges, helium shortages, competition from Walmart and Target, and inflation as the reason for the closures. The COVID-19 pandemic was also cited as less people are having parties.
"That is without question the most difficult message that I've ever had to deliver," said Litwin. "It's really important for you to know that we've done everything possible that we could to try to avoid this outcome," he said. "Unfortunately, it's necessary to commence a winddown process immediately."
The news came as a shock to many employees as grand re-openings had been celebrated at several stores in April of this year including one in East Hanover, New Jersey. The news also comes just a day after Big Lots announced it will be closing all remaining stores by early January.