Expanding the Party Aisle
As Party City’s balloons have deflated and Joann’s fabric aisles have faded away, Michaels is stepping in to turn the party aisle into its next big celebration. The arts-and-crafts retailer has announced plans to significantly expand its party supplies assortment by 60 percent this year. This includes rolling out nearly 600 new products aimed at shoppers looking to throw birthdays, graduations, and other celebrations without breaking their budgets.
The move comes as Michaels looks to seize the party market that has been left open by the struggles faced by Party City and its former rival Joann. Michaels first introduced its in-store Party Shop concept in September, featuring a range of tableware, themed paper goods, balloon arch kits, and a balloon bar.
New Additions to the Party Supplies Lineup
One of the most significant new additions to the lineup is piñatas. Michaels now offers everything from sports-themed designs and classic smiley faces to more on-trend styles. Additionally, pre-bagged candy fillers are available to make party prep easier. The retailer is also expanding its selection of licensed kids’ party supplies, including Bluey, Hello Kitty, and Stitch plates, napkins, balloons, and decorations.
Beyond décor, Michaels is expanding into drinkware, utensils, and other table-ready essentials. The company is also cutting prices across hundreds of party items, aiming to help budget-conscious shoppers manage celebrations more affordably from setup to cleanup without the financial hangover.
DIY Bars and Customization Options
Starting this month, Michaels will begin rolling out in-store DIY bars where customers can customize party favors, banners, and packaging. This initiative is part of the company’s effort to provide unique experiences for its customers.
“As North America’s ultimate celebration destination, we are committed to being the true one-stop shop, delivering a differentiated selection and exclusive experiences – from our industry-leading balloon services to our brand-new customization bars – that empower our customers to transform any milestone into something truly extraordinary,” said Michaels CEO David Boone in a statement.
Michaels has also lowered prices on in-store birthday parties to $149, with packages that include setup and cleanup handled by employees. These packages also come with customizable licensed decor, crafts, and Balloon Bar add-ons.
Party City’s Partial Comeback
Meanwhile, Party City is making a partial comeback after its bankruptcy by partnering with Staples to launch shop-in-shop sections inside more than 700 Staples stores. This partnership aims to bring some of Party City’s offerings back to consumers who may have relied on the retailer for their party needs.
The Importance of Independent Readership
Independent readers are independently-minded global citizens. They are not defined by traditional demographics or profiles, but by their attitudes. In today’s increasingly fragmented world, communities value real facts and frank opinions delivered first-hand from a non-biased news brand that they can trust. Armed with information and inspiration, Independent readers are empowered and equipped to take a stand for the things they believe in.
