Party City
Encyclopedia
Party City is the largest retail
party supply store in the United States
, including Puerto Rico
, with more than 500 corporate and franchised locations. Considered the "category-killer" of all party supply retailers, Party City sells decorations, wrapping paper, helium balloons and custom made balloon bouquets, plastic eating utensils, tableware, paper plates, party music CDs, small toys, candy, and other items of a similar nature themed for birthday parties, weddings, baby showers, graduation, communion, confirmation, christenings and holidays.
as a one-stop party supply store that would take the hassle out of party planning. The company grew in the late eighties with the opening of franchise stores in the Northeast region. The first Party City franchise store was opened in Hazlet, New Jersey
in 1989. Also in this year, the first Corporate office was established in Randolph, New Jersey
. By 1992, Party City opened stores in Georgia and Tennessee. Soon after, the company opened stores in California, Florida, Virginia, North Carolina, Texas, and Puerto Rico. From 1996 to 2004, almost 250 corporate stores were opened. In December 2005, the Party City retailer was acquired by Party City's largest supplier, Amscan
. In 2006, Party City moved to its new headquarters on Green Pond Road in Rockaway, New Jersey
, where it currently operates 249 company-owned stores and 258 franchised locations. Party America
joined Party City when Amscan Holdings acquired the company in late 2006. And in 2009 Party City acquired Factory Card and Party Outlet. Together, Party City and Party America are the top two companies in the party industry.
In April 2011, the private equity-backed Party City filed with the SEC to raise up to $350 million in an IPO.
Retail
Retail consists of the sale of physical goods or merchandise from a fixed location, such as a department store, boutique or kiosk, or by mail, in small or individual lots for direct consumption by the purchaser. Retailing may include subordinated services, such as delivery. Purchasers may be...
party supply store in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, including Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico , officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.Puerto Rico comprises an...
, with more than 500 corporate and franchised locations. Considered the "category-killer" of all party supply retailers, Party City sells decorations, wrapping paper, helium balloons and custom made balloon bouquets, plastic eating utensils, tableware, paper plates, party music CDs, small toys, candy, and other items of a similar nature themed for birthday parties, weddings, baby showers, graduation, communion, confirmation, christenings and holidays.
History
Party City was founded by Steve Mandell in 1986 in East Hanover, New JerseyEast Hanover, New Jersey
East Hanover Township is a township in Morris County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2000 Census, the township population was 11,393. The town was incorporated in 1928. The headquarters of the Nabisco company and the pharmaceutical company Novartis are located in East...
as a one-stop party supply store that would take the hassle out of party planning. The company grew in the late eighties with the opening of franchise stores in the Northeast region. The first Party City franchise store was opened in Hazlet, New Jersey
Hazlet, New Jersey
Hazlet Township is a township in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township population was 20,334....
in 1989. Also in this year, the first Corporate office was established in Randolph, New Jersey
Randolph, New Jersey
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 24,847 people, 8,679 households, and 6,804 families residing in the township. The population density was 1,185.2 people per square mile . There were 8,903 housing units at an average density of 424.7 per square mile...
. By 1992, Party City opened stores in Georgia and Tennessee. Soon after, the company opened stores in California, Florida, Virginia, North Carolina, Texas, and Puerto Rico. From 1996 to 2004, almost 250 corporate stores were opened. In December 2005, the Party City retailer was acquired by Party City's largest supplier, Amscan
Amscan
Amscan, Inc. is a company that makes party supplies, including party favors, balloons and greeting cards. It owns the subsidiaries Anagram and the Party City and Party America store chains....
. In 2006, Party City moved to its new headquarters on Green Pond Road in Rockaway, New Jersey
Rockaway, New Jersey
Rockaway is a borough in Morris County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough population was 6,438.Rockaway was formed as a borough on June 19, 1894, from portions of Rockaway Township, based on the results of a referendum held the previous...
, where it currently operates 249 company-owned stores and 258 franchised locations. Party America
Party America
Party America is a chain of stores that sell supplies for parties. There are 144 total Party America stores and they are located in 46 states . Party America is not located in Maine, New Mexico, Hawaii, or Alaska.Its 2005 revenue was $160 million, and it had 1,764 employees in 2005...
joined Party City when Amscan Holdings acquired the company in late 2006. And in 2009 Party City acquired Factory Card and Party Outlet. Together, Party City and Party America are the top two companies in the party industry.
In April 2011, the private equity-backed Party City filed with the SEC to raise up to $350 million in an IPO.
Customer incentive programs
Party Club
Party Club is offered on the official Party City website. By registering, customers can plan their parties online with the help of party guides, printable party wish lists, and email reminders for upcoming events.Email Coupon Program
Customers have the option of registering in-store or online for the Email Coupon Program. An email address is all that is required for registration. Within three weeks of registration, the customer will receive regular monthly email advertisements for new products, promotions, and discounts from Party City. Included is a printable coupon for $10 off qualifying purchases of $30 or more. The coupon can be used at any Party City location, but cannot be combined with balloon orders, custom invitation orders, candy purchases, or half-off merchandise.External links
- Official website
- Official Company History website
- Company Overview
- Article from AllBusiness.comAllBusiness.comAllBusiness.com, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dun & Bradstreet, provides business information and resources for small businesses, those companies with fewer than 500 employees...
(September 22, 2000) - Party City CFO resigns (September 9, 2002)
- $360 Million Deal to Buy Party City (New York Times article dated September 28, 2005)