Party Supplies and Decorations

Getting in the Party Spirit at Party and Discount Stores

By Hilary J. Larson

Balloons and lawn decorations are the hot party items this year, as the pandemic prompts more Americans to hold their celebrations outdoors.

“We’ve seen an increase in balloons and piñatas during the pandemic,” affirmed Simon Kuonen, owner at Party Bazaar Dallas. A longtime staple of children’s birthdays, piñatas have become more popular for adult events like baby and bridal showers “because they’re an outdoor activity,” Kuonen pointed out. And from last spring’s lockdown to this year’s graduations, so-called “balloon drops” — where dozens of globes are released into the air — have become a popular way to celebrate occasions.

“Here in Dallas, people are getting back to normal,” said Kuonen in early April. By the Texas spring, Party Bazaar was doing a brisk business in disposable paper products. “That was always our core business, so we were already positioned well, and now we’re selling even more of that,” noted Kuonen.

Capitalizing on a preference for sustainability, Party Bazaar offers plates and silverware crafted from bamboo — a natural material that resonates with its clientele. “People are realizing they want to be more events to safely celebrate spring occasions. eco conscious,” said Kuonen, who promotes the offerings on Instagram and other social media sites.

Balloons continue as Fulton’s top party category going into summer 2021. Lawn signs are popular for a second pandemic season, and all manner of outdoor decorations have been trending upward, Gavetti said. Plate and napkin sales are still lagging, but the retailer thinks sales of these items will grow as people get more comfortable entertaining again.

The Wilmington business is stepping up its online game to boost sales. “You have to let people know about what you have,” said Gavetti, who posts on Facebook and the store’s website. “And you have to let people know that if they come to your place, it’s going to be safe.” The 19,000-square-foot store emphasizes capacity limits and social distancing, along with masks and Plexiglass barriers.

Foot traffic is also increasing at Fulton Paper and Party Supplies in Wilmington, Del. “People are in the spirit for parties. They’ve been cooped up for so long, they’re dying to do something,” said Owner Michael Gavetti . As spring temperatures rose, Gavetti saw more patrons planning socially distanced, outdoor

In Plymouth, Mass., Itzaparty created an online store just for last year’s graduation season, allowing patrons to place orders for curbside pickup. “That helped a ton while we were closed for indoor shopping,” said Lindsay Houlihan, who manages the Plymouth store, one of Itzaparty’s four Boston area locations. Customers appreciated the service, and by March of this year, business was already strong for the 2021 spring occasions.

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Party Supplies (From page 102) dict,” reflected Bernstein. With the country opening back up, she plans to order a huge amount of balloons this season; inventory and shipments are still uncertain, and she wants to be prepared.

“We’re seeing a lot of balloons, a lot of decorations, people just trying to make it extra special,” Houlihan said. Popular items include yard signs on stakes, as well as elaborate balloon arrangements to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. For the second year in a row, customers are snapping up car decorating kits that allow revelers to scrawl chalk greetings on car windows. “During graduation season in particular, they’re a big favorite. People will write congratulations, personal notes,” Houlihan said.

For now, most parties are still private events — and Bernstein is happy to see families going all out. “This year’s high school graduates lost both their senior and their junior years, so the parents really want to do something nice,” she said.

In Honolulu, Theresa and Bennett Chan are waiting out a pandemic lull at Party Pizzazz, their 35-yearold emporium. “The common thing here is to have a nice size party — that means 100 to 300 people,” explained Bennett Chan. “We used to do four or five a day on the weekends. Now we have none.”

Lawn balloons and other decor are also tops for party shoppers at Balloon City Boston. “What’s never died down are balloon numbers and letters,” noted Christine Bernstein, who owns the store along with husband Michael. But for most of Bernstein’s 38 years in business, corporate and institutional events were the backbone of revenue. Now that market is dormant, and Bernstein doesn’t foresee corporate orders rebounding for at least another year. And while Balloon City has had a few college orders this spring, it’s likely to be one balloon arch marking a single entrance for a private tour, rather than many garlands across campus.

“The hard part is that we don’t know what to pre-

As of April, local pandemic restrictions loosened to allow gatherings of just 25 people. “You still cannot have a large party, and that has put a huge damper on things,” Chan said. “People are doing the drive-by birthday, drive-by baby shower or graduation party. Balloons sell for that, but nothing else — and maybe just a dozen balloons.”

When Chan spoke to SGN in April, a customer came in to buy three $1.50 pinwheels — not to decorate for a party, but to chase away birds. Chan has been minding the store while his wife pitches in to watch their grandchildren during a year of largely remote schooling. “We’re not making any money now,” the retailer reflected. “Fortunately, we’re a mom and pop store; we don’t have any employees to pay. We’re just waiting for the parties to come back. Balloons and good food, that’s what Hawaiians want.” ❖

What Is Your Top Customer Service Tip? “O

ur focus is on helping customers one-on-one through the process of getting their party supplies. It’s that personal touch you don’t get when you’re ordering online.”

— Simon Kuonen, owner,

they’re getting without having to come in.” — Michael Gavetti, owner, Fulton Paper and Party Supplies, Wilmington, Del.

“Ask the customer what they’re most comfortable with. We’ll gladly do whatever it takes to help. Go the extra mile.” — Lindsay Houlihan, manager, Itzaparty! Plymouth, Mass.

Party

Bazaar Dallas

“Do whatever makes the customer comfortable. Make sure you have the curbside option, or I’ll do drop-offs if people need it. I’ll text pictures, so people can see what

“We’re truly interested in the customer. I’ll try to understand what my customers need even if they don’t know yet, so I can sell what’s most appropriate — and I don’t oversell. What sets us apart is that personal attention to detail.”

— Christine Bernstein, owner, Balloon City Boston

“We’ve always strived to offer excellent customer service, and that hasn’t changed.” — Bennett Chan, co-owner, Party Pizzazz, Honolulu ❖