Staples And Party City Announce Partnership

Party City’s Return Inside Staples Stores

Party City is making a comeback by opening inside Staples retail locations across the United States. This move follows a strategic partnership announced in early 2026 that brings Party City’s celebration supplies into more than 700 Staples stores. The collaboration also includes an online presence on Staples.com, allowing shoppers to access the same products digitally.

Strategic Partnership Overview

The partnership was officially revealed through a press release from both companies. It is positioned as a one‑stop solution for personal and professional celebrations. Customers can now find party décor, tableware, and accessories alongside Staples’ printing and marketing services. This integration aims to simplify the planning process for events of all sizes.

Expanded Product Offerings

Through the partnership, Staples stores will stock a wide range of Party City items. Shoppers can choose from latex and foil balloons, decorative accents, gift bags, and costume accessories. In addition, the stores will carry Party City’s signature party supplies such as themed tableware and favor kits. All products are designed to meet diverse celebration needs.

Helium Balloons and Ready‑to‑Use Options

One of the highlighted features is the availability of pre‑inflated helium balloons. Customers can purchase balloons that are ready to take home, eliminating the need for on‑site inflation. This convenience is especially valuable for large gatherings that require many balloons quickly. The selection includes a variety of colors, sizes, and designs to suit different themes.

Integrated Print Services

Staples’ in‑store print services will complement Party City’s offerings. Shoppers can create personalized invitations, banners, yard signs, and posters directly within the store. These services are accessible both in‑person and through the Staples app. Personalization adds a unique touch to every celebration.

Customer Benefits and Convenience

The combined experience lets customers shop for party supplies and handle printing needs in a single visit. This reduces travel time and simplifies logistics for event planners. The partnership also promises same‑day pickup options for selected items. According to the announcement, these features respond to growing consumer demand for hassle‑free celebrations.

Strategic Timeline for Expansion

The rollout began in April 2026 with pilot locations across the country. The companies plan to expand the concept to additional stores by the end of 2026. This phased approach allows both brands to test the model and gather customer feedback. The expansion aligns with the back‑to‑school and graduation seasons, when celebration spending peaks.

Sample Store Locations in Pennsylvania

Initial participating stores include several locations in Pennsylvania. These are:

• 128 South 32nd Street in Camp Hill
• 100 Noble Boulevard in Carlisle
• 963 Norland Avenue in Chambersburg

These stores serve as early test sites for the partnership. They demonstrate the companies’ commitment to bringing Party City products to regional communities. More locations are expected to join the network throughout the year.

Leadership Perspective

Marshall Warkentin, President of Staples U.S. Retail, emphasized the natural fit between the two brands. He stated that the partnership expands what customers can accomplish in one place.

Strategic Benefits and Customer Experience

Party City’s return inside Staples stores marks a major shift after its second bankruptcy filing in late 2024. The revival is not a simple store opening; it is a carefully planned partnership that places party supplies within a familiar retail environment. This move gives customers a one‑stop location for celebrations, combining balloons with print services.

Why Staples Is the Right Partner

Staples operates more than 900 stores nationwide and already serves customers who need invitations, banners, and other celebration materials. By adding Party City products, Staples expands its offering to include latex and foil balloons, décor, and party favors. The partnership also lets Staples attract additional foot traffic during holidays and events.

Store Count and Geographic Reach

More than 700 Staples locations will host a Party City “store‑in‑a‑store” by the end of 2026. The rollout begins in major markets and will gradually cover additional sites across the United States. This phased approach allows both companies to test the concept before a full national launch.

Product Assortment Inside Staples

The in‑store Party City section will carry a wide range of items, including:

• Latex and foil helium balloons in multiple colors and sizes
• Party décor such as streamers, banners, and tableware
• Gift bags, costume accessories, and party favors
• Personalized invitations, yard signs, and posters

Customers can also schedule balloon pickups through the Staples website or mobile app, making the process faster and more convenient.

Integration With Staples Print Services

Staples’ existing print capabilities add significant value to the partnership. Shoppers can design and order custom invitations, banners, and signage on the same visit where they pick up balloons. This integration creates a seamless experience that saves time and reduces the need to visit multiple retailers.

Party City’s Financial Turnaround

Party City filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late 2024, its second bankruptcy in less than two years. After emerging from the first bankruptcy in September 2023, the company struggled with declining sales and cash flow issues. In early 2025, New Amscan PC, LLC, an affiliate of Ad Populum, acquired Party City’s intellectual property and wholesale operations for $20 million.

Ownership and Brand Vision

Ad Populum, a California‑based investment firm, now owns Party City and seeks to expand the brand’s reach through strategic partners. CEO Joel Weinshanker emphasized that Staples stood out because of its national footprint and strong community ties. The collaboration is described as a “natural fit” that will bring Party City to more locations than ever before.

Staples’ Market Position

Staples generated $6.0 billion in U.S. retail sales in 2024, according to the NRF’s Top 100 Retailers ranking, though sales have declined slightly in recent years. The company has diversified beyond office supplies into print, shipping, and technical support services. Adding Party City’s celebration products aligns with Staples’ goal of increasing foot traffic and diversifying revenue streams.

Strategic Overlap With Celebration Occasions

Both brands share natural overlap with events such as graduations, birthdays, and corporate launches. By placing Party City products next to Staples’ print and marketing services, the partnership encourages customers to handle all celebration needs in a single visit. This overlap is expected to drive repeat visits and increase average transaction value.

Community Connection and Brand Perception

Staples and Party City both have deep roots in local communities, which the companies highlight as a key advantage. Joel Weinshanker noted that the partnership feels like a “natural fit” because of shared community involvement. This connection is intended to reinforce brand loyalty and position the combined offering as a trusted celebration source.

Future Expansion and Milestones

Both companies plan to share regular updates on store openings, new product additions, and customer feedback throughout 2025 and 2026. Additional milestones may include expanded digital integration, such as online balloon ordering with in‑store pickup. The timeline suggests a full nationwide rollout by the end of 2026, contingent on market response.

Customer Benefits and Convenience

Shoppers will enjoy the convenience of purchasing balloons, décor, and party supplies while also accessing Staples’ print and shipping services. The ability to schedule balloon pickups in advance reduces wait times and improves the overall experience. This convenience is expected to attract both individual consumers and small businesses planning events.

What to Watch Moving Forward

Key indicators to monitor include the speed of store rollout, customer adoption rates, and the impact on Staples’ foot traffic. Analysts will also watch how the partnership influences sales of both brands and whether the integrated model can sustain growth beyond the initial launch period.

Operational Model and Financial Implications

Store‑within‑Store Approach

Rather than rebuilding a network of standalone Party City locations, the brand is using a store‑within‑store model inside Staples stores. This strategy lets Party City access foot traffic without the overhead of leasing, staffing, and maintaining its own storefronts. The partnership allows customers to find balloons, décor, and party supplies alongside office and school items, creating a one‑stop shopping experience. By leveraging Staples’ existing infrastructure, Party City can test new markets quickly and scale its presence across the country.

Cost Structure and Debt Management

The new model reduces capital expenses, which is critical as Party City works to manage its debt load. After emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2023, the company eliminated nearly $1 billion in obligations, but lingering financial pressure remains. Operating inside Staples locations lowers rent and utility costs, allowing more of the revenue to flow back into inventory and marketing. This leaner cost structure supports the goal of rebuilding profitability while avoiding the risks of another large‑scale store closure wave.

Market Competition and Seasonal Demand

Party City now faces competition not only from traditional retailers like Walmart and Target but also from pop‑up operators such as Spirit Halloween, which have been expanding their seasonal footprints. To stay relevant, Party City is aligning its rollout with high‑spending periods, especially graduation season in 2026. Industry estimates predict nearly 4 million graduates will drive more than $6.8 billion in celebration spending, providing a timely boost for party‑related sales. By positioning itself within Staples stores, the brand can capture shoppers who are already purchasing graduation supplies and related items.

Customer Experience Enhancements

The collaboration adds new services that deepen customer engagement. Shoppers can now schedule balloon pickups in advance through Staples.com and the Staples app, streamlining the planning process. In addition, Staples’ print and marketing services enable personalized invitations, banners, and yard signs, turning a simple party‑goods purchase into a comprehensive celebration package. These value‑added offerings are designed to increase basket size and encourage repeat visits.

Financial Performance Outlook

Early indicators suggest the partnership is already driving incremental sales for both brands. Staples gains a new driver of foot traffic, which can translate into higher usage of its printing, signage, and technology services. For Party City, the expanded reach provides a pathway to regain market share without the heavy investment required to reopen standalone stores. Financial analysts expect the combined revenue uplift to improve margins over the next two years, especially as the brand capitalizes on seasonal peaks.

Future Expansion Plans

Both companies have outlined ambitions to grow the partnership beyond the initial 700+ locations. Plans include adding more stores by the end of 2026 and potentially introducing new product categories such as seasonal décor and themed party kits. The expansion will be guided by performance metrics collected from each store, ensuring that growth remains sustainable and aligned with consumer demand. This phased approach aims to balance rapid footprint expansion with careful financial stewardship.

Key Takeaways

Party City’s partnership with Staples represents a strategic shift from costly store openings to a flexible, low‑risk expansion model. By embedding Party City’s offerings within existing Staples locations, the brand can focus on product quality, customer experience, and seasonal relevance while managing its debt load. The collaboration also benefits Staples by diversifying its product mix and attracting celebration‑focused shoppers.