If you've been missing Party City since its closure, here's some genuinely good news: the brand is back, and it's setting up inside Staples stores nationwide. Starting just in time for graduation season, more than 700 Staples locations across 34 states are opening Party City shop-in-shops, giving celebration shoppers a familiar destination in a new format.
What you'll actually find there
The shop-in-shops aren't just a branding exercise. Inside, you can browse a real selection of party supplies and decor - think balloons, gift bags, and favors. One of the bigger draws is helium balloon inflation on-site, which used to be a major reason people made the trip to a Party City in the first place.
There's also a smart integration with Staples' own services. Shoppers can order personalized invitations, custom banners, and posters through the retailer's same-day print and marketing offerings. So you could technically walk out with inflated balloons and a custom banner in a single visit. That's the kind of convenience that actually makes party planning feel less like a chore.
Why this partnership makes a lot of sense
At first glance, office supplies and party gear might seem like an odd pairing. But think about it - Staples already has foot traffic, printing capabilities, and physical retail space. Party City has the brand recognition and product range that people associate with celebrations. Combining the two fills a real gap left by Party City's bankruptcy and store closures, without either company having to start from scratch.
The timing around graduation season is no accident. Spring is peak party season, with graduations, Mother's Day, and early summer celebrations all colliding at once. Catching shoppers during that window is a smart play for both brands.
The bigger retail trend at work
Shop-in-shops have become a go-to strategy for retailers looking to maximize space and stay relevant. We've seen similar moves from big names across different categories, and when the partnerships are logical, they tend to work. This one has a clear use case, an established customer base for both brands, and genuinely useful services baked in.
If you want to check whether your local Staples is one of the 700-plus participating locations, Fast Company has published the full list broken down by state. It's worth a look before your next celebration sneaks up on you.
