Party City at Staples? The New Retail Partnership Explained

Party City has officially begun moving into Staples stores nationwide. As of April 2026, the two companies have launched a “store-within-a-store” partnership to fill the gap left by Party City’s standalone store closures following its 2024 bankruptcy.

Here is what you need to know about the rollout and what to expect when you visit.

Where and When?

• 700+ Locations: The partnership has already launched in more than 700 Staples stores across 34 states.
• Full Expansion: Plans are in place to expand this concept to additional Staples locations by the end of 2026.
• Store Locator: You can check if your local store is participating by using the Staples Store Locator.

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What Can You Buy?

While you won’t find the massive warehouse-sized inventory of a traditional standalone Party City, the shop-in-shops focus on the “greatest hits” and immediate celebration needs:

• Balloons: This is the centerpiece of the partnership. Staples now offers a full selection of latex and foil helium balloons, with the ability to schedule pickups in advance via the Staples app or website.
• Decor & Tableware: You’ll find curated aisles for birthdays, baby showers, and seasonal events (like graduation).This includes plates, napkins, gift bags, and favors.

• Custom Print Services: The goal is a “one-stop shop” where you can pick up balloons and decor while also ordering custom banners, yard signs, and invitations through Staples’ existing print centers.

Current Deals & Promotions

To celebrate the launch (and just in time for the 2026 graduation season), several promotions are currently active:

• Balloons: “Buy 2, Get 1 Free” on select foil balloons (up to $6.99) through June 13, 2026. Balloon bouquets starting around $19.99.

• Supply Discounts: $5 off party supply purchases of $25 or more (available via Staples app coupons).
• Custom Printing: Many locations are offering up to 40% off custom cards and banners when bundled with party supplies.

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Why the Change?

This move is a strategic survival tactic for both brands. Party City (now under new ownership by New Amscan) gets back into physical retail without the high cost of standalone leases. Staples gains a new reason for customers to walk through the door as traditional office supply demand shifts online.

Note: If you are looking for very niche or high-volume items (like 50+ matching costumes or specific professional catering equipment), you may still need to check PartyCity.com, as the in-store Staples assortment is intentionally streamlined.

To clarify, Staples did not buy Party City. They remain two separate companies, but they have entered into a long-term strategic partnership.

Think of it as a “Shop-in-Shop” model. Here is how it works technically:

• The Strategy: After Party City closed most of its massive, standalone “big box” stores to save money, they needed a way to keep a physical presence. Staples had extra floor space due to the decline in paper and office supply sales. By teaming up, Party City gets a storefront, and Staples gets more foot traffic.
• Shared Space: Party City is essentially a “tenant” or a dedicated department within Staples. It is similar to how you might see a Starbucks inside a Target or a Sephora inside a Kohl’s.
• Ownership: Party City is owned by a holding company called Ad Populum (which acquired the brand after its 2024 bankruptcy). Staples is owned by the private equity firm Sycamore Partners. They are financially independent entities.

Party City: Main Competitors and Alternatives in the USA

When planning a celebration in the U.S., Party City is often the first name that comes to mind, but it is far from the only option. Depending on the budget, style, and scale of the event, Americans often cross-shop with these major retailers:

1. Target (The Stylish Alternative)

Target is perhaps Party City’s toughest competitor for modern, “Instagram-worthy” parties.

• Why people choose it: Target’s “Spritiz” and “Threshold” brands offer party supplies that follow current aesthetic trends (boho, minimalist, pastel).
• The Vibe: While Party City is about massive variety, Target is about curated style that looks more expensive than it is.

2. Michaels & Hobby Lobby (For the DIY Decorator)

If the party requires a personal touch or custom-made decorations, these craft giants are the go-to destinations.

• Specialty: They excel in seasonal decor (Christmas, Fall, Easter) and high-quality floral arrangements.
• The Difference: You go to Party City for a superhero-themed plastic tablecloth; you go to Michaels for the supplies to build a custom photo backdrop or a hand-painted welcome sign.

• Current Deals & Promotions:
  • up to 60% Off Sale items at Michaels;
  • 40% Off One Regular Price Item, Use code 22MADEBYYOU
  • 70% Off Custom Framing;
  • Teacher/Military/Senior Discounts: get an additional 15% off their entire purchase;
  • 50% Off Cricut® tools, mats, and accessories;
  • 25% Off: All yarn;
  • 60% Off All stems and floral greenery by Ashland®;
  • Buy 2, Get 1 Free: Mother’s Day foil balloons;
  • $2.99 Gildan T-Shirts;

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3. Dollar Tree & Five Below (The Budget Heroes)

For those looking to host a fun event without a large financial investment, these “dollar stores” are essential.

• Best for: Helium balloons (starting at $1.25), basic solid-color plates, and “party favors” (small toys and treats for kids’ gift bags).
• Trade-off: The selection is much smaller, and the quality of items like costumes or banners is lower than what you’d find at a specialized Party City shop.

The “Party City inside Staples” concept targets the busy parent or professional who needs the reliability and “balloon service” of a specialty store but wants the convenience of a quick stop while running other errands. It bridges the gap between the cheap “dollar store” experience and the time-consuming “DIY” craft store trip.