Party City is closing all stores, effectively ending a 40-year reign as a top party supplier across the United States, writes Kara Seymour from Patch. 

There were 25 Party City stores in Pennsylvania, including the Exton location.  

In a corporate employee meeting Friday, Dec. 20, CEO Barry Litwin announced that “the company is winding down operations and Friday was their last day of employment.” 

Litwin also added that Party City’s “very best efforts have not been enough to overcome” its financial challenges, resulting in the company’s collapse. 

This news, while unfortunate, is not unexpected. Multiple news outlets had reported that the business was on the verge of collapse and would soon be filing for bankruptcy. 

It emerged from its first bankruptcy filing in September 2023 with $800 million in debt.  

The chain hit a rough patch during the COVID-19 pandemic, when people were not hosting parties, and never quite regained their footing. Between supply chain issues, inflation, and even a helium shortage, they were unable to get themselves back on a successful path. Big-box retailers, such as Walmart and Target, also hurt the business. 

Read more about the closing of Party City stores at Patch.  

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