Party City is shuttering stores due to a global helium shortage

Party City.
(Image credit: Mark Blake/Reuters)

Party City's future is a little up in the air amid a global helium shortage.

The party supply company announced Thursday that it will shutter 45 of its 870 stores, reports USA Today. This comes as the retail giant faces a growing demand for balloons despite a record low helium supply. Nearly 75 percent of the world's helium comes from only three locations — and with much of that supply going to the medical and aerospace industries, helium for party balloons has become less of a priority, writes USA Today.

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