Party City is shuttering stores due to a global helium shortage

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.
"We're working to replenish the helium at the affected stores as more supply becomes available," wrote Party City in a statement. "Despite this helium hiccup, Party City is committed to helping you to throw an unforgettable party."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Party City has been steadily shrinking for years. In a statement, Party City's CEO James Harrison says the retailer closes 10 to 15 stores annually.
It's not only balloons that are taking the hit. Scientists told USA Today the global helium crisis will eventually impact crucial MRI scans, magnets and other life-saving medical devices. For now, the news just means Party City will have to encourage party planners to stick with confetti.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
How will the new Repayment Assistance Plan for student loans work?
the explainer The Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) will replace existing income-driven repayment plans
-
In the Spotlight Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been at odds with US forces
-
Music reviews: Ethel Cain, Amaarae, and The Black Keys
Feature "Willoughby Tucker, I'll Always Love You," "Black Star," and "No Rain, No Flowers"
-
Trump said to seek government stake in Intel
Speed Read The president and Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan reportedly discussed the proposal at a recent meeting
-
US to take 15% cut of AI chip sales to China
Speed Read Nvidia and AMD will pay the Trump administration 15% of their revenue from selling artificial intelligence chips to China
-
NFL gets ESPN stake in deal with Disney
Speed Read The deal gives the NFL a 10% stake in Disney's ESPN sports empire and gives ESPN ownership of NFL Network
-
Samsung to make Tesla chips in $16.5B deal
Speed Read Tesla has signed a deal to get its next-generation chips from Samsung
-
FCC greenlights $8B Paramount-Skydance merger
Speed Read The Federal Communications Commission will allow Paramount to merge with the Hollywood studio Skydance
-
Tesla reports plummeting profits
Speed Read The company may soon face more problems with the expiration of federal electric vehicle tax credits
-
Dollar faces historic slump as stocks hit new high
Speed Read While stocks have recovered post-Trump tariffs, the dollar has weakened more than 10% this year
-
Economists fear US inflation data less reliable
speed read The Labor Department is collecting less data for its consumer price index due to staffing shortages