Citrus Heights Party City to close, as company goes out of business

By Sara Beth Williams–
Another major retailer has announced the closure of all its stores after nearly 40 years in business.

According to a CNN report last week, Party City is expected to close all stores within the next two months. Party City in Citrus Heights is located on Sunrise Boulevard in the Citrus Town Center. On Dec. 20, some of Party City’s store employees received letters informing them that the stores were expected to close on Feb. 28, according to CNN.

On a visit by Sentinel staff Tuesday, most shelves were still stocked with merchandise at the Party City in the Citrus Town Center, but multiple sale signs were posted throughout the store along shelves indicating five, 10 and 20 percent off. By Friday, one week after the company announced national closures, a website banner indicated that all stores would be selling merchandise at 50 percent off.

Per CNN, operations are “winding down” immediately. Staff were told they will not receive severance pay, and that their benefits would end as the company goes out of business.

A letter to customers posted on the company’s website stated in part, “Like many retailers, we’ve been operating in an immensely challenging environment with inflationary pressures on both costs and consumer spending, and while we did everything we could to navigate these headwinds, our very best efforts were ultimately not enough to overcome these challenges.”

Party City has over 700 company-owned and franchise store locations across North America and operates more locations in over 70 countries according to its website.