Balloon bursts for local Party Store

American giant Party City has stuck a pin in a local business "The Party Store" and it will be "last call" next week for the popular business at 1820 Algonquin Ave. Competition from a U.S. competitor is blamed.

See: Time to Party on!

Party City is an American publicly traded retail chain of party supply stores founded in 1986. It came to North Bay this summer, setting up shop in the old Target/Zellers location on Algonquin Avenue right across the road from the locally owned Party Store. 

"It is with deep regret that I have to announce that after over 17 years of running the Northway Cleaners and The Party Store, we will be closing our business as of NOVEMBER 16th," wrote owner Kaneez Merali on her Facebook page. "I would like to THANK all my loyal customers for always supporting my business. By shopping local, and choosing independent businesses within the community, you the consumers are our most valued customers. Over the years, my staff and I have tried to accommodate many requests by our customers to satisfy their needs and shop local. We have appreciated all the positive feedback and comments and the constructive criticism that helped us to improve our service."

Merali bought the Drycleaners as a business decision in 2001 and opened the Party Store because "I saw a void in the market when I was shopping for my children’s birthday parties."

She says being a business owner for the first time meant much to learn, but it was always inspiring and motivational.

"I plan to take this experience and utilize it in my exciting new real estate career. I hope that we will always be remembered as THE SMALL PARTY STORE, with THE BIGGEST PARTY!

"Yes, it has been a GREAT party, but it’s time to say GOODBYE and THANK YOU to all my wonderful customers who supported me through the years."

Merali doesn't plan on going quietly.

She has invited the public to one final party with herself and her staff on Saturday Nov. 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for some light refreshments and a chance for them to personally thank everyone.