Popular Retailer Plans RI Comeback After Closing All Stores

A year and a half after shutting down all locations in Rhode Island, Party City is making a comeback.

The retail outlet long known for its seasonal celebrations, costumes, and party planning will now reappear inside some 700 Staples locations around the country, the companies announced this week.

A total of seven of those Russian-doll-style stores within a store are now open in Rhode Island.

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While the shops will not be as comprehensive as the old Party Cities, they'll still feature plenty of party decor, balloons, tableware, gift bags, costume accessories, and more.

"Staples stood out immediately, not only for its national footprint, but for its strong connection to the communities we have both been part of for years," said Joel Weinshanker, the CEO of holding company Ad Populum, which now owns the Party City brand.

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"It felt like a natural fit from the start," he added.

The Rhode Island locations are in Cranston, Middletown, Providence, Smithfield, Wakefield, Warwick and Westerly.

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More Party City add-ons are expected by the end of 2026.

Staples President Marshall Warkentin said the move allows customers to accomplish more in one place.

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"(We're) combining helium balloons and party supplies with our print and marketing services to offer a complete solution for celebrations, from graduations to grand openings and everything in between," he said.

Party City closed all their locations in 2024 after multiple bankruptcies. The pandemic and related decrease in in-person gatherings contributed significantly to their demise, officials said at the time. They had been in business for about 40 years.

See also: These RI Stores Among More Than 1,400 In US Expected To Close In 2026