RICHMOND, Va. - The party's not over in Richmond.
Despite recent announcements about nationwide closures affecting Party City stores, two local franchise locations are confirming their commitment to remain open. Located at 9130 West Broad Street in Henrico and 12741 Stone Village Way in Midlothian, these stores will continue operating as independent entities.
Steve Fram, the president of the Richmond area Party City franchises, clarified the situation via email, stating, “These stores will remain open and continue to operate as usual.” Fram emphasized, “All of our employees’ jobs are secure,” underscoring the local nature of their operations within the community.
For 30 years, Party City has played a significant role in the Richmond area, helping locals plan celebrations, birthdays, and various events. Fram noted the importance of local ownership, explaining, “We’re a local business.” Rather than shutting down, their independent status allows them to thrive amid the challenges facing other stores.
Keith Dunlavey, the Director of Merchandising for the Richmond locations, echoed Fram’s sentiments, stating, “We hope to continue to help people make their celebrations memorable.” This dedication to customer service and community involvement reflects the store's long-standing commitment to providing festive items and solutions.
While the broader Party City chain has faced difficulties, resulting in closures across the country, the Richmond franchisees are set to pivot and operate independently. Fram mentioned nearly 30 stores across the nation are expected to follow this model, retaining the Party City name but diverging from its corporate affiliations.
This decision not only safeguards jobs but also emphasizes the vitality of local businesses. Amid national retail challenges, these franchise locations are well poised to adapt to changing market conditions and customer needs.
The Richmond shops are working on distinguishing themselves as independent party supply destinations. By focusing on personalized customer engagement and local community events, they aim to continue being the go-to destination for celebration supplies.
Community voices have rallied around the news of local stores remaining open, reflecting appreciation for local businesses adapting to the changing retail environment. Operational independency allows these shops to cater directly to their customer base without the constraints of corporate mandates.
Overall, as the Richmond area leads the way by ensuring job security for employees and continuing to serve its celebratory needs, it demonstrates resilience—a quality much needed among local businesses today.
With both locations set to move forward independently but still under the Party City name, they promise to keep the festivities alive, reminding residents of the cheerful community spirit.
