What Party City Is and How to Find One
Party City is a retail chain that sells costumes, decorations, party supplies, and seasonal items in physical stores and online. You can walk into a location to browse in person, or order from their website and pick up at a store or have items shipped to your home. The company operates hundreds of locations across the United States, and you can find the nearest one by entering your zip code on their website.
Party City stores are organized by season and occasion. During October, costume inventory takes up the largest section of the store. Outside of October, costumes are still available but in smaller quantities, and the store emphasizes birthday party supplies, holiday decorations, and seasonal items like Valentine's Day or Christmas merchandise.
Key Takeaways
- Party City sells costumes year-round, with the largest selection in September and October, and smaller selections the rest of the year.
- You can shop in person at a physical store, order online for home delivery, or order online and pick up at a store location.
- Costume prices range widely depending on quality and complexity, and Party City often runs sales and promotions, especially during the Halloween season.
- Party City rents costumes at some locations, which costs less than buying but requires a deposit and has a return important date.
- The return policy typically allows returns within 14 days with a receipt, though costumes and clearance items have different rules.
Shopping for Costumes at Party City
Party City carries costumes for adults, children, and pets. Costumes range from basic store-brand options to licensed character costumes based on movies, TV shows, and popular franchises. Prices vary: a straightforward costume might cost $20 to $40, while elaborate licensed costumes can run $60 to $150 or more. Many costumes come as a complete set with a jumpsuit or dress and a mask or headpiece, though some require you to add your own shoes or accessories.
During September and October, Party City stocks the most costumes and runs frequent sales. If you shop early in September, you have the widest selection. As Halloween approaches, popular sizes and styles sell out. Party City also sells costume accessories separately—wigs, masks, makeup, props, and weapons—so you can build a custom costume or add details to a purchased one.
If you are unsure about a costume's fit or appearance, you can try it on in the store. Party City fitting rooms are typically available during regular business hours. Online, you can read product descriptions and customer reviews, which often include photos of the costume on real people.
Renting Costumes Instead of Buying
Not all Party City locations offer costume rentals, but many do. Renting costs less upfront than buying—a rental might be $15 to $40 depending on the costume—but you must return it by a specific date, usually within 2 to 5 days. You will pay a deposit when you rent, typically $25 to $50, which is refunded when you return the costume in good condition.
To rent a costume, you need to visit a location that offers rentals in person. You cannot rent online. The store will take your contact information and payment method, and you will receive a receipt with the return date and any damage policy. If you return the costume late or in damaged condition, the store may charge you an additional fee or keep part or all of your deposit.
Rentals make sense if you want a high-quality or elaborate costume for one event and do not want to store it afterward. Buying makes sense if you plan to wear the costume multiple times or want to keep it.
Ordering Online and Pickup or Delivery Options
Party City's website lets you browse the full inventory, check prices, and see what is in stock at your nearest store. You can order online and choose to pick up at a store location or have the item shipped to your address. Pickup is usually available within 1 to 3 days, depending on the store's stock. Shipping times vary but typically take 5 to 10 business days for standard delivery.
When you order online for pickup, you will receive an email or text notification when your order is ready. You then go to the store, provide your order number or the phone number associated with your account, and collect your items. Pickup is free. Shipping costs depend on your order total and the shipping method you choose; Party City often offers free shipping on orders above a certain amount during sales periods.
If you order a costume online and it does not fit or is not what you expected, you can return it to the store where you picked it up, or initiate a return through the website if it was shipped to you. Keep your receipt or order confirmation.
Party City's Return Policy and What It Covers
Party City allows returns within 14 days of purchase with a receipt. You can return items to any Party City store, not just the one where you bought them. Refunds are issued to the original payment method. If you do not have a receipt, the store may still accept a return, but you may receive store credit instead of a refund, or the return may be denied.
Costumes and masks can be returned if they are unused and in original packaging. If a costume has been worn, tried on, or the tags have been removed, it may not be returnable. Clearance items and final-sale merchandise typically cannot be returned. Party City's website lists specific return rules for each product, so check before you buy if the return policy matters to you.
If you rented a costume and return it late or damaged, the rental agreement you signed will specify what fees explore. Damage is usually defined as stains, tears, or missing pieces that prevent the costume from being rented again.
Seasonal Inventory and When to Shop
Party City's inventory shifts throughout the year. October is the peak season for costumes, with the most selection and the most foot traffic. September is a good time to shop if you want a wide choice and shorter checkout lines. By mid-October, popular items sell out and the store becomes crowded.
Outside of October, Party City stocks costumes year-round but in much smaller quantities. If you need a costume in June or January, you will have fewer options and may need to order online or visit multiple stores. The store emphasizes birthday party supplies, balloons, decorations, and seasonal merchandise during these months.
Party City runs sales frequently, especially during Halloween season. Sign up for their email list or check their website for current promotions. Clearance sales happen after major holidays, so if you do not mind shopping for next year's costume, you can find deals in early November.
What to Bring and How to Prepare for Your Visit
If you are shopping in person, bring your ID if you plan to pay by card or check. If you are trying on costumes, wear clothes that are straightforward to change in and out of. Party City fitting rooms are small, so plan to spend a few minutes per costume if you are trying on multiple options.
If you know what costume you want before you arrive, you can call the store ahead of time to confirm they have it in stock and in your size. This saves a trip if the store is out of stock. The store's phone number is listed on their website.
If you are ordering online, have your zip code ready to find the nearest store for pickup, or have your shipping address ready if you want delivery. Create an account on Party City's website to save your address and payment method for faster checkout on future orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a costume if I wore it once?
No. Party City's return policy requires costumes to be unused and in original packaging. Once a costume is worn or tried on, it is not returnable. Check the fit and appearance in the store before you buy, or order online and try it on at home before the return window closes if you are unsure.
Does Party City have costumes for plus sizes?
Yes, Party City carries costumes in a range of sizes, including plus sizes. Availability varies by location and style. Check the website to filter by size, or call your nearest store to ask if they have a specific costume in your size in stock.
What happens if I return a rented costume late?
Late fees explore and are specified in your rental agreement. You may be charged a daily fee, or the store may charge you the full purchase price of the costume. Return your rental on time to avoid these charges. If you think you will be late, call the store as soon as you know.
Can I order a costume online and return it to a store?
Yes. If you ordered online and had it shipped to your home, you can return it to any Party City store within 14 days with your receipt or order confirmation. If you ordered online for store pickup, return it to the store where you picked it up.
Does Party City sell costume accessories separately?
Yes. Party City sells wigs, masks, makeup, fake weapons, gloves, hats, and other accessories separately. You can buy these to complete a costume you already own or to customize a store-bought costume. Accessories are usually cheaper than full costumes and are available year-round.