Party City is a retail chain that sells costumes, decorations, and party supplies both in stores and online
Party City operates physical locations across the United States and Canada, plus an online store at partycity.com. You can walk into a store to browse costumes and decorations in person, or order online for home delivery or in-store pickup. The chain stocks Halloween items year-round but expands its selection significantly in August and September each year.
Party City is owned by Amscan Holdings, a publicly traded company. The stores are independently operated franchises in some locations and company-owned in others, though the customer experience is largely the same regardless. You are shopping at a retail business, not a government program or nonprofit — prices vary by location and item, and sales are final unless the store's return policy permits otherwise.
Key Takeaways
- Party City sells costumes, masks, decorations, and party supplies in physical stores and online, with the largest selection in late August through October.
- Prices for adult costumes typically range from $20 to $60, while children's costumes and decorations vary widely depending on size and complexity.
- In-store pickup is usually available within one to two business days for items in stock; shipping times depend on your location and the delivery method you choose.
- Party City's return policy generally allows returns within 30 days with a receipt, though clearance and final-sale items may have different rules.
- The store also rents costumes at some locations, though availability and pricing vary by store — call ahead to confirm whether your nearest location offers rentals.
Shopping in stores versus ordering online
Walking into a Party City store lets you try on costumes, see decoration sizes in person, and leave the same day. Stores are busiest in September and early October, so lines at checkout can be long. If you shop in August or late October, you will have shorter waits and a wider selection of items that have not sold out.
Ordering online at partycity.com gives you access to the full catalog, including items that may not be stocked in your local store. You can choose standard shipping, expedited shipping, or in-store pickup. In-store pickup is usually faster and costs less than shipping, but only works if your local store has the item in stock. Check the website before you go to the store — it will tell you whether an item is available for pickup at your location.
Costume rental at Party City
Some Party City locations offer costume rentals rather than sales. Rental prices are typically lower than buying, and you return the costume after Halloween. Not all stores rent costumes — availability depends on the individual location. Call your nearest Party City before you plan to rent, because rental inventory is limited and popular costumes sell out quickly.
Rental terms usually require a deposit and a return date, often the day after Halloween. You are responsible for damage beyond normal wear, so read the rental agreement carefully. If you damage or lose a rented costume, you may be charged the full purchase price or a damage fee.
Prices and what affects them
Party City's prices vary by item type, brand, and location. Adult costumes typically cost between $20 and $60, while children's costumes range from $15 to $45. Licensed character costumes (from movies, TV shows, or major brands) cost more than generic or original designs. Decorations range from a few dollars for small items to $50 or more for large inflatables or light-up pieces.
Prices also change based on timing. Items marked down in late October are cheaper than the same items in early September. Party City runs sales throughout the season, and email subscribers sometimes receive coupons. Clearance sections near the end of the season offer the deepest discounts, but selection is limited.
Return and exchange policy
Party City allows returns within 30 days of purchase with a receipt. Items must be unused and in original packaging. Clearance items and final-sale merchandise may have different rules — check your receipt or ask at checkout whether an item is returnable.
If you buy a costume and it does not fit or you change your mind, bring it back with the receipt and tags attached. Opened or worn costumes are not returnable. If you lose your receipt, Party City may still accept a return if you used a credit card and they can look up the transaction, but this depends on the store's discretion.
Shipping and delivery times
Standard shipping from partycity.com typically takes five to seven business days. Expedited shipping is available for an additional fee and usually arrives in two to three business days. These times are estimates and may be longer during peak season (late August through September) when the site is processing high order volume.
In-store pickup is usually ready within one to two business days if the item is in stock. The website will show you the estimated pickup date when you place the order. You will receive an email when your order is ready, and you have a limited time window to pick it up — check your email and the website for the important date.
Costume quality and sizing
Party City carries costumes at different price points and quality levels. Lower-priced costumes ($20–$35) are often made from thinner fabric and may not include all pieces shown in the photo — check the product description to see what is included. Higher-priced costumes ($40–$60) typically use better materials and come with more accessories.
Sizing varies by costume and brand. Children's costumes are usually sized by age (toddler, 4–6, 7–10) rather than by height or weight. Adult costumes come in standard sizes (small, medium, large, extra-large), but fit varies. Read the size chart on the product page and check customer reviews — they often mention whether a costume runs small or large. If you are between sizes, ordering the larger size is usually safer than ordering too small.
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 has been worn, it is not returnable, even if it was only worn for a few hours. Try on costumes in the store before you buy, or order online and try them on indoors before wearing them outside.
Does Party City offer discounts for bulk orders?
Party City does not advertise a formal bulk discount program for individual customers. However, if you are ordering large quantities for a business, school, or organization, contact your local store or call customer service to ask whether a manager can offer a discount. Availability and terms vary by location.
What if my online order arrives damaged?
Contact Party City customer service with a photo of the damage and your order number. They will either send a replacement or issue a refund, depending on the item and the extent of the damage. Keep the damaged item and packaging until the issue is resolved, in case the company needs to inspect it.
Do I need to make a reservation to rent a costume?
Policies vary by store. Some locations take reservations, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Call your nearest Party City location to ask whether they rent costumes and whether you need to reserve one in advance. Popular costumes sell out quickly, so calling early in September is wise if you want a specific costume.
Can I use a coupon on top of a sale price?
This depends on the coupon and the sale. Some coupons cannot be combined with other discounts or sales. Check the fine print on your coupon or ask the cashier before checkout. Email subscribers sometimes receive coupons that work on sale items, so signing up for Party City's mailing list may save you money.