The first Party City location has opened in Mexico and with the help of strategic franchise partner Grupo Oprimax a total of 80 locations are planned.
Party City parent company, Party City Holdco Inc., currently operates about 900 stores under the banners of Party City and Halloween City, but is intent on expanding its global retail presence. Its partner in that endeavor, Grupo Oprimax, is said to have extensive experience in developing and managing leading retail brands throughout Mexico and possesses a deep understanding of the Mexican consumer. Party City already distributes party supplies to department and specialty retail stores throughout Mexico.
Party City’s first store in Mexico is in the city of Metepec in the Pabellón Metepec shopping center. A second location is set to open June 20 in the city of Interlomas, located just west of Mexico City. The stores are designed much like their U.S. counterparts in terms of appearance and product presentation.
“I am very excited to bring our Party City brand into Mexico and this first store is only the beginning of our long-term strategy to grow our presence in Mexico and Latin America over the coming years,” said Jim Harrison, CEO of Party City Holdco Inc. “We have a strong reception from Hispanic consumers and Mexico is a prime market for our product offering given the country’s festive culture and affinity for throwing large parties. Our wholesale business will begin by supplying approximately 50% of the products sold in these franchise locations, which should grow over time.”