New Jersey-based Party City plans to close 45 stores, citing in part a global helium shortage that has cost the company sales of metallic and latex balloons.

Headquartered in Rockaway, the chain has about 900 retail stores in the United States and Canada, including 28 across New Jersey. The company has not announced which stores will close.

[link to www.nj.com (secure)]

Thread: Global helium shortage affecting medical and aerospace industries, not just party supply stores