Summary
A Cheltenham party shop has moved out of the town centre, as it continues to grow. In 2022, Tom Meredith took over Banners ‘n’ Balloons, a long-standing and well-known shop in the town, and turned it into The Party Hut.
Details
He said: “Since then, we’ve worked incredibly hard to transform it into The Party Hut Cheltenham, expanding into fancy dress, partyware, decorations, balloon styling and everything you could possibly need for a celebration.” Tom runs The Party Hut with his sister and employs one member of Saturday staff.
Now the business has taken its next big step with a move to its new home at Unit 23, Cheltenham Trade Park, Enterprise Way, which it opened in July. A big driver for the move was the lack of parking at the old shop, which meant customers not enough having time to browse and getting hit by parking tickets!
The new premises are four times bigger than the former store on the corner of Ambrose Street, which had been there for more than 30 years. It means the business is able to offer more to customers both in the shop and online, including shipping inflated balloons nationally.
Tom said: “We’ve also got much more flexibility over big balloon decorations and can now fulfil them in the warehouse, without it getting in the way of the shopping area. It’s allowed us to be more efficient, rather than building displays on customer sites.” One downside of the move is that some customers just assumed the shop had closed, rather than moved.
Some customers don’t go online, and Tom was unable to reach them with news of the new shop. He added: “Running an independent retail business certainly has its challenges, and moving away from the high street has been a big decision. But we’re excited about what comes next and the opportunities our new premises bring.
“Alongside the physical shop, we’re continuing to grow our online business, with Click & Collect, local delivery and national shipping on eligible products.
We also work with local businesses, schools and event organisers, providing balloons and decorations for everything from corporate events to special celebrations.” With Halloween this Saturday, The Party Hut is busier than ever, with one of the biggest selections in the local area of Halloween fancy dress, masks, makeup, accessories, balloons and party supplies.
Report source: Punchline Gloucester
