Party City of Columbia — Costumes, Decorations, and Event Supplies

What Party City of Columbia Carries

Party City of Columbia is a costume and party supply store located in the Five Points area of Columbia. The store stocks Halloween costumes, party decorations, balloons, tableware, and supplies for birthdays, weddings, and seasonal celebrations. You'll find licensed character costumes, masks, wigs, and accessories alongside DIY decoration materials like streamers, banners, and centerpieces.

The store also carries novelty items, gag gifts, and seasonal merchandise that rotates with holidays and events throughout the year. Party City typically stocks supplies for last-minute gatherings as well as planned events, so inventory changes based on what's coming up on the calendar.

Key Takeaways

• Party City of Columbia is in Five Points and carries costumes, decorations, balloons, and tableware for parties and events.
• The store stocks both ready-made costumes and DIY decoration supplies, so you can shop for finished pieces or materials to create your own.
• Inventory shifts seasonally, with Halloween costumes and decorations dominating fall and holiday items appearing in late autumn.
• The store is useful for same-day or next-day party needs when you need supplies quickly rather than ordering online.

Finding Party City in Five Points

Party City of Columbia sits in the Five Points shopping district, one of Columbia's oldest and most walkable neighborhoods. Five Points centers on the intersection of Harden and Greene Streets and has been a retail hub since the early 1900s. The area mixes independent shops, restaurants, and chain stores, making it easy to combine a party supply run with other errands.

Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots throughout Five Points. The neighborhood is also accessible by COMET bus routes if you prefer not to drive. Walking around Five Points gives you a sense of the neighborhood's character—the area has maintained much of its original architecture while hosting newer businesses alongside longtime fixtures.

What to Expect Inside the Store

The store is organized by event type and season. Costume sections are typically divided by character type, size, and theme—superheroes, movie characters, classic monsters, and generic costumes like pirates or witches. Accessories like masks, wigs, and props hang nearby, so you can complete a look in one section.

Decoration aisles hold balloons in bulk and individual packs, streamers, tablecloths, centerpieces, and hanging decorations. Party tableware—plates, cups, napkins, and utensils—is grouped by theme and color scheme. Seasonal sections expand and contract; around Halloween, the costume and decoration areas take up more floor space, while holiday décor dominates in November and December.

Staff can point you toward specific items if you're looking for something particular, and the store layout makes it possible to browse and find ideas if you're still planning your event. Prices vary widely depending on whether you're buying single items or bulk packs.

When to Shop for Specific Events

Halloween is Party City's busiest season, typically running from August through October. Costume selection is widest in September and early October, and decorations are fully stocked through late October. If you wait until October 30th, popular costumes and sizes may be picked over, though the store usually keeps some inventory through Halloween night.

Christmas and holiday decorations appear in November and remain available through December. Birthday party supplies are stocked year-round, though themed options rotate—licensed characters and popular movie themes change as new films release. New Year's Eve and Valentine's Day also bring seasonal merchandise, though in smaller quantities than Halloween or Christmas.

Comparing Party City to Other Options

Party City differs from general retailers like Target or Walmart, which carry basic party supplies but not the range of costumes or specialized decorations. Five Points also has independent gift shops and home décor stores that may carry some party items, though Party City's selection is broader and more focused on events.

Online retailers like Amazon offer wider selection and home delivery but require planning ahead. Party City's advantage is immediate availability—you can walk in, find what you need, and leave the same day. This matters most for last-minute events or when you want to see items in person before buying.

Planning Your Visit

If you know what you're looking for, a quick trip to Party City takes 15 to 30 minutes. If you're browsing for ideas or need to coordinate colors and themes, allow an hour. Bringing photos or a color swatch helps if you're trying to match existing decorations or a specific aesthetic.

For large events, consider visiting during off-peak hours—weekday mornings or early afternoons are usually quieter than evenings or weekends. If you need bulk quantities of balloons or custom orders, calling ahead lets staff know what you're planning and whether they have stock on hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Party City do balloon arrangements or custom orders?

Many Party City locations offer balloon arrangements and can fill balloons with helium on-site. Call the Columbia location to confirm what services they provide and whether they need advance notice for large orders or custom designs.

What's the return policy if a costume doesn't fit?

Return policies vary by location and item type. Costumes are often returnable within a set timeframe with a receipt, but some items may be final sale. Ask at the register or call ahead to understand the policy before you buy.

Can I find plus-size or adult costumes?

Party City typically carries a range of sizes, including plus-size options, though selection varies by costume and season. Calling ahead lets you confirm whether a specific costume is available in your size before making the trip.

Are prices higher closer to Halloween?

Prices generally stay consistent, but selection shrinks and popular items sell out as Halloween approaches. Shopping earlier in September or October gives you more choices, though the store restocks throughout the season.

Does Party City carry supplies for corporate or large events?

Party City stocks bulk decorations and tableware suitable for larger gatherings. For very large events or custom needs, speaking with a manager or calling ahead helps you understand what's available and whether special orders are possible.