The party is ending too soon for some after Party City abruptly closed down its US stores following 40 years of business.
In addition to the company reportedly laying off all employees effective immediately with no severance and no benefits, the company’s closure also came as a surprise to loyal customers who expressed their shock on social media.
“Party City shutting down, Big Lots shutting down, Government shutting down,” wrote one person on X. “My knees shutting down. My metabolism shutting down. I can’t win for losing.”
“Party City closing is the perfect omen for America right now and the incoming administration,” mused another in a post.
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But the majority of pop culture devotees responded to the news with a classic RuPaul’s Drag Race moment. The scene came in the 2012 episode when that season’s winner Sharon Needles called Phi Phi O’Hara a “tired-ass showgirl,” inciting one of the most iconic quotes in the reality competition series’ 16-season run.
“At least I am a showgirl, bitch,” shouted O’Hara in the Werk Room. “Go back to Party City, where you belong!”
One person shared the scene on X, writing: “RIP party city. You provided for all girls in time of need.”
“The kids won’t even understand ‘go back to party city where you belong,’” another wrote with crying emojis. “The scriptures are being erased in front of our eyes.”
“Where is @SHARON_NEEDLES gonna go now,” one fan asked as another wrote, “Somebody check on Sharon Needles.”
Party City CEO Barry Litwin told store employees in a Friday video meeting that it would be their last day, according to CNN. Some staff received letters stating that the stores would close on Feb. 28, upon which they would be terminated.