A BELOVED family-run party shop is shutting for good after nearly two decades, marking another sad loss for Britain's struggling high streets.
Hullaballoon in will close its doors for the final time on May 31.
The popular has been brightening up birthdays, and events since 2007, but is now preparing to say goodbye.
Owner Elaine Hakim, 66, first launched the store with her son Mark Carter after selling balloons at Hull Fair.
Over time, the shop became a go-to destination in the city for party supplies, fancy dress, and personalised decorations.
Elaine and her family grew the business from humble beginnings to one with high-profile clients like P&O Ferries, Hull Trains, and Heron Foods.
But sadly, the decision to close was forced by serious ill-health, Elaine revealed.
Speaking to Hull Live: “It’s been a really hard decision,”; she said.
“We’ve had lots of loyal, good customers and we’d like to say thank you to them.
“We’ve made lots of people happy over the years.”;
Hullaballoon isn’t your average card and party store.
Unlike most sellers, Elaine and her team delivered and set up decorations at events across the region , even travelling as far as Liverpool.
Elaine’s grandchildren have helped out over the years, including her grandson Jamie, who was working at the shop this week.
But with their own commitments, none of them are able to take the reins.
“The fancy dress side of the shop has also done really well,”; Elaine added.
“People order costumes online, then realise they’re too small or poor quality, so they come running to us at the last minute.”;
To help clear stock before the final day, Hullaballoon is currently offering 50 per cent off everything, including balloons, cards, partyware, and costumes.
Despite the closure, Elaine says all bookings already made for parties and weddings will still be honoured.
The shop’s closure comes as another hit to the UK’s , as many family-run businesses are being forced to shut amid rising costs and changing shopping habits.
Earlier this year, Adam Carpets in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, closed after more than 100 years in business.
All 50 staff members were made redundant after bosses said the economic pressure became too much to bear.
Other iconic names have also fallen victim to tough trading conditions.
Huttons gift shop in London, Lancaster’s Bakery in Harrogate, and Marcruss Outdoors in , which had operated since 1968, have all recently shut down.
In each case, owners blamed a mix of higher costs, falling customer confidence, and changes in government business rates for the closures.
The is feeling the pressure, as retail parks and continue to reshape the landscape of traditional shopping centres.
UK high streets have faced a steady decline in recent years, largely due to the rapid rise of online shopping.
Additionally, high inflation has put extra pressure on consumers' budgets, further impacting spending habits.
A recent PwC report highlighted the ongoing trend of retailers moving away from high streets in 2024.
The report noted that shops in town and city centres are facing increased closures, while retail parks and locations outside these areas are seeing a rise in new openings.
This shift is largely driven by larger retailers and leisure outlets, which are drawn to the convenience retail parks offer shoppers.
The Centre for Retail Research revealed that over 13,000 high street stores closed in 2024, with even more closures expected in 2025.
The analysis found that 13,479 stores, or roughly 37 each day, permanently shut their doors last year.
