Parkville Says: What Helium Shortage?

Pat’s Hallmark, the go-to birthday store in the Parkville Shopping Center on Harford Road, has no problems filling helium balloons for birthday parties and other celebrations.

“What helium shortage?” asked the Hallmark clerk who answered the phone on Monday night. She preferred not to be named in this article.

Patch was responding to reports of a global helium shortage, like the one reported last month in “The State,” a South Carolina newspaper.

“South Carolina businesses are feeling the effects of a global helium shortage that’s squeezing supply lines dry,” stated the article from June 26.

“The long-running shortage means businesses around the country must conserve the helium they have, and in some cases, turn customers away,” the article continued.

Pat’s Hallmark isn’t turning anyone away.

“I’ve never heard anything like that—no,” said the mystified clerk, when Patch asked her if a global helium shortage had resulted in an increase in their prices of helium balloons.

“Our helium balloons are $4.99 for mylar and $1.49 for latex. Same as it’s always been,” she said. “Our prices have been the same.”

At the Super Giant in the same shopping center, store manager Lily Letler had heard about the shortage, but said the prices were not affected.

“They haven’t changed anything yet,” said Letler. “The latex balloons are 99 cents, and the mylar are $3.99.”

So, Parkvillains, party hardy. There will be plenty of balloons—and the helium to keep them afloat—for all your summer celebrations.