A few months after national chain store Party City announced its closure in December 2024, Kristin Judge recalls waking up one night distraught.
“We’ve raised five kids, and I’ve always loved decorating for their parties and holidays to make them special,” Judge said. “When Party City closed, I woke up on April 5 at 3 a.m. panicking, saying, ‘Where am I going to get balloons and party supplies for my kids? And how is anyone else going to do it?’ ”
Judge now traces the origin of her business, bash. LLC, down to this exact date and time.
The business offers a range of supplies and rental services, such as balloon displays, tableware, signs, confetti and bubble machines.
The boutique store celebrated its grand opening in August at 180 County Road in Barrington. Since that time, Judge, lead designer and co-owner with her husband, Eric, said they’ve met multiple customers looking to fill the void Party City left in the market.
In addition to providing high-quality supplies, the business focuses on sustainability, accessible pricing and quick turnarounds to accommodate busy families.
“I just want us to continue to make people happy,” she said, “to make everyone’s celebration exactly what they want.”