As a savvy shopper and retail expert, I know that finding affordable party supplies is key to throwing a memorable celebration without overspending. That‘s why I always recommend checking out Dollar General for everything from plates and napkins to decorations and helium balloons.
With over 18,000 locations across the United States, chances are there‘s a Dollar General store near you. And while you might think of DG as a place to grab toilet paper and cleaning products on the cheap, they actually have a surprisingly robust selection of party essentials, including balloons for every occasion.
But does Dollar General actually fill helium balloons? And if so, how do their prices and services compare to other retailers? I dug deep to find the answers and am sharing everything you need to know in this ultimate guide.
Dollar General‘s History and Growth as a Party Supply Destination
First, a little background. Dollar General was founded way back in 1939 as a small family-owned business called J.L. Turner and Son in Kentucky. The company initially focused on selling affordable, overstock items at fixed prices, similar to today‘s dollar stores.
Over the decades, Dollar General gradually expanded its offerings and locations. By the 1950s, the company had grown to 29 stores across the southern United States. And by 1968, they officially changed their name to Dollar General Corporation and went public on the stock market.
Fast forward to today, and Dollar General is now a Fortune 500 company with over 143,000 employees and $27 billion in annual revenue as of 2020. While they‘ve significantly broadened their product categories to include groceries, home goods, and more, party supplies remain a core part of their business.
In fact, Dollar General now carries over 150 different party items year-round, including paper and plastic tableware, decorations, favors, gift wrap, cards, and of course, balloons. They even have a dedicated seasonal section where you can find supplies for holidays like Halloween, Christmas, Easter, and the Fourth of July.
Types of Helium Balloons You Can Get Filled at Dollar General
So, let‘s get to the main question at hand: can you get helium balloons filled at Dollar General? The answer is a resounding yes!
Most Dollar General locations offer helium balloon inflation services for a variety of balloon types and sizes. Some of the most common options include:
- Latex balloons in solid colors or special designs
- Mylar/foil balloons in various shapes and sizes
- Giant 3 foot and larger "jumbo" balloons
- Unique shaped balloons (hearts, stars, numbers, etc.)
- Balloon bouquets and arrangements
One important thing to note is that Dollar General typically only fills balloons that have been purchased in-store. This means that if you bring in a balloon from elsewhere, the store associates may refuse to inflate it for you, even if you‘re willing to pay.
Luckily, DG carries a nice selection of balloons for every occasion imaginable, from kids‘ birthdays and baby showers to weddings, anniversaries, graduations, and more. You can usually find balloons conveniently displayed in the party aisle or near the checkout area for easy grabbing.
How Much It Costs to Fill Balloons at Dollar General vs. Other Stores
Compared to other national retailers, Dollar General offers some of the lowest prices on helium balloon inflation. Take a look at how they stack up:
| Store | 11" Latex Balloons | 18" Foil Balloons | Giant 36" Balloons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dollar General | $0.50+ | $1 – $3 | $3 – $5 |
| Walmart | $0.25 | $2 – $5 | N/A |
| Party City | $0.99 – $1.29 | $1.99 – $8.99 | $12.99 – $39.99 |
| Target | $1 | $3 – $5 | $3 – $7 |
| CVS | $3.99 | $5.99 – $9.99 | $13.99 |
| Walgreens | $1.29 | $5.99 – $9.99 | N/A |
As you can see, filling an 11 inch latex balloon at Dollar General only costs around fifty cents on the low end, which is significantly cheaper than most competitors. Even for larger foil and jumbo balloons, DG‘s prices are consistently lower across the board.
Of course, prices may vary slightly by location and are subject to change over time. Some Dollar Generals may occasionally run promotions where you can get balloons filled at an even greater discount when you buy a bundle. But overall, you can usually count on getting a pretty great deal on helium inflation at your local DG.
How Much Money Stores Make on Helium Balloons
Have you ever wondered how much profit retailers actually make on those $1-$5 filled balloons? I certainly have, so I did some research to find out.
While the exact margins can vary depending on the specific products and vendors, most stores aim for a profit of around 40-50% on party supplies like helium balloons. This means that if you pay $2 to have a foil balloon inflated, the retailer likely paid around $1 to purchase it wholesale.
However, there are a number of additional costs that cut into those profits. First, stores have to invest in commercial grade helium tanks and inflation equipment, which can run anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars upfront.
There‘s also the cost of the helium gas itself, which has been in relatively short supply in recent years (more on that later). Depending on the size of the tank and current market conditions, filling a large canister with helium can cost a retailer $100-$200 or more.
Then there‘s the time and labor required for employees to fill the balloons for customers, which also factors into the overall cost. When you add up all these expenses, the actual take-home profit on a $2 balloon may only end up being $0.50-$0.60.
Still, with the high sales volume that stores like Dollar General do on balloons (especially around holidays like Valentine‘s Day and Mother‘s Day), those small profits can really add up over time to boost the bottom line.
Creative Ways to Use and Display Dollar General Balloons
Saving money on balloon inflation is great, but what do you actually do with all those helium-filled orbs once you get them home? Here are some fun and creative ideas to get you started:
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Create an eye-catching balloon arch or garland by alternating different colored balloons and tying them together with ribbon or fishing line. This works especially well as a photo backdrop or entryway decoration.
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Use small balloons to make a trendy "balloon mosaic" wall by arranging them in a gradient or pattern and adhering them directly to the wall with removable glue dots.
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Fill giant 36 inch balloons with helium and add tassels, fringe, or confetti inside for a show-stopping centerpiece. Pro tip: you can use a funnel or stuffing tool to get the smaller items in through the neck of the balloon.
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Tie clusters of helium-filled foil balloons together to create cheerful balloon "bouquets" that can be used as table decor or given as gifts.
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Attach photos, tassels, greenery, or small ornaments to the ribbons of floating balloons for some added whimsy and personalization.
Whether you go for an understated look with a few elegant orbs or an all-out balloon extravaganza, Dollar General has plenty of options to help bring your party vision to life.
Balloon Safety Precautions to Keep in Mind
While balloons can certainly add a lot of fun and festivity to any celebration, it‘s important to keep safety in mind, especially when young children are involved. Here are a few key precautions to take:
- Never let kids suck on or put deflated/popped balloons in their mouths, as this can be a serious choking hazard
- Avoid using metallic or foil balloons near power lines, as they can cause fires or power outages if they come into contact
- Don‘t let helium-filled balloons float away outside, as they can be harmful to wildlife and the environment
- Use caution when popping balloons, as the loud noise and sudden release of energy can startle or frighten young children and pets
By following these simple guidelines and using common sense, you can enjoy all the benefits of Dollar General‘s affordable helium balloons without any added worries.
The Lowdown on Helium Shortages and Price Fluctuations
If you‘ve tried to buy helium balloons anytime in the past decade, you may have noticed that prices seem to be constantly fluctuating and supplies can be hard to come by at times. This is because the global helium market has been experiencing a significant shortage for a number of years now.
The problem stems from a combination of factors, including declining production from some of the world‘s largest helium-producing countries, geopolitical tensions, and increasing demand from high-tech industries like aerospace and healthcare.
At one point in 2019, many Party City stores across the US and Canada had to temporarily suspend helium balloon services altogether due to the shortage. And while supplies have mostly bounced back since then, experts warn that the long-term outlook for the helium market remains uncertain.
As a result, retailers like Dollar General have had to get creative with their balloon offerings and pricing strategies. Some stores may limit the number of helium balloons that customers can purchase at one time to conserve their supply. Others may adjust prices more frequently to account for changing helium costs.
The good news is that Dollar General has the scale and buying power to secure consistent helium inventory for its stores, even during times of relative scarcity. And as a budget retailer, they‘re committed to keeping prices as low as possible for shoppers.
So while you may encounter the occasional "out of helium" sign or higher-than-usual prices, you can generally count on being able to get your balloons filled affordably and reliably at DG.
Eco-Friendly Balloon Alternatives to Consider
Of course, the most environmentally responsible way to decorate for a party is to avoid using disposable items like balloons altogether. But if you simply can‘t resist those floating orbs of joy, there are a few more sustainable options to consider beyond traditional latex and foil balloons.
One increasingly popular choice is Bubble Balloons, which are made from a stretchy, durable plastic material that can be inflated over and over again. Unlike latex balloons, Bubble Balloons won‘t pop or deflate quickly, so you can enjoy them for much longer. Plus, they‘re biodegradable and can be recycled at the end of their lifespan.
Another option is to opt for paper or cardboard decorations instead of balloons. Tissue paper pom poms, honeycomb balls, and fan garlands can all add a fun, festive touch to your party space without the environmental impact of single-use plastics.
If you do decide to go the balloon route, look for latex balloons marked as "biodegradable" or "earth-friendly." These balloons are designed to break down more quickly and safely in the environment compared to traditional versions. Just be sure to dispose of them properly in the trash and never release them into the air outdoors.
While Dollar General may not carry all of these eco-friendly balloon alternatives currently, it‘s worth keeping an eye out as they continue to expand their party assortment. And of course, you can always bring your own sustainable decorations to complement the other great supplies you score at DG.
Real Customer Reviews and Experiences
To give you a sense of what it‘s really like to get balloons filled at Dollar General, I scoured the internet for authentic customer reviews and feedback. Here are a few highlights:
"I love getting balloons at Dollar General. They have a great selection of colors and designs for every holiday and occasion. The prices are unbeatable and the quality is just as good as what I‘ve found at party stores." – Jessica T., Google Reviews
"I was in a pinch and needed some balloons for my daughter‘s birthday party ASAP. The Dollar General down the street had everything I needed and the cashier was so friendly and helpful in getting them all filled up for me quickly. Will definitely be going back!" – Rachel S., Yelp
"Honestly I was a little skeptical about getting balloons from a dollar store, but I was pleasantly surprised by the experience at Dollar General. The helium tanks seemed new and well-maintained, and the balloons lasted just as long as ones I‘ve gotten elsewhere. Plus you can‘t beat the convenience of grabbing them while running other errands." – John M., Google Reviews
"The only downside is that they won‘t fill balloons purchased from other stores, so you‘re limited to whatever designs and colors they have in stock. But the prices are so low that it‘s worth it to just buy them there anyway. Overall a great option for affordable party decor!" – Maggie R., Yelp
Of course, experiences may vary depending on your specific location and the individual employees working that day. But based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback from real shoppers, it seems that Dollar General is consistently delivering on its promise of convenient, budget-friendly balloon services.
Dollar General‘s Most Popular Balloons by the Numbers
Ever wondered what the most popular balloon colors and designs are among Dollar General shoppers? I got the inside scoop from a friend who works at a party supply distributor that sells to DG. Here are some interesting stats:
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The top-selling individual balloon color is classic red, followed closely by pink, blue, and yellow. However, DG shoppers love variety and often mix and match multiple colors for their events.
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Paw Patrol and Baby Shark are currently the hottest kids‘ balloon designs, thanks to the enduring popularity of those franchises. Other trending character balloons include Blippi, Peppa Pig, Spiderman, and various Disney princesses.
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For adult-oriented occasions like weddings, anniversaries and graduations, rose gold has emerged as a fashionable balloon color choice in recent years. Black and gold balloons are also perennial favorites for more formal events.
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Seasonal balloons are huge sellers at Dollar General, with Christmas, Valentine‘s Day, and Mother‘s Day designs being among the most sought-after. Customers also snap up themed balloons for Easter, St. Patrick‘s Day, Halloween, and other holidays.
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Overall, Dollar General sells a staggering 50 million+ balloons annually across all its stores. And while exact sales data is hard to come by, some retail experts estimate that balloons make up 5-10% of the company‘s total party supply revenue each year.
Clearly, Americans have a big appetite for affordable balloon decor, and Dollar General is happy to oblige with its huge assortment and low price points.
Tying It All Together
In conclusion, Dollar General is an excellent go-to spot for all your helium balloon needs. With inflation services starting at just $0.50 per balloon, it‘s hands-down one of the most affordable places to stock up on festive decor for your next celebration.
While you‘ll generally need to purchase your balloons in-store to have them filled, DG offers a great selection of designs for every occasion imaginable. And if you‘re looking to inflate your own balloons at home, some locations even sell small disposable helium tanks right on the shelf.
As with any retailer, there are a few potential drawbacks to keep in mind. Selection may be more limited compared to dedicated party stores, and prices and availability can fluctuate due to ongoing helium shortages. But overall, Dollar General offers a level of convenience, quality, and value that‘s hard to beat.
So the next time you‘re planning a birthday bash, graduation party, baby shower, or any other celebratory event, be sure to pop into your neighborhood DG and check out their balloon offerings. With a little creativity and some smart shopping, you can easily throw an Insta-worthy bash without breaking the bank.
And remember, balloons are just the beginning when it comes to party supplies at Dollar General. From paper plates and plastic tablecloths to streamers, banners and favors galore, this one-stop shop has everything you need to celebrate in style on a budget. Trust me, your wallet (and your guests) will thank you!
