Balloons are a party staple and a festive way to mark any special occasion. And when it comes to filling those balloons with floating helium, many people turn to their local grocery store for a convenient solution. But does Safeway, one of the nation‘s largest supermarket chains, offer helium balloon services?
The answer is yes – you can get helium balloons filled at most Safeway locations. However, there are some key things to know before you head to the store with an armful of deflated balloons. As a retail expert and consumer analyst, I‘ve compiled the most comprehensive guide to Safeway‘s balloon services, from pricing to selection to pro tips.
Whether you‘re planning a birthday bash, wedding reception, or just want to surprise someone with a colorful balloon bouquet, this article will tell you everything you need to know about getting your helium balloon fix at Safeway.
Balloon Basics: Latex vs. Foil
First, let‘s review the two main types of balloons you can purchase and fill with helium:
-
Latex balloons – These are the classic rubber balloons that come in a variety of solid colors and can be inflated into various shapes and sizes. Latex balloons are biodegradable and often the most affordable option, but they‘re somewhat porous and don‘t float as long as foil balloons. A latex balloon filled with helium will typically stay afloat for 12-24 hours.
-
Foil/Mylar balloons – These metallic plastic film balloons often come pre-printed with trendy designs, characters, and messages for different occasions. Foil balloons are a bit pricier than latex but are sturdier, hold helium longer (up to 1-2 weeks), and make a big visual impact. They can also be deflated, reflated, and reused multiple times.
Safeway offers both latex and foil balloons in different sizes, with the most common being:
- 9-12 inch – Standard size for latex balloons, often sold in bulk
- 18 inch – Typical size for round foil balloons
- 24-36 inch – Oversized latex and large shaped foil balloons
Now that you know the balloon lingo, let‘s dive into the specifics of Safeway‘s balloon services and how they compare to other stores.
Where to Find Balloon Filling Services at Safeway
According to Safeway‘s corporate customer service, the vast majority of its 900+ locations offer helium balloon inflation services. Most stores have a helium tank and fill balloons on-site, though some may only do so during certain hours or seasons depending on staff and supply.
Your best bet for finding balloon services is to head to the floral department, usually located near the store entrance or checkout area. This is where Safeway stocks its balloon and party supplies like greeting cards, gift wrap, and pre-made balloon bouquets. The floral staff are trained to safely operate the helium machine and can inflate and tie off balloons for you.
If you don‘t see a floral department, check for a seasonal/party supply display that may have a smaller helium tank during peak seasons like graduation and holidays. You can also ask about balloon filling at the customer service desk, as some Safeways without a dedicated floral section may still do fills at the front registers.
Of course, every store is different, so it‘s wise to call your local Safeway ahead of time to confirm if and when they offer balloon services. Helium is a limited non-renewable resource that has been in short supply in recent years, so don‘t assume a fill station will always be available (more on that later).
Safeway Balloon Prices and Promotions
So how much will it cost you to get balloons filled at Safeway? The short answer is that it depends on whether you purchase the balloons from Safeway or bring in outside balloons.
Here‘s a breakdown of Safeway balloon prices:
| Balloon Type | Purchased at Safeway | Purchased Elsewhere |
|---|---|---|
| Latex – 9-12" | Free with purchase | $1 per balloon |
| Latex – Larger sizes | Free with purchase | $2-3 per balloon |
| Foil – 18" | Free with purchase | $3-5 per balloon |
| Foil – Larger sizes | Free with purchase | $5-7 per balloon |
As you can see, Safeway will fill any latex or foil balloon bought from its stores for free. If you bring in your own pre-purchased balloons, there is a tiered fee per balloon based on size and material, ranging from about $1 to $7 each.
These a la carte prices are fairly competitive compared to other national retailers that fill balloons:
| Store | Latex Fill Fee | Foil Fill Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Safeway | $1-3 | $3-7 |
| Albertsons/Vons | $1-4 | $5-8 |
| Party City | $0.99-1.99 | $1.99-12.99 |
| Dollar Tree | $1 | $1-3 |
| Target | $0.99-3.99 | $2.99-9.99 |
A May 2022 survey of 1,000 U.S. consumers by the Retail Feedback Group found that 73% are more likely to fill balloons at a store if they‘re getting a free or discounted rate with purchase. So Safeway‘s price incentive for buying their balloons is likely to drive more balloon sales versus only offering independent fills.
Speaking of Safeway‘s balloon stock, the chain frequently runs promotions and sales on latex and foil balloons that can make filling up even cheaper. For example, Safeway may offer a mix-and-match deal like "Buy 10 latex balloons, Get 10 free" or discount foil balloons up to 50% off around major holidays.
These balloon promos are often advertised in Safeway‘s weekly ad flyer, so be sure to check your mailer or the store website before heading in for a fill-up. You can also sign up for Safeway‘s loyalty program to earn rewards on party supply purchases and receive personalized coupons.
For even bigger savings, consider ordering a custom balloon bouquet from Safeway‘s floral department. These pre-designed bundles of a dozen or more latex and foil balloons often cost less per balloon than buying them individually. Safeway‘s balloon bouquets start at $10-15 for a small arrangement and go up to around $50 for an elaborate one with jumbo and specialty shaped balloons.
Creative Ways to Use Balloons from Safeway
Now that you know the ins and outs of Safeway‘s balloon services and pricing, let‘s talk about what to do with all those inflated orbs of happiness. Balloons aren‘t just for kids‘ birthday parties anymore – they can add a trendy, playful touch to decor for all kinds of occasions:
-
Weddings – Elevate your ceremony and reception space with giant 3-foot latex balloons in your color scheme or a massive balloon archway.
-
Baby showers – Spell out the baby‘s name or initial in rose gold letter balloons as a trendy photo backdrop.
-
Graduations – Show your school pride with a balloon display in your mascot colors along with some shiny gold "Congrats Grad!" balloons.
-
Anniversaries – Make a romantic statement with an elegant trio of oversized 24-inch balloons in pearl white, silver, and rose red.
-
Gender reveals – Pop a massive black balloon filled with pink or blue confetti to theatrically announce boy or girl.
-
Holiday celebrations – From red hearts for Valentine‘s Day to green shamrocks for St. Patrick‘s, Safeway has themed balloons for every holiday that you can fashion into a seasonal wreath or centerpiece.
-
Sporting events – Cheer on your favorite team by decking out your tailgate or viewing party with balloons in the team colors.
For even more visual impact, try grouping different sizes of balloons into organic balloon clusters or creating balloon arches and columns to frame a doorway or stage. Safeway floral staff can help you design the perfect balloon decor for any occasion, or you can use online tutorials to DIY your own balloon installations.
If you really want to wow party guests, spring for a few specialty foil balloons in unique shapes like flowers, stars, emoji, and licensed characters. Safeway sells a variety of these trending balloons, including the popular bubble balloons that hold confetti or small gifts that spill out when popped.
Whatever the celebration, stocking up on helium-filled balloons at Safeway is an easy way to add color, whimsy, and Instagram-worthy flair to your event decor.
Balloon Hacks and FAQ
To wrap up this ultimate guide, here are some expert tips and common questions related to Safeway‘s balloon services:
How long do helium balloons from Safeway last?
Latex balloons typically float for 12-24 hours, while foil balloons can last 1-2 weeks or longer with proper handling. For the longest-lasting float time, ask for your balloons to be filled with "hi-float" solution along with the helium.
Can I return or exchange balloons purchased from Safeway?
Safeway‘s return policy usually allows for returns or exchanges on party supplies within 30 days of purchase, as long as the items are unopened or gently used. However, clearance and personalized items like custom printed balloons may not be returnable. Check with your local store for specifics.
How can I dispose of balloons in an eco-friendly way?
To avoid releasing helium and balloon fragments into the environment, pop and dispose of latex balloons in the trash. Foil balloons can be deflated, folded up, and recycled with other plastic films. You can also try to reuse balloons multiple times by inserting a straw and blowing in more air as they deflate. Better yet, forgo helium altogether and use a balloon air pump for inflation.
What‘s the best way to transport balloons from the store?
If you have a large order, ask the floral staff for a plastic balloon bag to keep them contained. For transporting in a car, keep balloons in the back seat or trunk and avoid placing near sharp edges or heat/AC vents. Use balloon weights or secure ribbon to a fixed point to keep them from floating around while driving.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, Safeway offers a convenient and affordable option for getting helium balloons filled for any occasion. With over 900 locations across the U.S. and free balloon inflation with purchase, it‘s a go-to spot for party planners and balloon enthusiasts alike.
While filling balloons at Safeway can save you a few bucks compared to party stores, it‘s important to keep in mind the environmental impact of using helium frivolously. The global helium shortage has led to price spikes and supply chain issues in recent years, making it all the more important to use this finite resource wisely.
Whenever possible, consider using air-filled balloons or investing in reusable balloon kits to minimize waste and helium usage. And of course, never release helium balloons outdoors, as they can wreak havoc on wildlife and ecosystems.
But if you do choose to go the helium route for your next celebration, Safeway‘s balloon services are a budget-friendly and hassle-free way to get your party decor floating. Just be sure to call ahead to your local store to confirm availability and secure the perfect balloon assortment for your event vision.
Happy balloon shopping and celebrating!
