A growing number of Party City locations are running out of their in-store helium tanks. The gas is in high demand and used in everything from aerospace and nuclear power to medical MRIs and balloons.
At the Party City in Royal Oak, there is a sign on the front door that reads, "Due to a nationwide helium shortage, we are temporarily unable to inflate or take balloon orders at this location."
All their party balloons are still available for purchase. You just have to inflate them yourself, and since you probably don't have a personal stash of helium, Party City is selling take home tanks capable of blowing up 50 nine inch balloons.
Upon hearing the news, the public was deflated.
"It's very sad. The kids are going to be sad to hear this," one person said.
One woman we talked to didn't seem particularly concerned. Meanwhile, we asked another individual whether we ruined his day telling him there is not enough helium for all the balloons.
"No, not at all. I don't use balloons anyway," he answered.
"Why do you need balloons with helium in them?" another man remarked. "It doesn't make really a lot of sense."
So, you can just blow them up yourself and then tape them up?
"There you go. Same thing. Or, you know, static electricity, you kind of just stick it to the wall."
Party City didn't want to comment, but a shortage has happened before, so the company is hoping this is just a passing gas crisis.
Monday, May 13 2013 5:03 PM EDT2013-05-13 21:03:13 GMT
WCSX will be at Roy O'Brien Ford in St. Clair Shores and Malarkey's in Westland collecting donations for the family of fallen firefighter Brian Woehlke until 7:00 p.m. Monday.
WCSX will be at Roy O'Brien Ford in St. Clair Shores and Malarkey's in Westland collecting donations for the family of fallen firefighter Brian Woehlke until 7:00 p.m. Monday.
Tuesday, May 7 2013 5:39 PM EDT2013-05-07 21:39:59 GMT
In a nondescript building in a Warren commercial park, an amazing animal clinic and hospital called All About Animals is doing good work for pets and their owners.
In a nondescript building in a Warren commercial park, an amazing animal clinic and hospital called All About Animals is doing good work for pets and their owners.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:39 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:39:46 GMT
Army Specialist Jenna Beno bravely fought for our country. Sadly, she died after an attack in Iraq. Thursday, the young soldier was honored during an emotional ceremony in Clarkston.
Army Specialist Jenna Beno bravely fought for our country. Sadly, she died after an attack in Iraq. Thursday, the young soldier was honored during an emotional ceremony in Clarkston.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:21 PM EDT2013-05-24 01:21:55 GMT
The mountains of petroleum coke along Detroit's riverfront continue to grow. Now lawmakers are saying the stuff has to go as the story gets national attention.
The mountains of petroleum coke along Detroit's riverfront continue to grow. Now lawmakers are saying the stuff has to go as the story gets national attention.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:53 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:53:47 GMT
Anna Bailey was walking back from the gas station Thursday morning when she found 16-year-old Emonte Davis lying in the middle of the sidewalk on Sharon Street. He had been shot in the chest, and she tried to help.
Anna Bailey was walking back from the gas station Thursday morning when she found 16-year-old Emonte Davis lying in the middle of the sidewalk on Sharon Street. He had been shot in the chest, and she tried to help.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:38 PM EDT2013-05-23 23:38:56 GMT
Kwame Kilpatrick, now a convicted felon, officially fired his longtime attorney Jim Thomas on Thursday. It's a move that will delay the former mayor's sentencing.
Kwame Kilpatrick, now a convicted felon, officially fired his longtime attorney Jim Thomas on Thursday. It's a move that will delay the former mayor's sentencing.
