Changing to fit the times: Celebrations Unlimited helps people mark milestones
For Melody Yesberg, owner of party supply store Celebrations Unlimited in Festus, the impact of the coronavirus lockdown was immediate and devastating.
“We’re an event-based business, and all that just disappeared,” she said. “We were doing meetings, conventions, corporate events, in addition to a lot of weddings and other local events.”
But Yesberg dusted off her can-do spirit and simply steered her business in a different direction.
“We’ve been re-focusing on small parties, outdoor decorations, seasonal outdoor stuff,” she said. “Parties have changed, so we’re changing along with it.”
Yesberg said her 4,000-square-foot store at 39 E. Main St. was closed for about three weeks.
“We opened back up in May, but there are a lot of people who still prefer curbside,” she said. “We have hand sanitizer right as (customers) come in,” she said. “We have more than 12,000 different items in here, so we want to play it safe.”
Balloons have been a large part of Yesberg’s business for 30 years, but a few new ideas have surfaced since March.
“Something that really took off was outdoor balloon ornaments, with a big 8.5-by-11-inch card so they can see who sent it,” she said. “We did some with big smiley-face balloons, just to say, ‘I can’t come visit, but I am thinking of you.’ It really brightens up the yard.”
Yesberg said as event planning changes, she will change right alongside.
“People are already planning fun outdoor things for fall, when the weather is nice,” she said. “Senior nights are starting up with sports. We’re booking outdoor weddings.
“Celebrations are different now, but we are still here to help make them special.”
Celebrations Unlimited is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Delivery is available, and many items may be personalized.
