After almost eight years in business, Let’s Party at 6510 Richmond Road is closing its doors.
Co-owner Wayne Comdeco said Let’s Party, which opened in April 2006, has suffered from an economic downturn and competition on the internet and from Spirit Halloween, a seasonal Halloween costume store. Comdeco’s wife, Nancy, with whom he co-owns the store, was diagnosed in February 2010 with a rare form cancer where the disease has metastasized but where it began is unknown.
“There was no one big factor that made us decide to close,” Comdeco said.
The couple moved to Williamsburg after leaving Northern Virginia in February 2006. Before moving to Williamsburg they operated childcare centers but decided to transition into selling party supplies because it seemed like a fun option. Now, they aren’t sure where the business world will take them next.
Prior to deciding to close Let’s Party, Wayne and Nancy looked at relocating the store. Over the Thanksgiving holiday their leasing agent and attorney were out of town, so Wayne and Nancy took the time to think over their decision, ultimately deciding to close.
Now, their inventory is marked down 60 percent. Any inventory remaining after the close of the year will be moved to storage; it may be sold on Craigslist or in bulk at a discounted price to another business.
While this is the end of Let’s Party, it’s not the end of an online wig business the Comdecos own – at least not right now. The website, LetsPartyWigs.com will continue for now, but Wayne said he is attempting to sell the site as well.
“We feel really sad about having to close, because I think Williamsburg needs a party store. I think eventually they will get another one but I don’t know how long that will be,” Wayne said.