Party Supply Company Announces Website to Meet Growing Customer Demand

South Whitley, IN -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/30/2006 -- As this year's Halloween season gears up, more Americans than ever are preparing to celebrate the haunting holiday with creative costumes for parties and trick or treating. In response to the growing demand, ShindigZ, an Indiana party supply catalog and e-commerce company, is taking this spooky holiday by storm with its August launch of a new costumes website, CostumesbyShindigZ.com.

With more than 80 years in the party business, costumes are nothing new to the world's largest party superstore. What is evident, though, is the continued dramatic growth in Halloween products and costumes sales. In 2005, the company saw a double digit increase in Halloween sales from 2004, prompting them to launch a new website dedicated to costumes to provide a focused store to their customers.

"More than half of our customers celebrate Halloween," said Jeanice Croy, ShindigZ president. "Our new website lets us respond to the immense demand by providing several hundred costumes in a variety of sizes in easy-to-shop categories. We even designed exclusive costumes of our own, so customers will only find them on our website."

It's not just kids celebrating this holiday — adults and teens play a large role in Halloween. While the company forecasts high sales in children's costumes, including both its licensed costumes and exclusive costumes, ShindigZ is also expecting to see the continued growth of its adult costume sales through Costumes by ShindigZ. In fact, costumes for couples, groups, and families are showing a steady increase over last year.

"So far, pirates, superheroes, and the Wizard of Oz seem to be the hottest costumes this year for kids and adults," said Croy. "Not only are these themes popular right now in the world, but they're also great because they offer lots of choices for couples and groups. One of our customers told us she's planning for the whole family to dress up in a Superman theme – even her dog!"

In addition to affordable costumes, CostumesbyShindigZ.com features accessories, Halloween decorations, and party supplies for the ultimate costume party. The website also offers $3.99 shipping on all orders, a creative costume contest where the winner will receive a $200 gift certificate, and an interactive poll about costumes. And in true ShindigZ fashion, Costumes by ShindigZ offers its party planning services for free. Anyone in need of costume suggestions, Halloween party planning advice, and more can contact the company's party planners for individualized expert advice.

About ShindigZ
Since 1926, ShindigZ has been America's leading supplier of prom and party supplies. Its family of brands includes Stumps Prom, Stumps Spirit, Everything Elementary, ShindigZ, BirthdayZ by ShindigZ, BannerZ by ShindigZ, Costumes by ShindigZ, Celebration Fantastic, Prom Wishes, American Prom, and SpiritLine. It ships products from its facilities in South Whitley, Ind. across the United States and around the world to 55 countries. With more than 36,000 products, eight different catalogs, and 12 distinct websites, it provides customers with the complete party solution. For more information about ShindigZ, go to www.stumpsparty.com.

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Indiana Prom Supply Company Awards Scholarships to Stellar Applicants

South Whitley, IN -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/14/2006 -- In an effort to promote higher education and encourage community involvement, Prom Wishes, a northern Indiana prom and party supply catalog and website company recently awarded $15,000 in scholarships through a program it initiated January 2005.

The scholarship program was open to any high school senior planning to attend an accredited public or private college, university, or trade/vocational school and required applicants to write an essay entitled, "Wish for a Better Tomorrow: How can I improve the local community?" A total of 11 finalists (one receiving a $5,000 scholarship and 10 each receiving a $1,000 scholarship) were chosen on the basis of scholastics, community involvement, club participation, leadership, and volunteer work.

"As a prom and party supply company since 1926, we've been involved with schools directly and indirectly for almost 80 years. We initiated this program to give something back to the community—to support goals of higher education and celebrate the successes and efforts of today's students," said Jeanice Croy, ShindigZ by Stumps president.

For a second year in a row, the scholarship committee received more than 5,000 applications and was impressed with not only the quantity, but also the quality of the essays and the achievements of the students. The company will offer this program again next year.

"I am amazed at what some kids are accomplishing. They are using their skills and talents in creative ways to really help their communities," said Croy. "These students went above and beyond."

What was most impressive to the committee was that many of the students took the initiative to start their own community service organizations and clubs. For example, the $5,000 winner founded Students Aiding Indigent Families (SAIF), an organization that purchased abandoned and foreclosed homes and remodeled them for underprivileged families so they could buy the homes with no money down and no closing costs.

Other student-founded organizations included the Care Bags Foundation — an organization that provided small bags of essential and fun items to displaced and disadvantaged children; Operation: Iraqi Smiles ― a group that collected and redistributed much needed school supplies to Iraqi children; and Cassie's Toy Box ― an organization that collected and distributed toys to pediatric cancer patients in the community.

A link to all of the scholarship winners can be found at www.promwishescatalog.com. The company lists all the winners along with an excerpt from each of their essays and a brief description of their achievements.

"It has given us great pleasure as a company to not only award these exceptional achievements but to call attention to them as well," said Croy. "In fact, I brought the essays home for my kids to read."

In addition to the scholarship, the company also awarded each of the winners' high schools and community organizations with $500 Prom Wishes gift certificates.

"We will continue to offer this scholarship opportunity," said Croy. "I'm already excited for next year."

Prom Wishes is a prom and party supply catalog and a member of the ShindigZ by Stumps family of brands located in South Whitley, Ind. Since 1926, ShindigZ by Stumps has been America's leading supplier of prom and party supplies. With more than 38,000 products, 18 different catalogs, and nine distinct websites, ShindigZ by Stumps provides customers with the complete party solution. For more information about Prom Wishes and its parent company, ShindigZ by Stumps, go to www.stumpsparty.com. To visit the Prom Wishes website, go to www.promwishescatalog.com.

Contact:
Jeanice Croy
ShindigZ by Stumps
260-723-5171
www.stumpsparty.com

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Party Superstore Reports Rise in Quinceañeras

South Whitley, IN -- (ReleaseWire) -- 07/28/2006 -- A beautiful white gown with miles of flowing tulle, a jeweled tiara, a reception hall filled with spectacular decorations and favors for guests… sound like a wedding? Although the budget of the Hispanic Quinceanera rivals a wedding, this celebration is actually a take on the American debutant ball or Sweet 16 party. The popularity of the time-honored Hispanic tradition is growing rapidly in the U.S. and party-supply companies are taking notice.

Parents and sponsors throw a Quinceanera to recognize a Hispanic young woman's journey from childhood to maturity. The name signifies the age of the girl when this takes place ― 15 or quince anos in Spanish. While Quinceanera traditions vary by country, most celebrations begin with a religious ceremony and are followed by an elaborate reception that can cost between $5,000 and $30,000. The birthday girl usually wears a ball gown, has a court of friends surrounding her, is toasted by friends and family, and is showered with gifts like tiaras, scepters, jewelry, and Bibles. She also chooses a theme and picks decorations and favors to match. Popular themes include Roses and Candlelight, Fairytale Princess, Masquerade Ball, Luau, Evening Under the Stars, Black and White Ball, and Night in Paris.

ShindigZ, the world's largest party superstore, has offered thousands of party products along with hundreds of theme ideas for more than 80 year. The catalog and web-based company recently has seen a rise in the popularity of Quinceaneras.

"We've seen dramatic sales growth in our milestone birthday products over the last several years with a huge increase in our Quinceanera category," said Jeanice Croy, ShindigZ president. "We've provided products for Quinceaneras with themes ranging from Cinderella to a cruise ship to an evening in Paris."

Like weddings, Sweet 16s, and other events, Quinceaneras change with the times while maintaining many significant cultural elements. ShindigZ offers unique decorations and favors that allow a party host to throw a spectacular party while staying within a reasonable budget and incorporating the traditions of the event.

"Understanding the traditional aspects of the Quinceanera as well as the changing trends and young girls' wishes is key to the planning of a magical Quinceanera night," said Croy. "We stock everything from elaborate lighted arches and sparkling rhinestone tiaras to personalized favors and customized glassware for toasting. And along with quality products, we also offer complimentary party planning."

To learn more about the growing popularity of Quinceaneras or trends in the party business, call Jeanice Croy at 260-723-5171 or visit www.stumpsparty.com.

About ShindigZ by Stumps
Since 1926, ShindigZ has been America's leading supplier of prom and party supplies. It ships products from its facilities in South Whitley, Ind. across the United States and around the world to 55 countries. With more than 38,000 products, 18 different catalogs, and nine distinct websites, it provides customers with the complete party solution.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

America’s Youth Leads the Party for the Famous Soccer Tournament

South Whitley, IN -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/02/2006 -- Thanks to American children, soccer is on its way to achieving the success it has enjoyed throughout the rest of the planet. Now one of the most popular youth participant sports in America, the world-renowned sport has hit home as parents and older family members strive to keep up with their children's interests. This year as the FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 9, the U.S., led by its youngsters, will tune in to view the world's most-watched sporting event and celebrate the momentous tournament.

There's no doubt that soccer has significantly grown in America. U.S. Youth Soccer, the largest youth sports organization in the country, reports that more children participate in soccer than any other sport. In fact, 18 million children ages 5-19 participated in the sport in 2005.

With the rise in popularity, the nation is seeing growth in everything soccer related. ShindigZ by Stumps, the world's largest party store, reports an increase in the number of soccer-related sales and requests for soccer-party planning, especially with the World Cup tournament approaching.

"We've seen dramatic sales growth in our sports theme parties over the last several years and a rise in the number of soccer-related party requests," said Jeanice Croy, ShindigZ president. "There have been striking similarities between the World Cup and Super Bowl celebrations and we're seeing the sport expand from just club-soccer events to birthday parties, Bar Mitzvahs, and get-togethers for the World Cup," said Croy.
ShindigZ' goal is to make it easy for fans to bring the ultimate soccer party experience home. The company's unique World Cup party ideas include sending its customized invitations to guests attached to metal whistles imprinted with unique slogans such as, "Don't get caught offside… we'll be screening whoever misses our World Cup Party!" It suggests decorating with its Championship Soccer Ensemble and placing its orange cheer phones around the room to add color and to allow guests to express themselves throughout the games.

"Our company has been in the party supply business for over 80 years and is committed to our mission statement of "Bringing People Together to Make Life More Fun," said Wendy Moyle, ShindigZ Vice Chairperson. "Our great products as well as our ability to personalize many of them makes our customers' parties stand out from others' parties."

About ShindigZ.com™
Since 1926, ShindigZ has been America's leading supplier of prom and party supplies. It ships products from its facilities in South Whitley, Ind. across the United States and around the world to 55 countries. With more than 38,000 products, 18 different catalogs, and nine distinct websites, it provides customers with the complete party solution.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

South Whitley, IN -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/21/2006 -- Although the world continues to evolve and change and young people go to the hottest trends and latest fashions, there is one high school tradition that remains stronger than ever – the High School Prom.

April 24th is National Prom Day celebrating a tradition that dates back over 80 years. Stumps, a South Whitley Indiana Prom and Party Company, supplied the first memory books to high schools via its catalogs starting in 1926.

Today, Stumps has supplied 8 out of 10 high schools nationally for their Prom decorations, favors and supplies. And, while Proms are more popular than ever, they have evolved to become bigger, more expensive and more dramatic in their presentation.

Schools today are more likely to have their big night outside of the school at hotels, convention centers, botanical gardens, and other more upscale locations while others opt for large boats, zoos or historical museums.

"Prom is always a magical night for America's teens and it is exciting to see a return to the basics of romance and classic themes" said Jeanice Croy, President of Stumps.

The average school will spend upward of $20,000 on Prom this year and each couple will spend approximately $400 in 2006 on tickets, limos, dinner, flowers and after Prom events. This is a 10% increase from 2001 according to Stumps.

The top themes for Prom 2006 are many of the classics – "Midnight in Paris" (featuring giant Eiffel towers), Tonight, Tonight" – a stars theme, "Red Carpet Affair", with Hollywood items such as a giant clapboard and "Twilight in Central Park" – a romantic New York City theme.

The top Prom favors for 2006 high school Proms according to Stumps are:
1. Picture frames
2. Key tags
3. Mints
4. Photo Albums
5. Candles

The most popular dates for Prom in 2006 are the weekends of April 29th and May 6th nationwide. Stumps sells over 48,000 items for Proms and parties through its catalogs Stumps, American Prom and Prom Wishes. For more information visit Stumpsprom.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm