SPECIAL REPORT: CELEBRATING THE BALLOON
Throughout the global response to the Covid-19 pandemic people have been looking for ways to stay positive and keep their spirits up. Whether for lockdown birthdays, community displays or global record-breaking attempts, balloons have played a crucial part in this, in a number of different ways. PPE takes a closer look at how balloons have bounced back.
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ith national and local media outlets looking desperately for good-news stories amid the Covid-19 outbreak, balloons have been rarely been so visible to the consumer. From the global reach of the One Million Bubbles and Rainbows of Hope campaigns, the fantastic NHS displays which have been taking over front gardens in the UK and the steep rise in balloon deliveries for birthdays and other celebrations, balloon artists and retailers have been continuing to lift spirits as they offer a safe, socially distanced service. Balloons have also been repsonsible for keeping plenty of party businesses afloat over the last few months, with bespoke delivery services offering a lifeline for many party and balloon retailers.
Many of those with an online e-commerce offering have been able to continue offering contact-free deliveries, with balloon bouquets proving particularly popular as consumers look to make lockdown birthdays as special as possible, particularly for children and milestone occasions. Sally Quigg, of Fun Warehouse in Bristol, didn’t offer balloon deliveries before the lockdown was first imposed, back in March. “After about three weeks I spoke to Trading Standards who gave me the go-ahead to do balloon deliveries,” she explained. “That’s made a huge difference and I’ve been able to separate that from the fancy dress side of the business, which, even online, is just a trickle at this stage.”
Left: Pioneer’s social media campaign highlighted the importance of continuing to celebrate at home. Below middle: Pioneer has released a new 24” Rainbow Deco Bubble, which will continue to have many uses even once the current challenges are over. Bottom: An NHS-themed One Million Bubbles display by Mike Hurst of Balloons by Reds.
The Rainbow Effect “This period of lockdown has highlighted the creativity of our industry professionals – the One Million Bubbles and Rainbows of Hope campaigns set off our own #nabasrainbows theme after we shared an informal video tutorial on how to make a duplet rainbow with organic clouds. The results from all our members were beautiful – there were rainbows installed on houses, walls, roofs and in gardens, as well as being featured in many local newspapers celebrating our members’ businesses. With the Easter displays, Clap for Carers sculptures and VE day celebrations, it has been a period of big décor, learning new skills, installation lessons and brightening up the area for those in lockdown. It has also inspired others to have a go, try and create something new and push the boundaries. As an association, NABAS has focused on the positives; providing regular support and resources all for free for the benefit of our members. The rest of 2020 will be challenging for all of us, but we know we are all stronger working together and seeing the spirit of everyone pulling together, to bring smiles and joy to others, is an inspiration to us all.” George Oustayiannis, NABAS chairman JUNE 2020 PROGRESSIVE PARTY EUROPE
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