Party City will close 45 stores this year amid a downturn in balloon sales sparked by a global helium shortage.

The party supply chain typically closes 10 to 15 stores a year, but decided to close more than usual this time around, according to USA Today.

The company announced its plans on Thursday at the same time it released its first-quarter earnings. The firm lost $26.6 million, down from a profit of $4.1 million a year earlier, according to Chain Store Age.

Revenue rose 1 percent to $513.1 million.

The company has an agreement in place for a new helium source, which should allow balloon sales to return to more normal levels, the company said, according to Chain Store Age.

Party City has 870 stores in the U.S. and Canada, but hasn't yet released a full list of which locations will close.

Business Insider reported several closings that were confirmed to local media outlets, but none of those stores are in New York.

The chain has locations throughout Upstate New York, including in the Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo and Albany areas.

The helium shortage has been years in the making, according to USA Today. Most of the supply of the gas comes from just three places and reserves have been shrinking as demand has been growing.

Prices have risen as a result.

In addition to party balloons, the gas is used in scientific research and as a coolant in some medical devices. It also is used to pressurize fuel tanks for spaceflight, in satellite instruments and in deep sea diving.

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