PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A business that has helped Americans celebrate events for decades will begin shutting down all operations Friday and suspend operations across the country, according to reports.

CNN reported Friday that Party City will close all of its 800-plus stores after nearly 40 years in business.

The announcement came from CEO Barry Litwin in a company meeting seen by CNN. Litwin reportedly told company employees that Friday would be their last day at work.

However, it is currently unclear how long the shops will remain open.

“This is without question the most difficult message I have ever had to deliver,” Litwin said at the meeting, which took place via video conference, according to CNN.

Litwin was named CEO of the New Jersey-based party supplies company just four months ago.

According to CNN, Party City is the largest party supply store in the United States. The company employed approximately 6,400 full-time and 10,100 part-time employees in 2021.

There are 15 Party City stores in Arizona: 13 in the Phoenix metropolitan area and two in Tucson.

Party City did not respond to a request for comment from CNN.

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