Carole Middleton’s Party Pieces business has had a ‘terrible Christmas’ after expanding into the US: Princess Kate’s mother is now locked in a dispute with the company’s suppliers – after postal strikes failed only compounded the company’s woes
Carole Middleton’s company has had a ‘terrible Christmas’ in business and is now in dispute with suppliers over their payment arrangement, it has emerged.
The Princess of Wales’ mother owns party decorations supplier, Party Pieces.
It was founded in 1987 when Carole was looking for inspiration for her daughter Kate’s fifth birthday.
But the company has struggled over the recent holiday season with lower customer spending due to the cost of living crisis.
Carole, who started the business on her kitchen table, would now do all she could to boost her prospects and has risen to the challenge herself by dealing directly with suppliers.
Carole started the company in 1987 while looking for inspiration for her daughter Kate’s fifth birthday.
Kate’s mother Carole launched her party accessories business in the US in October last year (pictured looking at products and posters)
Carole Middleton photographed for the Party Pieces campaign
A source told the Daily Mail: ‘Carole explained it was a terrible Christmas – made worse by the postal strikes.
“She stressed that she would like to continue doing business with them. [the suppliers] but want terms allowing Party Pieces 90 days [in which to pay for goods] rather than the usual 30 days.
However, Carole’s appeal to suppliers has so far been unsuccessful.
“They say ‘No’ to the 90 day credit”,
Carole admitted a year ago that the business operates in a ‘competitive market’, adding: ‘We work hard to stay ahead of trends and ensure we have original designs and products’ J would have liked to think about it”.
Last October it was revealed that the business had made a loss of £285,506 in 2021, taking its total deficit to £1.35million.
This would have been a consequence of “the continued investment in the company’s growth plans, including the launch of a wholesale division and the opening of new territories in the United States, Europe and the Middle East. “.
The brand’s best-selling Party Pieces collection includes products such as plates, napkins, cups, hats, balloons, treat holders and decorations.
The business is based at Child’s Court Farm in Yattendon, Berkshire and employs around 40 people.
It comes after the brand launched a rewards system in November so customers can earn points while shopping, just weeks after the collection expanded to the United States.
Carole visited several US stores to see her products for herself, which were displayed alongside cardboard posters of her.
The Princess of Wales’ mother, Carole Middleton, recently launched a rewards scheme for her party supplies business – weeks after the business expanded into the US
Carole recently celebrated her 68th birthday at home this week, rather than on the ski slopes or on Mustique, the Caribbean island where she and her husband Michael often travel.
“I often go on vacation for my birthday,” Carole announced on the official Party Pieces Instagram account, “but this year I’m bringing some sunshine by throwing a party in bright, bold colors.”
Party Pieces declined to comment.
