Flingers Party World is our Bristol Business of the Week
Posted on: 03 Oct 2016Flingers Party World is the one-stop-shop in Bristol for party and fancy dress supplies of all kinds. This family-run company has more than 25 years experience, so we had to find out more.
Set in a prime Harbourside location, Flingers is a store that covers every party occasion of any kind. Whether you're looking for fancy dress for all ages, balloons, sweets or pretty much anything else you can think of, then you'll find it there.
The sheer diversity of products available at Flingers means that you’ll never need to worry about where to head to for celebration supplies ever again. Two large stores in Bristol along with online shopping available means that it’s never been easier to get your hands on the very best products around.
Naturally, we wanted to know more. We spoke with owner Guy de Lotz...
When was Flingers Party Shop founded?
Founded in 1990 to provide north Bristol with the ultimate party experience. There was no internet back then so we advertised heavily on local radio. And we had adverts on local TV too!
What makes Flingers unique in Bristol?
Nowhere else in Bristol caters for parties like Flingers Harbourside; we cover all occasions and celebrations to the highest standard.
What are some of your best selling items that we should look out for?
Our helium filled balloons fly out the door! We have masses of amazing shapes and designs which we can build into brilliant bouquets for any event or occasion. Fancy dress is huge just before Halloween and zombie costumes are definitely the most popular this year
Children’s parties are very well taken care of. Why should a more mature clientele consider you for an adult’s birthday or hen/stag do?
We have some very high end table decorations that look more 'John Lewis' than 'Party Shop'.
Many people have a great idea of what they want from a celebration...but at least as many, if not more, don’t have a clue and get stuck! If someone were to come to your store and say “help me plan this party!” would your staff be able to walk them through it and come up with great results?
We have the best party trained staff available in the southwest and our new girl Lezley will bombard you with a million party ideas as she an expert planner.
How do you find running an independent business in Bristol?
It's so much fun being an independent retailer, no one to answer to and we're always open to all new ideas big or small - from staff and customers.
Where do you like to eat out in Bristol?
We all enjoy nipping next door to The Cuban for the best nosh in town.
What's your favourite place in Bristol?
Harbourside obviously ! There is always so much going on - all year - we just had the Bristol half marathon which finished right outside the shop and were really looking forward to 'Santa's on the Run' 11th Dec. 3,000 people dressed as Father Christmas in aid of Children's Hospice South West.
Where do you see Flingers Party World in 5 years time?
In 5 years time we'll be famous on the Harbourside like we are now in Patchway.
What advice would you give to any aspiring Bristol small business owners?
It isn't easy starting up. Believe in what you're doing. Give the customer at least 110% and make sure you're the very best at what you're doing. Simples
If you were Mayor of Bristol for a day which one thing would you change?
If I were Mayor of Bristol for the day I would paint the town red - literally and make everybody wear a fancy dress outfit for the day (bought from Flingers Harbourside)
For more information on Flingers please visit www.flingerspartyworld.co.uk. You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter. Address: Unit 2, Building 11, Millennium Promenade, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5SZ.