Carole Middleton’s Party Pieces business had a ‘terrible Christmas’

Carole Middleton’s company has seen a ‘terrible Christmas’ of business and is now in a dispute with suppliers over its payment arrangement, it has been reported.

The mother of the Princess of Wales owns the party decoration supplier, Party Pieces.

It was founded in 1987 when Carole was looking for inspiration for her daughter Kate’s fifth birthday party.

But the company faced difficulties during the recent holiday period with a drop in customer spending due to the cost of living crisis.

Carole, who started the business at her kitchen table, is now reportedly doing her best to boost her prospects and has risen to the challenge by dealing directly with vendors.

Kate’s mother, Carole, launched her party supply business in the US in October of last year (pictured looking at products and banners)

Carole Middleton photographed for the Party Pieces campaign

A source told the Daily Mail: ‘Carole has been explaining that it’s been a terrible Christmas, made worse by the postal strikes.

She emphasized that she would like to continue doing business with them. [the suppliers] but would like terms that allow Party Pieces 90 days [in which to pay for goods] instead of the usual 30 days.’

However, Carole’s appeal to providers has so far been unsuccessful.

‘They’re saying, ‘No’ to 90-day credit,’

Carole admitted a year ago that the company was operating in a ‘competitive market’, adding: ‘We work hard to stay ahead of trends and make sure we have original designs and ‘I wish I had thought of that’ products.

It was revealed last October that the firm racked up a loss of £285,506 in 2021, taking its total deficit to £1.35m.

This was reportedly a consequence of “continued investment in the company’s growth plans, including the launch of a wholesale division and the opening of new territories in the US, 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 firm 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 on purchases, just weeks after the collection expanded to the US.

Carole visited various stores in the US to view their products, which were displayed alongside cardboard signs of hers.

The mother of the Princess of Wales, Carole Middleton, recently launched a rewards system for her party supplies business, weeks after expanding the company to 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 visit frequently.

“I often go on vacation for my birthday,” Carole announced on the official Party Pieces Instagram account, “but this year I’m bringing the sunshine to myself by throwing a party with lots of bright, bold colors.”

Party Pieces has declined to comment.