By Bobby Cherry

Published: Tuesday, March 19, 2013, 4:48 p.m.
Updated: Thursday, March 21, 2013

An iconic Sewickley business soon will close its doors.

After 18 years of vibrant window displays filled with balloons and seasonal items, Party Ants, 424 Broad St., will close, store owners announced through banners placed in the window Tuesday morning.

“It's been a fun ride, but the party's over,” co-owner Ding Hays said Tuesday afternoon, while holding back tears.

She owns the store along with her sister, Robin.

Ding Hays said most of the small staff have been with Party Ants since it opened in 1995 when it began as primarily a party store with a modest selection of toys and gifts.

It later offered more toys, games, Pittsburgh-themed items and balloons.

Ding Hays said some customers have stopped in to share memories of the store after seeing signs in the window.

“My sister finally has accepted that I will be retiring at the same time as her — even though she's six years older,” Robin Hays said, smiling.

The Hays sisters said they were not sure when the final day of business would be.

Bobby Cherry is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-324-1408 or rcherry@tribweb.com.

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