Ideal Party Store

Honestly, I have not been to Ideal ever, or at least recently. I used to live in Essexville, MI in the early 70’s and have not been back in Ideal’s Bay City neighborhood for years. In fact, I do not remember this store (as named) in particular. That being said, I found this shop online, and I have called them from SFL for advice and suggestions on champagne selections.
Jim is awesome, friendly, and accommodating for remote gift giving. I have phoned Ideal twice to help with champagne/​sparkling wines for local gift pick up. Jim has always been helpful and has provided suggestions and recommendations when asked. The gifts are on target and appreciated with nice gift presentations and card upon request.
Thanks Ideal Party Store for your awesome track record so far. The entire staff is always helpful on the phone. Thanks for great, courteous and fun service!

Location, location, location.
It’s Bay City, so standards are lower than downstate, of course. For this market, Ideal is as good as it’s going to get. Their selection is fine.
But every time I contemplate going to Ideal, I draw a deep breath. I live on the west side in the «Village of Salzburg. «If I need to go to Ideal– I go east to Johnson St. Why? Because the staff @ the Salzburg location has zero knowledge of wine, and the employee I encounter there most often– the unsmiling, unhelpful, rude middle-​aged broad – just puts me off. This an opinion I have formed since their opening a few years back. They should have hired the staff from the Salzburg Pharmacy, the excellent business they displaced.
Mind you– I am a smiling, charming middle aged broad, with an extensive background in customer service, so I know what I’m talking about.

We recently had the Ideal Party Store manage the liquor service at our daughter’s wedding reception. Jim, the employee who bartended, was great to work with and made the entire process extremely easy. We brought the wine; the store provided the beer, ice and hard liquor. If you are looking for a professional service for a large event, we recommend the Ideal.

Outside: Long lived party store and it shows
Inside: Hometown party store
Products: Hard to find wines, meads, and brews
Service: Above and beyond helpful
Cost: The sky is the limit
This place has just about everything when it comes to finding the right drink for the mood that stikes.
Mead is something hard to find and they have it. There is a brand out of Ann Arbor, Bee Nectar, that is nearly impossible to find. They have it, and even requested from the distributor the one we wanted; Zombie Killer!
Great service!!!
They also have a huge selection of Bay City and Michigan made products!!!
Overall great place and a must visit!!!

Great location for wine and craft beer purchases!

Had a friend not had a party nearby, I would not have known about this place. I was surprised the sheer amount of beverages they carry. They actually have some nice items that you could give as gift also. So, when thirsty, and you are nearby, this is certainly a place to consider. I only take away a star because I have lived here for over two years, and I have never seen them advertise anywhere. Maybe a direct mailing of specials would encourage me, or a loyalty program?