A NEWPORT party shop which nearly collapsed after the theft of £20,000 worth of fireworks unveiled a new store yesterday.

Newport Balloons welcomed back old customers as they officially launched their business in Corporation Road with a bear mascot, DJ and giveaways for children.

Owner Kerry Holland was left devastated after the uninsured fireworks were stolen in a break-in at their old shop called Newport Mascots and Party Supplies in Pill days before Hallowe’en in 2012.

Mrs Holland recalled how the theft made a huge dent on the business but she was able to keep it going by the “skin of my teeth” and moved into an old post office in Corporation Road.

Kerry and her husband rented the post office but this year had the opportunity to buy new premises a few doors down in Corporation Road.

The couple decided to re-name their business as Newport Balloons and moved into the new shop this Spring.

Yesterday, after months of hard work, the Hollands had an official unveiling which will continue today [Saturday, June 27].

Mrs Holland, 49, said: “It’s been hellish, it’s been really, really bad.

“You feel somebody has come into your home.

“I know it’s a business but when you build something, you nurture it and take all your time putting into it and someone comes in and destroys that, that’s devastating.”

She added: “It’s nice to see old customers back and the response we have had.

“It’s a chapter I want to try to cut off, the bad memory, and look forward to the future.”

The store sells balloons, greeting cards and mascots and helps set up the parties and entertain the children.

Mrs Holland told the Argus she had no idea how the business would survive in the wake of the theft in October 2012.

The shop in Pill had an insurance but the fireworks were not covered because the Hollands had bought them on credit.

“We have managed to buy the premise through sheer hard work,” Mrs Holland added.

“We have bounced back after the brink of desperation.”

Newport Balloons is open from 10am to 4pm on Tuesday and Wednesday and from 9am to 5.30pm between Thursday and Saturday. Call 01633 259 451 for more information.