Tacoma birthday venue’s abrupt shutdown leaves parents scrambling. Refunds promised
A Tacoma business that offers itself as a private birthday party venue for children has shut down for the near term.
Pump It Up Tacoma Kids Birthdays and More, 3610 S. Pine St., Suite A, posted the news on its website in a message titled, “Temporary Closed Due to Unforeseen Circumstances.”
“We regret to inform you that our business is temporarily closed due to uncertain conditions,” the message states. “We apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding during this challenging time.”
It went on to thank customers for their “patience and continued support.”
In a call placed to the business Friday afternoon, a recording indicated the closure would last more than a few days, and refunds would be issued.
“Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, we are temporarily closed for the next few months. If you already have a birthday party booked with us, it will be fully canceled and refunded,” the recording states.
The business on its website says it offers an “indoor playground jam-packed with awesome inflatables,” adding, “We make kids birthday parties effortless for you so you can join in on the bounce house fun.”
News of the closure spread this week among social media groups. An email from The News Tribune to the venue did not yield a response Friday afternoon, and no further details were immediately available.
In a Google review from a few days ago, one customer had yet to receive a refund and discovered the closure less than two weeks “from a birthday party we had booked well in advance.”
The customer wrote that the news came from a parent invited to the party who saw the closure notice on the website.
“They never called me. Not once. And they didn’t email me. I have no notice that my party is cancelled, and my bank statement has not been refunded. I’ve called and left voicemails. I’ve emailed. I’ve gotten no response,” the reviewer wrote.
Pump It Up has other venues in the state, including Lynnwood and Kirkland. The Tacoma site is in Michaels Plaza, also home to Michaels craft store, Guitar Center and Ross Dress for Less, among other stores.
This story was originally published June 18, 2023 at 7:05 AM.
