A New Chapter for a Beloved Downtown Business: Party Depot Passes the Torch to Hitch Studio

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
A New Chapter for a Beloved Downtown Business: Party Depot Passes the Torch to Hitch Studio

Brookings, SD – [September 2, 2025] – After 25 years of serving the Brookings community with party rentals, décor, and celebration essentials, Party Depot is celebrating a new chapter. Longtime owner, Cheryl Meyer is retiring and proudly handing over the reins to Renee Bauman, owner of Hitch Studio, a local wedding planning and event rental company.

While the name will change to Hitch Studio, the heart of the business remains the same — helping people celebrate life’s most important moments. This is not a farewell, but a passing of the torch to the next generation of business ownership in downtown Brookings. Hitch Studio will be taking over the rentals and event balloon business, and Party Depot will begin an inventory sale of its retail items.

“I’ve loved every year of helping people make their events special,” says Cheryl Meyer. “I’m thrilled to see the business grow in Renee’s capable hands and continue to serve our community for years to come.”

Hitch Studio, known for its elegant event design, wedding planning, and décor rentals, will blend its own style and expertise with the extensive inventory and legacy of Party Depot. Customers can look forward to an expanded selection of rentals, refreshed displays, and the same personal service they’ve come to love.

“Party Depot has been a cornerstone of downtown Brookings for decades,” says Bauman. “It’s an honor to carry forward this legacy and this amazing business Cheryl started, build on its strong foundation, and reintroduce it to the community as Hitch Studio. We’re not just changing a name — we’re celebrating 25 years of success and preparing for the next 25.”

 The transition will take place November 3, 2025 with a grand opening of the new rental business planned for later in the year. The store will remain in downtown Brookings, but will be moving a couple doors down to 406 Main Ave., ensuring a familiar place downtown for customers old and new.
 
About Hitch Studio
Founded in 2014, Hitch Studio is a wedding planning, event design, and décor rental business serving South Dakota and beyond. With a passion for detail and a focus on creating meaningful experiences, Hitch Studio helps clients bring their vision to life — from intimate gatherings to large-scale celebrations. Find more information at www.hitchstudio.com