What Is Luft Balloon Store?
Luft Balloon Store is Chicago’s premier, full-service balloon company and a proud certified B-Corp. They offer everything from single balloons to large-scale event designs, making celebrations pop with joy and meaning. But Luft isn’t just about balloons—they’re about doing good while doing business. Born from a desire to bring joy™ and make a positive impact, Luft believes it’s time to move beyond cutthroat capitalism. Instead, they focus on a business model that’s for-profit and for people—customers, suppliers, partners, vendors, neighbors, and friends. It’s all about connection, community, and making the world a little brighter, one balloon at a time.
Main Benefits of Luft Balloon Store
Here’s what makes Luft stand out:
- Certified B Corp with a rigorous score of 101.5, showing serious commitment to doing good
- 75% of customers are local Chicagoans—actually, it’s closer to 99%
- 50% of core expenses go to local and independently-owned businesses
- 5% of employee time (290+ hours per year) dedicated to pro bono community give-back missions
- Delivered balloons 7 days a week from their North & Clybourn location
- Female-owned and operated, founded by Elaine Frei, a Rhode Island School of Design grad
Doing Good Is at the Core
Luft isn’t just about selling balloons—they’re about wrapping their entire business DNA around doing good. Becoming a B Corp wasn’t just a badge for them; it’s a commitment to living, breathing, and being good. This means setting clear goals, methods, and responsibilities that keep them accountable. They don’t just talk the talk—they walk the walk. Doing good feels good, and Luft is all in on making sure their business uplifts everyone involved, from suppliers to customers to the wider community.
Strengthening Local Communities
Business isn’t a solo gig, and Luft knows it takes a village. That’s why they focus heavily on supporting local Chicago businesses and customers. By ensuring that the vast majority of their customers are local and funneling half of their core expenses into local and independently-owned businesses, Luft strengthens the community fabric. It’s a win-win: local businesses thrive, and customers get the best, freshest balloon experiences possible. This local-first approach keeps the Chicago balloon scene vibrant and connected.
Giving Back Through Balloon Magic
Giving back isn’t just a side project for Luft—it’s baked into their culture. They dedicate significant employee time to pro bono work, clocking over 290 hours a year on give-back missions. These efforts have included showering hospitals with 3,000 balloons to brighten frontline workers’ days, balloon bombing over 40 local businesses to celebrate their pandemic survival, and partnering with Lawrence Hall to bring joy to young boys. These acts of kindness don’t just spread smiles—they build a happier, healthier work environment and a more committed team.
Project Impact: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Linked to Luft Balloon Store
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – by supporting local businesses and fair employment practices
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – through community strengthening and local engagement
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – by embedding sustainability in their business DNA
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – via initiatives that support frontline workers and community happiness
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – through pro bono work and community activism
Art Activism and Social Voice
Luft uses balloons as more than decoration—they’re a platform for social activism. By printing activist messages like BLACK LIVES MATTER, VOTE, INCREASE THE PEACE, and MENTAL HEALTH FOR ALL on balloons, they spark conversations and raise awareness. These balloons are given away for free, turning simple party décor into powerful visual connectors. It’s a creative way to engage people in important social issues, using joy and color to bring attention to causes that matter.
