As of: January 25, 2024, 1:10 p.m
By: Stephan Müller-Wendlandt
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New Lord of the Balloons: Harald Walther with his daughter Paulina Walther, who wants to go into business after completing her studies, in the rooms of the Starnberg “Balloon World”.
© Andrea Jaksch
The Starnberg “Balloon World” has a new owner.
Harald Walther has taken over the company from David George - and is combining the unusual business with his publishing company.
Starnberg
– The website is currently under construction, but the “Ballonwelt” shop on Glatzer Straße in Starnberg is open – at significantly extended hours and under new management.
Harald Walther has taken over the company from David George and wants to expand the range of products and services and revive fallow services.
The “Balloon World” shop is colorful.
On the walls, under the ceiling and elsewhere, there are swarms of monochrome, patterned, printed, large and small balloons in a wide variety of shapes - tied together to form bouquets or garlands, animals, scary figures, hearts, inflated numbers and countless other motifs for everyone imaginable Reason and purpose.
Nine years ago, David George opened the “Balloon World”.
Last year he rented Harald Walther a spacious adjoining room in the shop with its own entrance, into which he moved with his Ruperti publishing house, a change of location on Angerweide, from Alpspitzstrasse to Glatzer Strasse.
A few months later, George sold the “Balloon World” to Walther in order to devote himself to other tasks.
The studied chemical engineer is a certified pyrotechnician and indulges in many other passions.
The new operator is pleased that his predecessor is supporting him as a freelancer.
George contributes his expertise about twice a week.
“I am primarily responsible for the office work, and David takes care of the creativity, the artistic side,” explains Walther.
Margit Baumgartner, who has been involved since the beginning, also remains loyal to the “Balloon World”.
Walther's wife also helps out when she finishes her full-time work later in the afternoon.
And then Walter can also count on the support of his daughter Paulina.
The business student with a focus on marketing wants to join the business after completing her studies.
Walter also employs one or two young temporary workers if necessary.
Exhibitions and packages
All employees have been instructed in balloon art by George and have mastered at least the most common maneuvers.
The packaging balloons are a special feature.
These are larger balloons with a surprise effect.
There are either small gifts or banknotes hidden in the cover for a birthday child or a wedding couple.
Or it rains confetti or a number of smaller balloons rise when the recipient bursts the outer skin.
Walther has a real need for active support.
He has significantly expanded the opening hours of the “Balloon World”: Monday to Wednesday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Walther attracts audiences with additional events.
There has already been a magic workshop for children.
15 young visitors were introduced to the art of magic by magician Max Schneider.
A course in modeling with balloons is aimed primarily at the young audience.
In the publishing office, Walther offers young and still unknown artists a platform.
Works from a variety of techniques hang on the walls, and some sculptures also decorate the office.
The exhibition is complemented by balloon installations that are color-coordinated with the works.
The first exhibition opened at the end of November with a well-attended vernissage.
The second is scheduled to follow in March.
A parcel shop also ensures customer traffic.
Franked shipments and returns can be dropped off and undeliverable packages can be picked up.
Walther works with DHL, Hermes, DPD and UPS.