My Disney store closed!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ShellyLynn3630]

I was heartbroken when I went into Hamilton Place Mall this week with intentions on buying some Disney Dollars for my three-year-old and it has been closed. Where else can I buy them or a Disney gift card????

[annie1995]

I'm not sure what to tell you about where you can buy them, but you are definately not alone. Ours closed last week too, I was soooooo sad:sad2:

[bradk]

you can buy the gift card online at http://www.disneyshopping.com - just make sure you're buying the card and not the eGift Certificate

you can also buy them at disneyland.com and even have a lot more designs to choose from.

[EchoThree76]

Ours closed too!!! :sad: Two months before our trip to the world. Sad thing is we live in Wa state and it was our only connection to disney in the area!!! I heard a report that they are opening up 146 stores in India!!! Where is the justice in the world i tell ya!!!:confused3 :furious:

[PrincessKara22]

Why are they closing so many stores?! If either of the two near me close I'll be heartbroken!!!!

[Robo]

Why are they closing so many stores?! If either of the two near me close I'll be heartbroken!!!!

For anyone who does not know, Disney does not own or operate the (so-called) "Disney Store."

It is owned and operated by The Children's Place.

It, to me, was a very pale comparison to anything the quality of the Disney Company.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disney_Store

nly the European Disney Stores and one location in New York City (now operated under the theme park division of the "World of Disney" brand) remain property of The Walt Disney Company. Japanese Disney Stores are owned and operated by The Oriental Land Company, the company that owns and operates the Tokyo Disney Resort and in the United States and Canada (save for the location in Manhattan), the stores are owned and operated primarily by Hoop Retail Stores, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Children's Place, LLC. Both Oriental Land and The Children's Place operate Disney Stores under long-term license agreements with The Walt Disney Company. TCP's operating agreements extend at least 50 years.


Disney Store in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, after a 2005 renovation.
Upon declining popularity and return on the mall-based chain, The Walt Disney Company decided to sell their Disney Stores. Japanese stores were sold in 2002, while most North American stores were sold in November 2004.

[bam15]

My disney store closed here last week too:sad1: It was in the mall right in my town! Now I have to travel about 30 minutes to get to the Disney store! Oh well!! There is always online!!

[ligirlz]

The one near me closed too. It was like a 2 week fast close sale. I was sad to see it go but I live 20 mins away from the WOD in DTD so I go there when i can.

[Feralpeg]

They are also closing one here. I'm very sad to see them go. I see WDW merchandise all of the time. The merchandise carried by the Disney Store was different from WDW merchandise and, IMHO, very nice. I actually felt like the Disney Store carried more unusual character merchandise than WDW. WDW has changed. They carry so much of a few themes and very little else. It is a shame that so many Disney Stores are now gone.

[Wendy31]

Originally posted by ShellyLynn3630 - I was heartbroken when I went into Hamilton Place Mall this week with intentions on buying some Disney Dollars for my three-year-old and it has been closed. Where else can I buy them or a Disney gift card????

Please, please tell me you're not talking about the Hamilton Place Mall in Chattanooga, TN! :scared1:

[GGOOFY1]

Since The Children's Place took over the Disney Store, I only go in there at Christmas to buy gifts for my nieces and nephews. Otherwise it was not the same.

[DLBDS]

Robo's link also went on to say...

"The Children's Place intends to reinvigorate the Disney Store brand in the United States by expanding the number of stores, reducing initial selling prices (Disney Stores have been well known for inflated initial prices, which would be marked down substantially after just a few weeks), and opening outlet stores, which have lower operating costs and typically have a high profit margin even though they have reduced prices versus mall stores."

Doesn't sound like things are going the way they intended. :confused3

[ellenmiele]

The 2 stores near me (in 2 different malls) are - thankfully - still there but they both temporarily closed and one already reopened but just in a different place in the mall. The other one is scheduled to reopen (also in a new location within that mall) in June. And I have to say that, for me, the one that already reopened is better than what it was before. It has a larger location and the staff is very very nice - a real Disney feel for me. Only thing I miss is the big screen that played the Disney movie clips and videos. I'm waiting to see if the one in the other mall has the big screen when it reopens but I have a feeling that it won't. And the new stores seem to be a little more about clothes than the old stores were - I think that's the Children's Place influence. I'm going to have a closer look around on Tuesday when I go back to pick up my copy of Enchanted - I'll see what other differences I notice.

[MareSINY]

The 2 stores near me (in 2 different malls) are - thankfully - still there but they both temporarily closed and one already reopened but just in a different place in the mall. The other one is scheduled to reopen (also in a new location within that mall) in June. And I have to say that, for me, the one that already reopened is better than what it was before. It has a larger location and the staff is very very nice - a real Disney feel for me. Only thing I miss is the big screen that played the Disney movie clips and videos. I'm waiting to see if the one in the other mall has the big screen when it reopens but I have a feeling that it won't. And the new stores seem to be a little more about clothes than the old stores were - I think that's the Children's Place influence. I'm going to have a closer look around on Tuesday when I go back to pick up my copy of Enchanted - I'll see what other differences I notice.

I see your from NJ, are one of the stores you're talking about in the Freehold Mall? The Disney store there closed in January and is being moved to another location in the mall. I've been waiting to see when it would reopen, I'm going to need to get more Disney Dollars before our trip in August.

Like many others have said, I don't find the Children's Place version of the Disney Store to be as magical as the Disney version. I used to love the collectibles section with all the art and different collectibles. A large portion of my Tink collection came from the old Disney store.

[donaldseeyore]

Seriously I am hoping this is not the one in Chattanooga.....I could cry!!!!!!!!!

[utkscvol1]

The store @ hamilton place closed last weekend. One of the girls I work with said she went in there the weekend before and it was like a mad house. I was very sad to see it close. Guess I'll be buying my stuff online but I think it sucks that it closed!

[donaldseeyore]

:scared1: :eek: :headache: :mad: :sad2: :scared: :furious: :rotfl2: <<--throwing fit

[bavaria]

To be frank, even the stores still run by Disney are not that impressive. I am quite often in Paris and stop at the store there on the Champs-Élysées, and have been to the one in Manhattan a few times. (Most recently two weeks ago)

While the Manhattan store has character greets etc, the merchandise is not very impressive. They used to carry unique New York themed items; there are now very few of these and they don't seem to change very frequently. Much of what was carried there recently was the same as in the parks.

Both the Manhattan and Champs-Élysées stores are in high volume tourist areas, so are always busy, but the merchandise is no longer the quality and variety from the orignal Disney stores of years ago.

[madfelice]

Every Disney Store in my whole entire country closed a few years back.

[TheDisneyGirl02]

They are also closing one here. I'm very sad to see them go. I see WDW merchandise all of the time. The merchandise carried by the Disney Store was different from WDW merchandise and, IMHO, very nice. I actually felt like the Disney Store carried more unusual character merchandise than WDW. WDW has changed. They carry so much of a few themes and very little else. It is a shame that so many Disney Stores are now gone.

Thank you for saying that! :worship: I thought I was the ONLY one who thought that about how the Stores changed (in ways for the BETTER) after TCP took over. There's more character selection and different merchandise that Disney never would have tried.

TCP brought back the adult clothing that everyone was missing so much as well as houseware items. I think a lot of people were turned off to the stores before the change over (when all of the adult clothing was removed), but should go back now and take a look. There's so many new adult clothing items...some we can't even keep in stock! It's impressive to see the clothing moving the way it is, even when it's not on sale.

I've been at my store for almost 9 years (with the exception of a few months when I worked at WDW) and we still have the Disney magic at my store. To me, I still work for Walt. It doesn't matter who signs my paycheck, what matters is what is in my heart everytime I go to work and see the looks on the kid's faces when they see the Mickey and Pluto on the magic carpet up by the ceiling. Sure my benefits aren't "Disney" benefits, but that was never the reason I wanted to work there. I do it because I love Disney.



Like many others have said, I don't find the Children's Place version of the Disney Store to be as magical as the Disney version. I used to love the collectibles section with all the art and different collectibles. A large portion of my Tink collection came from the old Disney store.

When TDS was owned by Disney, there were certain stores that would carry the more art and collectables, they were the Gallery stores. My store was never a Gallery store, though we did have the cels as well as the WDCC pieces. Do I miss the fact that we don't carry those products? Yes, but most people never bought them. It was rare to sell a cel and WDCC pieces. To me, the stores were never defined by the artwork.

If you're ever in eastern PA, stop by my store near Allentown, PA. the magic is still at my store and we're more than happy to share the Disney magic with all of our guests! :wizard:

[Somnia]

I believe they are just trying to get out of Mall locations mainly. Which sadly is happening with a lot of companies because Mall locations cost so much. I believe they want to start opening in Strip Mall locations and stuff like that because they get more freedom and it cost less.

[LindsayDunn228]

Seriously I am hoping this is not the one in Chattanooga.....I could cry!!!!!!!!!
Yes, it is. I live in Cleveland and was at the mall yesterday and it's gone. Hi, neighbor!!

Personally, it was no big loss to me. Not having any kids, I hated when the Disney Store was taken over by The Children's Place. I never had a reason to go in there anymore because they had no adult merchandise. Once they finally did get a few adult things they were junk. I worked at TDS when it was run by Disney and the merchandise was awesome. Not the case anymore.

Just as a side note, this really makes me want to see if I can put together a Chattanooga (and surrounding areas) DIS meet! :)

[DisGal520]

Well here is one more that closed. Owings Mills Mall Disney store is closed (MD). I got some nice gifts there just before Christmas. Went back for Easter things last week and no more store!. The mall had even removed and retiled the store logo tile from floor in front of the store.

The economy has impacted them. Take a look at your own local malls. I bet you'll find a few empty stores (not Disney) in them.


DisGal
:cool2:

[ArielRae]

We should start a thread that lists what stores are having closing sales so at least if they are closing we can take advantage of the sales.

[bradk]

the Manhattan store is a World of Disney owned by Disney. it carries theme park merchandise in addition to NYC WOD exclusive merchandise and Disney Theatre merchandise.

[christa112]

I wouldn't be surprise if my Disney Store closed. I really only go in when they have good sales or to buy Gift Cards.

[Wendy31]

Oh, man! I'm in like a state of depression now... Chattanooga's "Disney Store" can't be closed!! :sad1:

While it might not have been as wonderful as The World of Disney store, it was still Disney... :sad1: I loved going to the Disney Store to get my "fix".

We always got our kids' Easter basket stuff at the Disney Store - bathing suits, towels, sunglasses, sandals, beach bags... and stocking stuffers at Christmas... and, when DS had a pirate birthday party and DD had a Little Mermaid birthday party, I purchased figurines for the tops of their cakes... and t-shirts... and "special treats".... and PJ pals... and DH got his Grumpy coffee mug there! :sad1:

Just last Monday, I called the Disney Store to see if they had any Cinderella Toile dresses because I could only find size 12 on-line, and DD would need a size 8... anyway, when I called the store, the lady who answered the phone only said that they were out of dresses - she didn't say a word to me about the store closing! :sad1:

And, as an aside, I didn't realize there were so many Dis-ers in the Chattanooga area! :goodvibes

So, now where's the nearest Disney Store to Chattanooga? Is the Disney Store in Knoxville still open?

[bradk]

dunno how current it is, but the disney store locator: http://www.childrensplace.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/DisneyStoreLocator?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1

[AngieBelle]

A few weeks ago, I discovered that the West Oaks Mall here was closing it's Disney Sore. :( Luckily, I got in on some great closing deals. Thankfully, the main Disney Store I go to at the FL mall is still there. They redesigned it a few years ago.

Personally, I think the merchandise has improved since TCP took over- at least from what TDS had become right before the switch. You can find some of the neatest things there now! They have way better things than the Disney merchandise sold in the parks which I see all the time. I just bought the cutest adult sized Enchanted pjs from TDS! I also have a couple Alice shirts from there that I love. And almost everything gets marked way down if you wait long enough. They are always having great sales.

[mandy200587]

Rivergate Mall in Nashville doesn't have a Disney Store.
Cool Springs Galleria in Brentwood is still there.
Opry Mills still has theirs.

[MickeyNicki]

The Dis store has the same toys and stuff that Target, Kmart and Walmart sell and at a higher price. The only thing I go in there for is clothes for my 5 year old niece, and only when they are on sale.

[TheDisneyGirl02]

The Dis store has the same toys and stuff that Target, Kmart and Walmart sell and at a higher price. The only thing I go in there for is clothes for my 5 year old niece, and only when they are on sale.


The toys that are carried at TDS are not the same ones you see at Kmart, Target or Walmart, some maybe similar, however they are not the same. The toys at the stores have the TDS logo on them, which you will never find at Kmart, Target or Walmart. Those products are designed by Disney Consumer line while the products at the stores are exclusively designed for the stores. Actually, the prices are not as high as some people expect. Many of the action figures are right on par with prices at other stores (though not the same product, similar). Of course big chain stores will be able to run sales more often so the prices may be cheaper during those sales.

The economy is really hurting sales everywhere. Besides TDS, my full time job is at a science center where I'm in charge of the gift shop as well as guest services at the check in desk. Last month, the store was down 20%...this month is looking a little better, but it's not just the big stores that are feeling the hit, it's the small ones too.

AngieBelle, did you see the Tink, Minnie and Eeyore tank tops that just came in? They are SOOOOO cute and priced very well, even without a sale. :thumbsup2

[Kimberly Hill]

We went to the Disney Store and Disney Outlet in Myrtle Beach this weekend to shop for treats for our upcoming trip and the "outlet" didn't have anything different than the regular store except for a couple of racks of clearance clothing that was in really bad shape.

[foxtrotter]

The link to the Disney Store directory above is at least a little out of date. The store in Lansing MI closed a couple weeks ago. It wasn't supposed to close until the 9th of March, but I went out there on the 8th and it was already shuttered up and empty.

The one at Twelve Oaks in Novi was still open when we were there two weeks ago. I was going to ask if they were staying open, but my daughter had an "ohmygoodness, I have to use the potty RIGHT NOW!" moment just as we were finishing up...

[ellenmiele]

The 2 stores near me (in 2 different malls) are - thankfully - still there but they both temporarily closed and one already reopened but just in a different place in the mall. The other one is scheduled to reopen (also in a new location within that mall) in June. And I have to say that, for me, the one that already reopened is better than what it was before. It has a larger location and the staff is very very nice - a real Disney feel for me. Only thing I miss is the big screen that played the Disney movie clips and videos. I'm waiting to see if the one in the other mall has the big screen when it reopens but I have a feeling that it won't. And the new stores seem to be a little more about clothes than the old stores were - I think that's the Children's Place influence. I'm going to have a closer look around on Tuesday when I go back to pick up my copy of Enchanted - I'll see what other differences I notice.

Well, I was back in my newly reopened Disney Store (at the Monmouth Mall) again today - picking up my copy of Enchanted - and I took a closer look at everything. The people working there (can I call them CMs?) are EXTREMELY nice, friendly, and helpful. The prices are definitely better than at the "old" Disney Store. They were in the process of marking down some of the spring merchandise today. And there is (as I think someone already mentioned here) an improved clothing selection than before. Still all the stuffed animals and princess items as well as Power Rangers, pirates, Hannah Montana and High School Musical. Also a nice selection of houseware items - both functional kitchen items and decorative things such as snow globes and artwork. I still miss the big movie screen in the back of the store but the new store has a cluster of smaller screens hanging from the middle of the ceiling.
As soon as the Disney store in the Freehold Mall reopens I'll go check out that one too!

[jenrose66]

I don't know where else you can get Disney Dollars but I wanted to tell you that my Disney Store closed too :mad: I always thought they did good business, I loved going there.

[AllieKat]

And, as an aside, I didn't realize there were so many Dis-ers in the Chattanooga area! :goodvibes

So, now where's the nearest Disney Store to Chattanooga? Is the Disney Store in Knoxville still open?

I too had no idea there were so many Chattanooga Dis-sers! I'm so bummed about the Nooga Disney Store closing. :sad2: I was at Hamilton Place two weekends ago but didn't even go upstairs. It's not even listed on Hamilton Place's website anymore.

I went to West Town Mall in Knoxville last Saturday and the Disney Store was still open. For some reason I'm thinking it was an outlet. I didn't actually look at the sign outside the store but inside it "felt" like the outlet at Nashville's Opry Mills Mall.

[KimviG]

The one inside the Burlington Mall in MA is closed also. I had recieved the news that it was closing in an email and so we drove down there and it was already closed :headache: We live closer to another Disney store but we liked going to that one because it was bigger and had more merchandise plus it was across from The Rainforest Cafe. I was truly bummed.

[sanapunk]

Well, I was back in my newly reopened Disney Store (at the Monmouth Mall) again today - picking up my copy of Enchanted - and I took a closer look at everything. The people working there (can I call them CMs?) are EXTREMELY nice, friendly, and helpful. The prices are definitely better than at the "old" Disney Store. They were in the process of marking down some of the spring merchandise today. And there is (as I think someone already mentioned here) an improved clothing selection than before. Still all the stuffed animals and princess items as well as Power Rangers, pirates, Hannah Montana and High School Musical. Also a nice selection of houseware items - both functional kitchen items and decorative things such as snow globes and artwork. I still miss the big movie screen in the back of the store but the new store has a cluster of smaller screens hanging from the middle of the ceiling.
As soon as the Disney store in the Freehold Mall reopens I'll go check out that one too!

They say the one in Freehold is supposed to be where the CVS used to be, but I don't seem to see any construction going on. :( There's a disney outlet a couple miles away at the jackson outlets, but i went there at 6:30 one night and the doors were locked!! I NEED MY DISNEY FIX NOWWW!!

[LittleFlounder]

Do any Canadians know if any Disney Stores in Canada are in danger of closing? Specifically the one in the Eaton Centre in Toronto? I hope not! I've only been to that location and it feels so magical! ...just like WDW! pixiedust:

[ssdeverell]

I too had no idea there were so many Chattanooga Dis-sers! I'm so bummed about the Nooga Disney Store closing. :sad2: I was at Hamilton Place two weekends ago but didn't even go upstairs. It's not even listed on Hamilton Place's website anymore.

I went to West Town Mall in Knoxville last Saturday and the Disney Store was still open. For some reason I'm thinking it was an outlet. I didn't actually look at the sign outside the store but inside it "felt" like the outlet at Nashville's Opry Mills Mall.

Hey! I also live in Cleveland, but work in Chattanooga. I had been in the store 3 weeks before it closed and nothing looked out of sorts or was mentioned. Then, my friend went the next weekend and a lot of the stuff was gone so she asked. They told her it was closing, but there would not be a sale. The closing part was true, but they did have a sale. I went and bought several things for my DD1 for her first trip next year.

There is also an outlet store in Pigeon Forge/Seiverville, but I have not been since they remodeled last year. I heard it was more like a regular store than an outlet, but that would not surprise me. Everthing at that outlet mall is that way.

Hope to run into some of my neighbor DISer's.

[labattblue]

The "Disney Stores" are a shell of what they were going back 5-10 years or so. I remember when they had a huge book & dvd section, the stuffed animal bin at the back of the store was filled with anything and everything and the variety of merchandise in general was FAR greater than the joke the store has become today.

Bottom line....There just isn't much reason to go in one anymore.

[WVParkfan]

They closed the Disney Store at the Charleston Towne Center Mall in Charleston, WV this week. It was really sad to see the store near-empty with nothing but close-out items.

Living so far from Orlando, the Disney Stores always gave us a little bit of the "magic" whenever we visited. And even though we live 2 hours away from Charleston, it was always nice to visit the store whenever we were in town.

[TheDisneyGirl02]

The "Disney Stores" are a shell of what they were going back 5-10 years or so. I remember when they had a huge book & dvd section, the stuffed animal bin at the back of the store was filled with anything and everything and the variety of merchandise in general was FAR greater than the joke the store has become today.

Bottom line....There just isn't much reason to go in one anymore.

I'm sorry you feel that way about the stores because there is still magic in them. I worked last night at my store and we had a little boy run into the store yelling "Mickey!"-that is why I work there.

As far as the stuffed animal bin, in the new style stores it is called plush mountain and is not connected to the back wall. There are still quite a variety of stuffed animals - as matter of fact I filled it in last night. Currently we have Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Pluto, Goofy, Boo, Squirt, Bambi, Mater, Dumbo, Lucky, Penny, Marie, Eeyore, Pooh, Tigger and Piglet. Those are the regularly priced plush. We have many other styles that just went on sale including the Robin Hood characters as well as the Jungle Book characters.

As far as books are concerned, I can understand why we carry the minimum - there's a Barnes and Noble in the mall, as there are in many malls . It makes sense to not carry a large book selection. We still have quite a few DVD's - I don't think it's any less than what we've had in the past, I just think it's displayed differently. We do keep them behind the register so we may not have as many display boxes out for guests to see.

I can't change people's perception of the store, but I do wish they would give it another shot. Things have been changing for the better. :)

[LindsayDunn228]

I'm sorry you feel that way about the stores because there is still magic in them. I worked last night at my store and we had a little boy run into the store yelling "Mickey!"-that is why I work there.
I totally understand, but what about all the adults that used to be able to go hog-wild in there? I used to work at TDS in 1997. We had an entire adult department- shoes, pjs, shirts, polos, etc. They are no more. Once it was taken over by The Children's Place, I had no reason to go anymore.

[jak07]

Ours closed on the 9th too!:sad1: I think they closed atleast 6 stores this month or recently.

They have never been the same since TCP took over. There isn't another one near me within a 5 hour drive.

[MisunderstoodLilo]

(Disney Stores have been well known for inflated initial prices, which would be marked down substantially after just a few weeks),

True, true true! I used to work for them. I stayed for the change over from Disney ownership to Children's Place ownership and then got out.

Heads up for those who still have stores nearby: Markdown day was/is typically Wednesday morning.

[Maine-iac]

Hey TheDisneyGirl02, have you heard any info as to why so many stores are closing?
I am going to the Maine Mall in Portland tomorrow hoping to add $$ to my Disney gift cards. That is the only Disney Store in Maine. I would hate to see it close.:eek:

[Lil'Simba]

My store closed too! :confused3 I wanted to get some Disney Bucks to surprise DD with the news that the trip is booked.

[jak07]

I don't know why so many are closing. I spoke a previous manager of our store. He wasn't working there when it closed. He said it was sales. Sales have been down and they closed the lowest performing stores.

I still have to say that I prefer the Disney owned Disney store over TCP Disney store. I remember buying things like jewelry (charms), heavy fluffy robes, bookends, banks, tote bags, clothes..not just t-shirts. I used to drop $$$$$$ at TDS before the change. Last year I think I went into our DS maybe 5-10 times and spent maybe $50-100 for the whole year. Nothing called to me.

[TheDisneyGirl02]

I totally understand, but what about all the adults that used to be able to go hog-wild in there? I used to work at TDS in 1997. We had an entire adult department- shoes, pjs, shirts, polos, etc. They are no more. Once it was taken over by The Children's Place, I had no reason to go anymore.

There is a LOT more adult clothing now than there has been in years! Right now, we have polos (both for men and woman), button down shirts (for both men and women), PJs for women as well as jeans and jean skirts for woman. Disney lost a lot of guests when they decided to take out the adult clothing. Now TCP is bringing it back. It's taking a while, but it's coming along. There was actually a tank-top I fell in love with at my store but it sold out before I had a chance to buy it. :sad1: Oh well, should have followed my own advice and purchased it when we had it.

Hey TheDisneyGirl02, have you heard any info as to why so many stores are closing?
I am going to the Maine Mall in Portland tomorrow hoping to add $$ to my Disney gift cards. That is the only Disney Store in Maine. I would hate to see it close.:eek:

When Disney owned the stores, they opened a lot of stores very close to one another. Many of those stores closed. My store is the only store within a 45 minute drive of another store, so we do very well. We are a high volume store and do well year around. Sadly the economy is playing a role in retail...more than many people may realize.

I still have to say that I prefer the Disney owned Disney store over TCP Disney store. I remember buying things like jewelry (charms), heavy fluffy robes, bookends, banks, tote bags, clothes..not just t-shirts. I used to drop $$$$$$ at TDS before the change. Last year I think I went into our DS maybe 5-10 times and spent maybe $50-100 for the whole year. Nothing called to me.

I must admit, last night at my store before I started working, I spent almost $90 on merchandise and didn't buy one toy or one piece of kid's clothing. I bought an outfit for my DBF (including a button up shirt, vest, and tie), a set of 3 Disney mixing bowls, the Disney canister set, a Mickey Mouse shaped wall clock and a kitchen timer. I know that some stores may not carry all of the products that we carry at my store, but there is plenty of things that I wanted to buy, but restrained myself from buying! :lmao: I found out that we're one of the stores that is lucky enough to carry adult clothing and products (including really nifty purses and bags) but not all stores do. That does bother me because I look at my store and see what we have to offer and I wonder why it's not available to everyone at every Disney Store. :confused3

I don't want to sound like a walking advertisement for the stores (in a way I am, but I'm more a supporter than anything), but I truly still believe in magic that Disney Stores can bring to cities around the country and the world.

:wizard:

[jennifer293]

I am a Chatt Diser too (well Cleveland), and I went in there back when they first found out they were closing and I had heard about it on here and I asked the CM about it. She was shocked that I knew because they were just told they were jobless a few days before. Her manager actually sent her after me once I left the store to find out what website I had read about the closing on. I hate that it is gone because I used to let my girls go in there every Xmas and pick out an ornament for the tree. Guess I should find another tradition..or go back to Hallmark and spend a fortune.. OH WELL!!!

I heard that Old Navy was closing too and all of them would eventually switch over to Gap Stores..Dunno if that is true or not. I am just glad my town finally has a Target and Kohl's..:cool1:

[Disney Von Drake]

Let me see if I can clear this up.

Disney only owns the Disney Stores in Europe. Children’s Place owns them in the USA and Oriental Land Company owns them in Japan.

Disney Parks runs the World of Disney store in NYC (formerly the flagship store in the DS chain) as well as shops at Orlando International and Pointe Orlando.

WDW runs about 6-7 outlet stores in Florida under the names of Character Premiere and Character Warehouse, while AMS (a liquidation company) has one permanent location in Fullerton, CA operating under the name Character Warehouse and often opens stores all around the country for weeks or months at a time under the same name. They also often carry Universal Studios merchandise, although never in the Fullerton store.

Finally, there's a Character Corner outlet just minutes from WDW on SR 535 that is privately owned, that sells WDW merchandise and often sells test runs and defects that were never on sale in the parks.

Why are they closing so many stores?!Bottom line is that is all has to do with the licensing agreements Disney has in place.

The Disney Store proved one thing. Disney is no good at direct retail sales. However, they are masters at licensing their products. So, they got out of direct retail (except for the few remaining stores listed above) and they license their name and merchandise to all comers.

You can’t walk into a Target, Wal-Mart, Kmart, Sears, etc. without tripping over some Disney product. They’re into hardware, kitchen, electronics, books, bath, paint, food, drugs, clothes and most any product you can imagine. That’s where the money is!

Disney regulates TCP through licensing and contract agreements. If TCP doesn’t tow the line, Disney can extract fines via their contract. Disney has already gone to court twice to enforce various aspects of TCP contract.

In short, Disney tells TCP how many Disney Stores to open or close per their contract. TCP either complies or they will face heavy fines from Disney. TCP is a Disney slave. :worship:

[Matt'nMeg'sMom]

They closed ours too! (Park Meadows, CO) :sad1:

[Donald Lover11]

My Disney Store closed 5 years ago!! :scared1: Then another one near me closed about 3 years ago as well. :sad2:

[TheDisneyGirl02]

Let me see if I can clear this up.

Disney only owns the Disney Stores in Europe. Children’s Place owns them in the USA and Oriental Land Company owns them in Japan.

Disney Parks runs the World of Disney store in NYC (formerly the flagship store in the DS chain) as well as shops at Orlando International and Pointe Orlando.

WDW runs about 6-7 outlet stores in Florida under the names of Character Premiere and Character Warehouse, while AMS (a liquidation company) has one permanent location in Fullerton, CA operating under the name Character Warehouse and often opens stores all around the country for weeks or months at a time under the same name. They also often carry Universal Studios merchandise, although never in the Fullerton store.

Finally, there's a Character Corner outlet just minutes from WDW on SR 535 that is privately owned, that sells WDW merchandise and often sells test runs and defects that were never on sale in the parks.

Bottom line is that is all has to do with the licensing agreements Disney has in place.

The Disney Store proved one thing. Disney is no good at direct retail sales.

I believe that everyone was aware of who owns whom when it comes to Disney stores (regardless if they are park owned or otherwise owned).

I do disagree that the Stores proved that Disney isn't good at direct retail sales. When the stores first were opened in 1987, they were run fantastically and were very few and far between. Then after Disney realized how sucessful the stores were, they opened more and more and more. Sadly, it did become oversaturated because it wasn't as unique anymore. That was the downfall of the Disney Company running the Disney Stores. My store does well because we are the only Disney Store within 45 minutes drive in any direction.

Now after they opened many stores, the management changed and decided to do this program called "Project Go". That is when I believe things really started to go downhill as far as Disney owning the stores. I know there were entire binders of information and we had a store meeting regarding the changes for Project Go. I can't remember much of it (I've tried blocking it out) but the one thing was to make CMs more 'efficient', we couldn't straighten the store at all during the day or after close. We could pick one fixture a night to zone (clean up) and that was it. It was a crazy time. Eventually, Project Go went but things had changed and the stores haven't been run the same way since.

I stuck with it because I still believe in the store and what they represent. My Disney Store CMs are like my family - I have known some of them for 10 years. We have been together for marriages, divorces, births and deaths. When I had a horrible accident, my Disney family supported me with so much love and support that I could never even begin to thank them today.

I personally would rather have a Children's Place run Disney Store than no Disney Store at all.

[LindsayDunn228]

There is a LOT more adult clothing now than there has been in years!
This was not the case at our store. Sorry.

[danny1649]

I think this thread is a better fit here on our Community Board:goodvibes :goodvibes

[TheDisneyGirl02]

This was not the case at our store. Sorry.

I think that is so sad that not all of the stores are carrying the adult clothing! I know it's a company choice, but I wish that all Disney Store guests had the chance to shop for clothing like we do at my store.

I didn't realize that some stores didn't carry as much clothing (if any adult clothing) maybe a week ago. I asked my manager why the store about an hour from here didn't have any adult clothing and she said that only some stores are selling that merchandise! I couldn't believe it!

The good thing is, since it's doing well at my store (I guess maybe they are testing it in some stores), maybe it will carry over to be a company-wide product! I hope so for those whose stores don't have the clothing yet!

[bradk]

in case this hasn't been covered, here's some breaking news for you.

The Children's Place has announced it's abandoning the Disney Store. TCP has posted a loss with TDS and coupled with a poor relationship with Disney to begin with, they're bowing out.

Disney is in talks with them to purchase back some of the stores, I think about 2/3 of them. Disney will take back control of the stores but I believe will try to keep the number of stores limited instead of falling prey to rapid expansion again.

here's one sample story for you: http://www.reuters.com/article/PBLSHG/idUSN2037904920080320

[TheDisneyGirl02]

Disney is in talks with them to purchase back some of the stores, I think about 2/3 of them. Disney will take back control of the stores but I believe will try to keep the number of stores limited instead of falling prey to rapid expansion again.

here's one sample story for you: http://www.reuters.com/article/PBLSHG/idUSN2037904920080320

My manager called a little while ago to let me know about this. She did mention that 1/3 of the stores would close if Disney does take us back. I'm hoping that my store is safe. We are a high volume store and were one of the top 50 stores in the company last year, so my fingers are crossed.

I know it's just business but it does still hurt that they don't want us either...:sad1:

[tndvc]

The Chattanooga store was also one of the top 50 stores in the company last year. Hopefully Disney will make better decisions about which stores to close than Hoop Retail. The Children's Place evidently just looked to see which stores leases were up, and didn't consider profitabily or location. I only wish this had happened two months ago. It might have saved the Chattanooga location.

[TheDisneyGirl02]

The Chattanooga store was also one of the top 50 stores in the company last year. Hopefully Disney will make better decisions about which stores to close than Hoop Retail. The Children's Place evidently just looked to see which stores leases were up, and didn't consider profitabily or location. I only wish this had happened two months ago. It might have saved the Chattanooga location.

That just gave me a really sick feeling in my stomach. Now I'm more upset and more worried than before...I don't want to lose my Disney family...:sad1:

[cheshire1013]

My mom works at an NH Disney store. She told me this morning that childrens place was selling the disney stores back to disney and they would probably be closing about 100 stores. Yikes! There are 3 disney stores with in 30 minutes of where we live, so hopefully they don't close my moms store! I guess all the stores are not selling as much as they should be. But she said they won't announce anything for 6 weeks. So we'll have to keep our fingers crossed.

[PrincessKara22]

The one inside the Burlington Mall in MA is closed also. I had recieved the news that it was closing in an email and so we drove down there and it was already closed :headache: We live closer to another Disney store but we liked going to that one because it was bigger and had more merchandise plus it was across from The Rainforest Cafe. I was truly bummed.

The one in Burlington is already closed?! I was just there a few weeks ago and it seemed like they were hiring someone! I had hoped that it hadn't closed yet so I could go to the closing sales for some easter stuff tomorrow. Oh well. I hope the one at solomon pond mall doesn't close as well. That still has all the art and figurines up by the ceiling and the HUGE tv screen at the back. It's a really nice store.

[TheDisneyGirl02]

My mom works at an NH Disney store. She told me this morning that childrens place was selling the disney stores back to disney and they would probably be closing about 100 stores. Yikes! There are 3 disney stores with in 30 minutes of where we live, so hopefully they don't close my moms store! I guess all the stores are not selling as much as they should be. But she said they won't announce anything for 6 weeks. So we'll have to keep our fingers crossed.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for your mom!!!!! 6 weeks is a LONG time to have to wait!!!! It's going to be a long 6 weeks, that's for sure!

[PrincessKara22]

Let me see if I can clear this up.

Disney only owns the Disney Stores in Europe. Children’s Place owns them in the USA and Oriental Land Company owns them in Japan.

Disney Parks runs the World of Disney store in NYC (formerly the flagship store in the DS chain) as well as shops at Orlando International and Pointe Orlando.

WDW runs about 6-7 outlet stores in Florida under the names of Character Premiere and Character Warehouse, while AMS (a liquidation company) has one permanent location in Fullerton, CA operating under the name Character Warehouse and often opens stores all around the country for weeks or months at a time under the same name. They also often carry Universal Studios merchandise, although never in the Fullerton store.

Finally, there's a Character Corner outlet just minutes from WDW on SR 535 that is privately owned, that sells WDW merchandise and often sells test runs and defects that were never on sale in the parks.

Bottom line is that is all has to do with the licensing agreements Disney has in place.

The Disney Store proved one thing. Disney is no good at direct retail sales. However, they are masters at licensing their products. So, they got out of direct retail (except for the few remaining stores listed above) and they license their name and merchandise to all comers.

You can’t walk into a Target, Wal-Mart, Kmart, Sears, etc. without tripping over some Disney product. They’re into hardware, kitchen, electronics, books, bath, paint, food, drugs, clothes and most any product you can imagine. That’s where the money is!

Disney regulates TCP through licensing and contract agreements. If TCP doesn’t tow the line, Disney can extract fines via their contract. Disney has already gone to court twice to enforce various aspects of TCP contract.

In short, Disney tells TCP how many Disney Stores to open or close per their contract. TCP either complies or they will face heavy fines from Disney. TCP is a Disney slave. :worship:

I've definitely known that TCP has owned the disney stores except for the NYC one for years now and that Disney is awesome at liscencing. Who are you "clearing" this up for?

[Brian_WDW74]

Disney Parks runs the World of Disney store in NYC (formerly the flagship store in the DS chain) as well as shops at Orlando International and Pointe Orlando.

WDW runs about 6-7 outlet stores in Florida under the names of Character Premiere and Character Warehouse, while AMS (a liquidation company) has one permanent location in Fullerton, CA operating under the name Character Warehouse and often opens stores all around the country for weeks or months at a time under the same name. They also often carry Universal Studios merchandise, although never in the Fullerton store.

Just to extend this a bit, Disney Parks runs all three World of Disney stores in the U.S.: NYC, Orlando and Anaheim.

AMS runs one other permanent Character Warehouse Store in Las Vegas.

[Maine-iac]

I went to the store in the Maine Mall in Portland today. The lady I talked to said that she did not know yet if they were closing. She said that any store that would be closing would be done so by the end of June.

[Disney Von Drake]

I've definitely known that TCP has owned the disney stores except for the NYC one for years now and that Disney is awesome at liscencing. Who are you "clearing" this up for?You're welcome. :thumbsup2

[jak07]

The Chattanooga store was also one of the top 50 stores in the company last year. Hopefully Disney will make better decisions about which stores to close than Hoop Retail. The Children's Place evidently just looked to see which stores leases were up, and didn't consider profitabily or location. I only wish this had happened two months ago. It might have saved the Chattanooga location.

I agree. I know that our stores lease was up and the mall did want to increase the rent.

It would be nice if Disney took the stores over they would bring ours back. I know they won't because they will close stores, but like I said earlier, there isn't a DS within 5 hours from here.

[cheshire1013]

I'll keep my fingers crossed for your mom!!!!! 6 weeks is a LONG time to have to wait!!!! It's going to be a long 6 weeks, that's for sure!

Thanks! I'll be so sad if her store closes! I love visiting her with my DD. DD loves it there. I always say that its a piece of the magic in our hometown! Id be sad if they took it away!:sad2:

[kaysmommie]

Does anyone know if the Knoxville location at West town mall is closing :confused3 , I hope not.

[Ned_Land]

Does anyone know if the Knoxville location at West town mall is closing :confused3 , I hope not.

I spoke with a CM at the West Town Store this morning. They have been spared. I was a little surprised with the size of market Knoxville is, but I guess they must be profitable. Hopefully they kept the beautiful Mickey tile inlay in storage and will go back to a more "Disney" look.