Farewell Ottawa Bayshore Disney Store...

[abirdd]

So, I'm not sure how well known this fact happens to be... but effective June 24th (yes, this month!) the Disney Store in Bayshore Shopping Centre will be closed. It is not a reflection of the store, staff or low sales - just a case of a lease that has finally run out.

While Disney is looking for a new location to keep us Ottawa shoppers happy, it will likely be some time before a new location opens. I do know there is consideration for St-Laurent, but other venues are also being taken into account. What locations those happen to be, I didn't think to ask. I just stood there in :scared1:

It is possible a major sale will happen closer to the lease expiry, but no word just yet. It sounds like the preference is to sell off the stock rather than move it to a distribution centre. So, if anyone on the board notices sale signs going up, let me know. It would be just cause for a drive into the city :banana:

[highland3]

OMG!!!!!

They should have planned ahead. I have some space in my garage for a temporary location!!!!

I'm glad you mentioned there is a plan to reopen somewhere else.

[abirdd]

Honestly, I wonder if they really will open up elsewhere. As my DH pointed out, Disney's been bleeding financially; so while Disney can say they are looking at other locations (but that will be a while before another store opens up), it does make one wonder :confused:

I'll keep my fingers crossed, since I just don't see ordering from DisneyStore.com unless it's something we REALLY need to have...

[tjbaggott]

Hmmm I think there is a really good likelyhood of them opening elsewhere here in Ottawa, as there is NO other Disney store in the City, is there? They HAVE to open another here somewhere! I WON'T HAVE IT ANY OTHER WAY!pirate:
I would imagine a big sale! I'll have to watch this one!:banana:

[monkeyknuckler]

Jeebers...my wife and kid are gonna freak out. I hope it doesn't move back to the Rideau Centre.

[highland3]

Better in the Rideau Centre than not at all!!!

I can't see it... maybe Carlingwood or Place d'Oleans.

I was in the Disney Store in the Scarborough Town Centre yesterday and wasn't impressed. I'll be back at the Vaughn Mills Outlet the next trip!!!

[CanadianWDWfan]

OMG, :scared1: say it ain't so....:sad1: :sad1: :sad1:


I hope they find another location. Please....pixiedust:


The silver lining is I will save soo much $$$! I spend way too much there. Now I can save more for our WDW trip. :laughing:

[monkeyknuckler]

I called them tonight, there are no plans to open another one. It doesn't surprise me. You can get Disney stuff at Wal-Mart, Zellers, even the Dollar Store has some junky Disney crap. You can order anything you want online now, used to be you had to go to the parks to get what you wanted. Yeah, that special feeling is starting to wash away...

[pink_tink8i8]

omg I didn't know this. I really hope they are going to reopen somewhere else and soon. buying stuff from the online disney site is expensive. they charge a lot of shipping to Canada. It's going to really suck if they don't move the store.

[casper_jj11]

OMG! This makes me so sad! A huge part of our Disney vacation experience is getting tshirts, and all kinds of other things at the Disney Store before we leave. My kiddos just love everything Disney all year long... they're going to miss the tshirts, costumes, glasses, etc.... I spend a fortune there!

[highland3]

I called them tonight, there are no plans to open another one. It doesn't surprise me. You can get Disney stuff at Wal-Mart, Zellers, even the Dollar Store has some junky Disney crap. You can order anything you want online now, used to be you had to go to the parks to get what you wanted. Yeah, that special feeling is starting to wash away...

The Assistant Manager told me today that they are planning to open another store (and possibly a total of two... shhhhh) in Ottawa. They are looking at St. Laurent as a possible site, but nothing is firm yet.

Get there quick folks. Lots of inventory, marked at an extra 25% off. The last day of operation is June 24th.

[monkeyknuckler]

I shouldn't have told my wife and daughter about it. I am now the proud owner of a Tinkerbell plate. :)

[PrincessMom4]

is that more reason to go to WDW??lol

[casper_jj11]

I dropped in after work today and spent too much money. Got some great deals though. Whole store is 25% off regular and sale prices. Some Ts are 3.99 and other great deals. One salesgirl said they're looking at oopening 2 new stores in Ottawa over the next 2 yrs but nothing in the works yet.

[tjbaggott]

Oh my Gosh! After reading Casper's post, I got off the computer, grabbed two of my kids and headed to the Bayshore Disney Store! I've never done shopping like that on the Spur of the moment! Thus the OMG! The store was VERY crowded this evening, and at the back, many items have ended up all over the floor (why do shoppers do this?).
Bought some T's, some Pins, small FE gifts and others (for our cruise), and a Gorgeous MICKEY Beach Towel! My kids won't see these items again till we are in Disney World for Halloween, (I'm sure my 5yr DS will have forgotten about these items by then).
Many items definately worth the trip (especially those towels! At 9.99 and then an additional 25% off!).
For anyone else who can make the trip, HAPPY SHOPPING!
Oh and yes the clerk said another store will likely open in Ottawa, but not for at least a few years.

[xerxia]

No way! :(

Definitely worth a drive over to see the sales though...

[a*lil*bit*goofy]

Well colour me blue. I was going to drive in to bayshore from carleton place tomorrow I guess I should stick with those plans.

That sucks rocks. I like that store.

Bayshore has done that to many tho, they are pretty shady.

[a*lil*bit*goofy]

Dang the pins I bought that I thought were a deal aren't so much anymore with the 25% off extra! LOL! oh well 3 pins for $6.99 is still ok! :O)

[princess pooh]

That sucks! Bayshore is the closest Disney Store to Montreal. I was hoping to get park passes from there for my next trip but I guess that's not happening now.

[tjbaggott]

They have VERY few pins left and what they do have are just ONE KIND now, and Park Tickets are no longer available. The T-Shirts they have for $3.99 are mostly girls only (very few boys and at that, the only boys available are for bigger boys ie: age 10 +).
Hopefully that info will save someone a wasted trip, if thats all you were going to drive in for.

[PrincessMom4]

We went yesterday (June 1/09) and got some good deals. We got the straw tumbers and paid $5minus 25%. I got a rash guard and the matching swimming shorts for 9.99 each minus 25%

[snappyq]

So I was in the store again tonight. So sad. please remember that all the great people that work there are about to loose their jobs. Shoppers were throwing things all over the place and I watched as the staff were feverishly trying to keep the place as clean and "full" as possible.they have some amazing sales right now. they have the "semi annual sale"(biggest sale of the year) plus an additional 25% off. speaking with a manager, she was saying that the stock was moving super fast and that if you want a good selection, it's best to get in before the middle of next week. Don't wait because it won't be there!
A piece of advice, go without your kids. it's packed in there! you can get some Christmas and/or birthday shopping in without them there. Again, please be nice to the staff, they have always been above average and this is already a really hard time for them.

oh ya! all sales are final too, you have to make sure you get the right size and that everything is in good working order, because you can't exchange/refund or get a price adjustment! Happy shopping!

[a*lil*bit*goofy]

Yes snappy, the people in there were disgusting when I was shopping on Tuesday. and it wasn't really all that busy. People were just dropping things, moving them around. What makes them think that doing that is ok?

As for the $3.99 shirts: someone mentioned only large boys size? I couldn't find any!!! I was only able to get my ds a Wall*E shirt, grey with wall*e's going across it. (cute he is not a wall*e fan but still cute for disney, got my dd a white one with the I <3 Wall*e on it. they will both see them on our trip) I was hoping to get him more, he needs more t shirts, and that was all they had on Tuesday in his size.

I did ask a lady about stuff in the back. She was a bit...shall we say, eccentric? anyway she said that they had boxes of stuff but weren't going to bring it out until the other stuff is gone.

I am hoping they have further reductions. Lol! and I am upset that I will not be able to stock up on back to school stuff when It would normally come out, or t shirts and goodies for the plane for our november trip. :(

[a*lil*bit*goofy]

and don't forget, they do NOT take Mastercard

[a*lil*bit*goofy]

Going to pop in again today to see if I can get more t shirts for my son at least, and hopefully to see a bigger discount!

[abirdd]

Went in yesterday - discount is still sitting at 25% off. None of the staff knew if it would drop any further; since worse case scenario, the stock ships back to distribution for the remaining Ontario stores.

Can't say I was blown away - grabbed a couple tee's for the boys, some summer plates, a housecoat for Christmas, and some sunglasses/flip flops for stocking stuffers. All in all, nothing really "wow". I sort of think had everything been 50% or more, I would have bought a ton. Oh well :confused3

If you've got girls, there was still plenty of clothing and gifties - the boys selection was VERY limited.

[PrincessMom4]

Went in yesterday - discount is still sitting at 25% off. None of the staff knew if it would drop any further; since worse case scenario, the stock ships back to distribution for the remaining Ontario stores.

Can't say I was blown away - grabbed a couple tee's for the boys, some summer plates, a housecoat for Christmas, and some sunglasses/flip flops for stocking stuffers. All in all, nothing really "wow". I sort of think had everything been 50% or more, I would have bought a ton. Oh well :confused3

If you've got girls, there was still plenty of clothing and gifties - the boys selection was VERY limited.
I second that one. Girls stuff is soo easy to find. I have 3 boys and 1 girl so I know how challenging it is to shop for boys. Don't get me wrong some places have gorgeous stuff like osh kosh and carters.

[pixiedustholidays]

I went in last Friday not knowing they were closing, and when I saw the sign, I felt like someone had punched me in the gut...I was close to tears!

I am lucky enough to go to WDW frequently, but whenever I feel like a "Disney fix" I just had to go to Bayshore, even if it was just wandering around the store. I'm sad that it will be gone. I also, of course, always bought stuff there... They also had my cards behind the cash (I am a Disney Specialist travel agent) and gave them out to anyone coming in asking for passes or vacations to Disney, so I got a fair amount of business from it as well!

So I'm sad about the closing...for lots of reasons..

Jen

[a*lil*bit*goofy]

IF you have girls that like Camp Rock or High School Musical, that is pretty much what is left for the $3.99 t shirts. :O/

[abirdd]

Anyone visit this weekend? I was hoping to see a 50% off the last price, but I'm guessing they didn't bother after all :confused3

[a*lil*bit*goofy]

i was checking here today too, abirdd, to see if they discounted further. they close on wed.this week. sniff. :O(

I asked about the characters all around the store, and they said when rideau closed, they had a security team there to make sure no employees took any, and they were all accounted for and destroyed!!!!!! apparently in bayshore they are going off to other stores, maybe. :O( I would have loved to buy one! LOL!

[abirdd]

See, I wondered about the characters too... If Disney is shipping to other stores, I question how cost effective it can be - considering they are supposed to be looking at new store renos/designs in 2010. Now, if they destroy - to me that goes again the Disney Conservation Fund initiatives (so much for reduce, reuse and recycle). I know my house would love to welcome some cast offs ;)

I'm really going to miss the Bayshore location. I figure even if they reopen in 2010 or 2011 in Ottawa, it's unlikely they will be in a West end location; and already I rarely go/drive into the city as it is :guilty:

As the hubby pointed out today - less trips to the Disney Store might mean more trips to WDW. Ya right - as IF I ever spent that much :laughing:

[CanadianWDWfan]

I was wondering what happens to the characters and decorations in the store too. Thanks for sharing. It breaks my heart to think they will be destroyed....there's alot of us that would love to have them. Even though I have no idea where I would fit them into my house. I would try.....:rotfl:

I am so sad they are closing, but like the previous DISer said "more $ for WDW".

I guess we will have to find another way to get our Disney fix, good thing we have the DIS!


:goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes

[casper_jj11]

I dropped in again yesterday to see if anything was discounted further. Its all an extra 40% off now. Not much clothing for children left. I actually walked out with nothing which was a bit sad. They do still have quite a few adult l/s shirts, flip flops, stuffies, High School Musical and Hannah Montana stuff.

[abirdd]

Wow, 40% still doesn't seem all that great... considering the store closes tomorrow. I bet if they'd done 50% right off the top, stuff would have sold out much faster.

I was planning on running into the city, but have decided to wait until our July venture to Toronto/Vaughan Mills. Fingers crossed they will have better deals in the bigger city :wizard:

[a*lil*bit*goofy]

I have heard from other people that Vaughan Mills has good stuff in there!

[abirdd]

We accidentally happened upon the Vaughan Mills "bag sale" last year. It was a riot, and we got tons of stuff at incredible prices. I am hoping for something magical like that this trip, but beggers can be choosers. Anything decent in ladies tees would be a start!! :wizard:

[a*lil*bit*goofy]

I hear ya on the ladies Tee's!

[abirdd]

Something was up with the styles they had in the stores... just kinda blah or as DH said "those prints look like pj's". I have some really funky Skellington shirts that have worn out, so I'm hoping to score something decent in Vaughan Mills. Worse case, I wait until we're back at Disney...

I noticed that Yorkdale went down to 50% off everything left in the store. Wondered if the did the same in Ottawa today. Is it bad I'm not even motivated to drive into the city and check :confused3

[PrincessMom4]

That sounds odd that they would destroy the characters that around the store. My understanding was that they would either stay with the owner of the store or they would be returned somewhere else.

[a*lil*bit*goofy]

bayshore was 75% off today. I would bet money that the store is empty as I type. while i was there they were moving the big quad displays as they were being emptied. one minute shelves had stuff the next there was nothing.

I was able to get for my friends daughter for her birthday: (all was 75% off last price):

HSM microphone, reg $20, down to $12.50, then $3.25
CampRock posters, reg? down to $1.50, then $0.38 (i got 2)
HSM t shirt $19 down to $2.99 to $0.75
Camp Rock t shirt, $19 down to $9 to $2.25
Camp Rock stickers $? down to $1.50 to $0.33
Camp Rock Magnets $? down to $2.25 to $.56

Not much else for my kids ....but I was able to get:

Waterglobe, Cinderella (small ones) Reg $22, down to $5.50
Waterglob, Buzz and Woody (small ones) Reg $20 down to $5
*the kids will open these as their "guess where we are going" gift :O) *
Hannah Montanna hat $15 maybe? down to $7 down to $1.75
UP! Luggage tags, reg $20 down to $5
Bolt magnetic board, reg $35 down to $15 down to $3.75
8x Tinkerbell and friends necklaces, reg $15 down to $3 down to $0.75 (loot bags for dd's birthday in September!) *imo they were worth only $3 to begin with)

They had sold out of all the trinkets normally by the cash. They had a few ugly adult shirts. Serioulsy. Ugly. All the plush was $5, the small beanbag plus was $2.12, and then they had baby things (age 2) like the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse character toys.

And that was about it. I got there just after 10, left just before 11. (huge line) and in that time it went from some selection to them removing at least 3 then empty cubes to the back half of the store. OH YEA only the front half had stuff left. There was staff that I recognized just hanging around, in line buying stuff, chatting with people. I felt bad for them but apparently they are all ready to have it done today. They are exhausted.

Oh. and for the lady that did NOT have deodorant on, thank's for that. (barf)
And to the other person who literally PUSHED me out of the way to get to a Mickey Stuffed animal (which, there were more mickeys than anything) *pffffbt*

People were RUDE!!!!

[a*lil*bit*goofy]

That sounds odd that they would destroy the characters that around the store. My understanding was that they would either stay with the owner of the store or they would be returned somewhere else.

Disney had security at the Rideau Centre to make sure that they were all destroyed, and accounted for. It was Disney's choice, as the owners of the sculptures.

Apparently the ones at Bayshore are being sent off to Disney

[abirdd]

Thanks so much for posting your experience today Goofy. I think had I bothered to take the kiddos into town, I seriously would have regretted it.

Just sorry you had to put up with the rude - can't stand that myself, so I don't blame you for being annoyed with the attitude.

Now I must keep my fingers crossed VM's has some wicked deals :wizard:

[a*lil*bit*goofy]

Yep! You honestly, really did not miss much. There may have been more when they first opened, but I don't think so.

[monkeyknuckler]

Its a shame they had to close the store, after taking 2 years to fix the big screen tv in the back.

[abirdd]

Even funnier is how this morning, I got an email from The Disney Store, telling me "Bayshore Is Closing". Guess they missed the boat on that announcement...

[polyhm83]

My daughter is going to school in Ottawa this fall, she saw an apartment she liked near the bayshore mall. People from Ottawa told it it was not a very safe area to live in. Anyone have any comments on that? TIA

[casper_jj11]

From what I hear, what your daughter heard is right. Bayshore is a great mall but I've heard a lot of not so nice things about the area. What school is she attending? That area is pretty far from most of the schools....

[monkeyknuckler]

My daughter is going to school in Ottawa this fall, she saw an apartment she liked near the bayshore mall. People from Ottawa told it it was not a very safe area to live in. Anyone have any comments on that? TIA

True. Low income. Vandalism. Its not near any colleges or universities, so whats up with that? I'd look for another place to send my daughter. That, and it doesn't even have a Disney Store.

[a*lil*bit*goofy]

My daughter is going to school in Ottawa this fall, she saw an apartment she liked near the bayshore mall. People from Ottawa told it it was not a very safe area to live in. Anyone have any comments on that? TIA


Let me put it to you this way: When I worked at the mall, a coworker of mine who was in school had her appt across the street. It was SO BAD there, that she said moving downtown, 1 block from the 'hooker hangout' was better :scared:

She does not want to be there, and you do not want her there. Trust me.

Is she going to Algonquin? They have great residences, and there are also a few appts a hop skip and jump away. I had friends who stayed there.

[a*lil*bit*goofy]

also let me add: there are apartments on Bayshore drive, that face the mall. THIS is the are that is bad.

Then there are apartments a bit further down, near Grenon ave. that are better, depending on the building. Even really nice! What is the address of the apartment that she saw that she liked?

[polyhm83]

Thanks for the information. My daughter is going to Algonguin (sp), but her boyfriend is at university of Ottawa. I think she was trying to be in the middle, not that he is living with her. Last year she went to Fanshawe and lived in a townhouse with 6 girls, so this year she was after a bachelor apt., by herself, but I think we will have to go for a higher rent district. I really appreciate the info, it was one of the buildings across from the mall, but she said it was the nicest apt she had looked at. We aren't familiar with Ottawa so she made appointments over the phone to look at ones she saw on the internet. Thank-you again.

[a*lil*bit*goofy]

Honestly that is nowhere NEAR the middle. Sorry I don't have the address off hand, (I should I worked at the post office at Bayshore forever, and I worked at the University of ottawa! and I went to Algonquin!!! LOL) But if you look up their addresses on mapquest you will see that Bayshore area is WEST of Algonquin College (and not that far, really. again depending where in the "bayshore area") and the University of Ottawa is EAST, in the downtown core.

Some areas she may consider: Apartments at the corner of Baseline and Navaho Drive./ Baseline and Deefield Drive. (both walking distance to the college) / Baseline around Ainsley Park. Also, I have had family and friends who were in school and had apartment at 1300 and 1310 Pinecrest Drive. Long walk down Baseline to the college, or about 5 bus stops on the city bus. I believe they are called "Riviera Gate". There are also apartments across the street from Riviera Gate.

[polyhm83]

I think I will go with my daughter on her next apartment hunting trip, and we will look in the areas you suggested. Thanks again for the help.

[casper_jj11]

I agree with OP. I live in the west end (a bit south west of Algonquin) and work downtown. Bayshore is no where near either school. Algonquin is in a nice area. There should be lots of apartments in that area whichwill actually be closer to U of O than Bayshore. There's also a huge Loblaws near Algonquin and to the best of my knowledge, no grocery stores even close to Bayshore. I hope she finds something on her next apt hunting trip that she likes.:goodvibes

[RachelMed]

thanks for the heads up.. i was planning on going there this weekend..
terrible news.

[ottawamom]

My recommendation would be one of the apartments along Prince of Whales drive near Hogs Back Falls. She would be a one bus ride to Algonquin (there is a bus which runs from Carleton past these buildings and on to Algonquin) and one bus ride to the University of Ottawa. There are several apartment buildings in the area so you should be able to find something that suits. The area is quite safe and there is some necessity shopping nearby (drugstore, fruit & veggie store and Timmies).

It's a great area for getting out and getting some exercise right next to a lock the canal and Mooney's Bay.

There are also lots of apartment buildings along Baseline Road in the area of Algonquin. The are didn't always have a great reputation but it has improved recently. The buildings have been renovated and the undesirables moved out.

Worth checking out. Don't leave your search too long the housing market in Ottawa is pretty tight.