Disney Store President Talks About Changes to Stores

[WDWKOOK]

Disney Store President, Jim Fielding:

http://www.hubmagazine.com/content/jiminy-disney

[mitros]

Disney Store President, Jim Fielding:

http://www.hubmagazine.com/content/jiminy-disney

Yea, they go on and on about how they will fix the stores. You know what? Bring back the "original" Disney stores that actually made you feel like you were at WDW or Disneyland. Now, they are just like every other run of the mill kids store. No magic, just a ******** of stuffed animals. Please......:sad2:

[WDWKOOK]

I think their "fix" will be for them to reach their goal of 100% of products sold being made in China...

My DH used to love the men's Disney character Hawaiian-type shirts and I could get them at the Outlet for close to nothing. The men's wear in the stores is now gone, but you can buy TONS and TONS of t-shirts online:sad2:

[mitros]

I think their "fix" will be for them to reach their goal of 100% of products sold being made in China...

My DH used to love the men's Disney character Hawaiian-type shirts and I could get them at the Outlet for close to nothing. The men's wear in the stores is now gone, but you can buy TONS and TONS of t-shirts online:sad2:

Ha Ha, good one! I am willing to bet even now you will find that it's all made in China. I believe Disneys goal has always been to become a 100% chinese-merchandise-only business.
Oh, don't remind me that all you can guy now are those crappy t shirts. Time was when you could get really great well made dress shirts in the stores.

[Kim&Chris]

I used to buy so much from the Disney Store back in the days of the "old" store design. They had great adult clothes. And I loved the "feel" of the stores...very magical. Lots of ladies sweaters with quality embroidery, etc. The moment they turned those stores into the Disney version of ToysRUs, I stopped buying. Almost anything in the stores could be found at Target or Walmart for much less.

They made a HUGE mistake by changing those stores.

A few weeks ago, I received some sort of survey email from the Disney Store. I responded pretty much exactly as I posted above. While I'm sure they have someone reading those comments, I seriously doubt they care. Sad :(

[TheRustyScupper]

1) I think the above replies got it right.
2) I think Disney got it wrong.
3) And, the new changes will get it wrong.

4) Disney has their own idea of what WE what.
5) Their surveys just do not capture our desires.
6) Good luck Disney Stores.
7) You lost my business, and probably for good.
8) Unless you have REAL GUTS to change for the better.
9) And, not just give us rhetoric.

[doconeill]

This was mentioned in the shareholders meeting as well. They admit the limited space prevents carrying a broad selection of items - but they are trying to utilize the online store to deal with that.

[TLPL]

I loved Disney Store, i just can't find anything that suit me anymore :(
So sad I wants to buy something there every time when I go to one, but there is just nothing but kiddie clothes and toys. They don't even have trading pin anymore. How sad!!

[TheDisneyGirl02]

Are product sales the most important goal?

That’s a great question. Product sales are not the primary focus of this new store design. The primary focus is to create a destination and experience that gives children the best 30 minutes of their day. That was our big focus — the best 30 minutes of a child’s day.

What could we do in Disney Stores that lets children be children? How do we let them interact, touch and play? Our feeling was that if we could create that type of environment and feeling in a community, then the product sales would come.


I found that question very interesting. Although the main goal of any retail store is to sell merchandise, I think it's important that EVERYONE who comes into the store has a magical experience, regardless if they are a child or an adult.

I have worked at the Disney Store for almost 11 years (with a short time working at WDW during those 11 years). I have worn the blue sweater, demin shirt and now the red shirt - I have worn them proudly. I remember when we were taken over by the Children's Place and how we fought to continue to make it as Disney as possible. That was important to me. I remember the last night we closed as Disney. I sobbed when I was helping to close the gates. Fast forward to several years later, I closed on our last night as the Children's Place. I couldn't have been more excited to close the gates that night! The magic had finally returned to the stores!

I'm so sorry that so many have been turned off to the stores because of changes that have been made. Do I miss the old days of cels and WDCC pieces? Yes. Do I miss the adult clothing - oh my goodness yes. Do I still think that there is still magic in the stores, yes.

Keep expressing what you want to Disney, maybe if we'll lucky, they will listen. I realize that there is clothing online, but it's just not the same as in the store. It's hard to tell if something that is on the computer screen will fit or not without actually seeing it.

[iwrbnd]

I wish they would have said "The best 30 minutes of anyone's day." My kids are quickly growing and I still love Disney and want to shop there. Please, Disney, don't forget that Children aren't your only fans! When I go to the Disney Store now I have a hard time finding anything for a child over 5-6 years old.

[TheDisneyGirl02]

I wish they would have said "The best 30 minutes of anyone's day." My kids are quickly growing and I still love Disney and want to shop there. Please, Disney, don't forget that Children aren't your only fans! When I go to the Disney Store now I have a hard time finding anything for a child over 5-6 years old.

I agree with you that it should be 'anyone's day'. Disney isn't just for children it is for everyone! :thumbsup2

[Magic Fanatic]

I, like many others on this board, have never hesitated in posting my feelings towards the Disney Store and the downhill slide the have been on. With that said, I am willing to sit back and let this new concept get up and running and see what it brings.

I remember back when I heard about Apple computer opening up retail stores and only selling computers. At the time the idea seemed like a corporate suicide mission. I mean how could a store that only sells only one brand of computers ever be successful. Well, here it is several years later and I cannot help but go into the store every time I walk by it. Apple knows branding and they know marketing. My hope is that the people at Disney will sit back and accept new ideas and implement them.

I just want to see what the come up with before I dismiss it. All you can do is hope....

[WDWKOOK]

I, like many others on this board, have never hesitated in posting my feelings towards the Disney Store and the downhill slide the have been on. With that said, I am willing to sit back and let this new concept get up and running and see what it brings.

I remember back when I heard about Apple computer opening up retail stores and only selling computers. At the time the idea seemed like a corporate suicide mission. I mean how could a store that only sells only one brand of computers ever be successful. Well, here it is several years later and I cannot help but go into the store every time I walk by it. Apple knows branding and they know marketing. My hope is that the people at Disney will sit back and accept new ideas and implement them.

I just want to see what the come up with before I dismiss it. All you can do is hope....
Sounds reasonable. I can only hope they sell Macs:surfweb:, then I'd be more hopeful:)

[WDWKOOK]

I found that question very interesting. Although the main goal of any retail store is to sell merchandise, I think it's important that EVERYONE who comes into the store has a magical experience, regardless if they are a child or an adult.

I have worked at the Disney Store for almost 11 years (with a short time working at WDW during those 11 years). I have worn the blue sweater, demin shirt and now the red shirt - I have worn them proudly. I remember when we were taken over by the Children's Place and how we fought to continue to make it as Disney as possible. That was important to me. I remember the last night we closed as Disney. I sobbed when I was helping to close the gates. Fast forward to several years later, I closed on our last night as the Children's Place. I couldn't have been more excited to close the gates that night! The magic had finally returned to the stores!

I'm so sorry that so many have been turned off to the stores because of changes that have been made. Do I miss the old days of cels and WDCC pieces? Yes. Do I miss the adult clothing - oh my goodness yes. Do I still think that there is still magic in the stores, yes.

Keep expressing what you want to Disney, maybe if we'll lucky, they will listen. I realize that there is clothing online, but it's just not the same as in the store. It's hard to tell if something that is on the computer screen will fit or not without actually seeing it.
Thanks for posting your unique perspective:)

[TheDisneyGirl02]

Thanks for posting your unique perspective:)

You are very welcome. :)

I have heard first hand how guests want adult clothing back in the stores and I wish I had the power to make that decision to bring it back. I would in a heartbeat. Right near the end of the Children's Place run, the stores did have a bit of adult clothing, but nothing like it used to be.

Like I said, Disney does listen to the guests. If enough guests say that they want a particular product back, hopefully they will do it. If they don't they risk losing a lost more than a store guest.

Since I am employed by Disney, I must say that my views are mine only and don't reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company.

[PatMcDuck]

Please give the "new" stores a chance...... they will be truly special. YES, they are largely aimed at kids. But remember, that is really what it is all about. And I personally LOVE Disney, 100%. Starting with the adult clothing issue, for the most part, that adult stuff no longer SELLS. I worked in the stores when it DID sell, it was in fashion then. This was in the early '90s.... things changed over the next 5 years though. We would ONLY sell the adult stuff when it was heavily discounted. It may appear that there is a large market for adult Disney attire, based on what you read here in this thread, but that is not really accurate overall. (I wish I was wrong, because I wear Disney stuff myself.... like many people here). Now, I will certainly admit that there were other reasons it did not sell well, like poor design,high prices etc. Even now, the adult shirts are NOT good......so frustrating to me personally!

As for the art cels, WDCC, lennox, etc, the internet is actually partially to blame for losing the Gallery items. Dealers selling items online have way less overhead, and TDS could not effectively compete on price. Guests would LOOK at the items at TDS, and order them online for less. Logical behavior. And less people were collecting after awhile, it just became less popular overall-- of course true Disney fans still WERE looking for these items, but not enough guests were buying..... at the stores. I worked in a large Gallery store, I know, i was there. We were SO sad when we lost our Gallery. Could something have been done to reverse this trend? Maybe.....we had some ideas in the trenches (I mean stores), but alas, too late now.

So, the new stores, like the current stores, are largely geared towards the kids. My kids are grown now, but I still enjoy the our little guests, they are oh so cute...... Come visit and enjoy.....

[TheDisneyGirl02]

Please give the "new" stores a chance...... they will be truly special. YES, they are largely aimed at kids. But remember, that is really what it is all about. And I personally LOVE Disney, 100%. Starting with the adult clothing issue, for the most part, that adult stuff no longer SELLS. I worked in the stores when it DID sell, it was in fashion then. This was in the early '90s.... things changed over the next 5 years though. We would ONLY sell the adult stuff when it was heavily discounted. It may appear that there is a large market for adult Disney attire, based on what you read here in this thread, but that is not really accurate overall. (I wish I was wrong, because I wear Disney stuff myself.... like many people here). Now, I will certainly admit that there were other reasons it did not sell well, like poor design,high prices etc. Even now, the adult shirts are NOT good......so frustrating to me personally!

As for the art cels, WDCC, lennox, etc, the internet is actually partially to blame for losing the Gallery items. Dealers selling items online have way less overhead, and TDS could not effectively compete on price. Guests would LOOK at the items at TDS, and order them online for less. Logical behavior. And less people were collecting after awhile, it just became less popular overall-- of course true Disney fans still WERE looking for these items, but not enough guests were buying..... at the stores. I worked in a large Gallery store, I know, i was there. We were SO sad when we lost our Gallery. Could something have been done to reverse this trend? Maybe.....we had some ideas in the trenches (I mean stores), but alas, too late now.

So, the new stores, like the current stores, are largely geared towards the kids. My kids are grown now, but I still enjoy the our little guests, they are oh so cute...... Come visit and enjoy.....

I agree 100% with your post. Although my store wasn't a Gallery store, we did sell our fair share of collectables. But the Internet did do us in. However, it is so much fun to watch the little guests now - they are so cute and it is truly magical when they look up and yell "Mickey" at the statue hanging from the ceiling. :cloud9:

Do you mind if I ask which store you worked at?

[doconeill]

Please give the "new" stores a chance...... they will be truly special. YES, they are largely aimed at kids. But remember, that is really what it is all about. And I personally LOVE Disney, 100%. Starting with the adult clothing issue, for the most part, that adult stuff no longer SELLS. I worked in the stores when it DID sell, it was in fashion then. This was in the early '90s.... things changed over the next 5 years though. We would ONLY sell the adult stuff when it was heavily discounted. It may appear that there is a large market for adult Disney attire, based on what you read here in this thread, but that is not really accurate overall. (I wish I was wrong, because I wear Disney stuff myself.... like many people here). Now, I will certainly admit that there were other reasons it did not sell well, like poor design,high prices etc. Even now, the adult shirts are NOT good......so frustrating to me personally!

As for the art cels, WDCC, lennox, etc, the internet is actually partially to blame for losing the Gallery items. Dealers selling items online have way less overhead, and TDS could not effectively compete on price. Guests would LOOK at the items at TDS, and order them online for less. Logical behavior. And less people were collecting after awhile, it just became less popular overall-- of course true Disney fans still WERE looking for these items, but not enough guests were buying..... at the stores. I worked in a large Gallery store, I know, i was there. We were SO sad when we lost our Gallery. Could something have been done to reverse this trend? Maybe.....we had some ideas in the trenches (I mean stores), but alas, too late now.

So, the new stores, like the current stores, are largely geared towards the kids. My kids are grown now, but I still enjoy the our little guests, they are oh so cute...... Come visit and enjoy.....

I have no insight into the actual operations, but from a business perspective I believe all of the above is true and was the driving force to the removal of the merchandise that everyone misses, but in truth very few were buying.

Yes, Disney fans, and there are a LOT of them, would buy the merchandise, but I don't believe a large enough percentage of the general public did. Aside from us, how many adults do you know wear Mickey shirts, or Tinkerbell hats, etc.? Most of the Disney stores are relatively small - a "single wide" mall store usually. I can think of one in my area that was a double-wide, and I believe that closed and relocated to a single, and one standalone store of respectable size that didn't last long at all.

The sales need to justify the space. Although adult clothing sales may have been OK, they were likely nowhere near the sales volume of the kids stuff.

I don't know how much the sale to TCP may have also driven the change.

I admit I used to enjoy looking at all the cells on the wall, but couldn't justify the expense of buying one.

Our best best is that Disney follows through on what they say, and at least use the Internet to better provide access to the merchandise we can't get at the stores. Yes, clothing is problematic, but unfortunately such is the way of retail now...

[DISNEMOM]

I so miss the original disney stores! They had a sort of magical feeling of their own. They had so much neat and different stuff. Now, when I go into the store, there is nothing, just t-shirts and stuffed animals. Nothing unique, nothing different, I feel like I am at wal-mart. I want so bad to spend my money on some unique items! The last time I was at the store, I talked with the manager about how I had heard they were going to be transforming the stores to how they used to be, and she was all excited and said, " Yes, we have transformed the store already, isn't it great!? " All I could say was, it looks the exact same!:confused3

[Snowgod]

I am told over and over that there is no market for the Adult clothing like the shirts Reyn Spooner used to design (and still does for promotions). I have my 100 Mickeys shirt as well as a number of other designs with Mickey and friends in tropical themes. I also used to buy and collect WDW t-shirts when they were made of quality materials. Next time you are at the world, see how many men still wear their shirts with pride. Maybe no-one wants chinese junk. Maybe they don't want to buy and advertisement for the latest film. Just yesterday I was at Epcot talking to a nice Gentleman who was wearing his 100 Mickeys shirt and he asked me where you could buy the same style. I wished him good luck and told him how to find the outlets in Orlando to see if any were left. :rolleyes1:sad2:

[johnsonmatt3]

Walts goal wasnt to make money. It was to bring families and friends together and to share the magic. They have totally ruined his dream.

[lodgelady]

Yea, they go on and on about how they will fix the stores. You know what? Bring back the "original" Disney stores that actually made you feel like you were at WDW or Disneyland. Now, they are just like every other run of the mill kids store. No magic, just a ******** of stuffed animals. Please......:sad2:

I couldn't agree more! We used to go to the Disney stores for a little boost of magic. Everything was clean and fresh, the associates were VERY Disney knowledgeable, and there was a variety of merchandise that everyone in our family could enjoy looking at. There was a special feel to it- like you walked into one of the stores in MK. Granted, my kids are no longer little, but we have found nothing we wanted to buy in our local DS for years- now it has closed. Such a shame!

[DisDreaminMom]

I just stopped working at my local Disney store. I was there over a year. I am a giant Disney fan and was one of the very few who had actually even been to WDW, let alone watched any of the movies or read any Disney history, etc.

I spent most of my time wishing I could clean my very un-White Gloves standards store and being frustrated by the general lack of any respect for the Disney brand. The ladies were all nice, but it was just a very disappointing experience. Then they came out with this 30 minutes of a child's day thing and things went from bad to worse.

So good luck to those of you who want advice for your trips or want to feel that WDW feeling because that is not the goal anymore. The focus is on children and entertaining them while the parents shop. Due to the mystery shop criteria, it is a bad thing for a CM to spend too much time talking to an adult lest a child walk by and not be chatted up on sight. So sad. It's just another example of the dumbing down of retail. I agree with those who say it should be the best 30 minutes of Anyone's day. If they'd rather sell a $2.50 reusable bag than help inspire someone to create a magical vacation or help a fan find what she really wants, then they totally lost the point of why people love Disney. Sour grapes? No, just sad to have the curtain pulled back on the Magic for me a little.

But there's always WDW, right?

[mitros]

I wish they would have said "The best 30 minutes of anyone's day." My kids are quickly growing and I still love Disney and want to shop there. Please, Disney, don't forget that Children aren't your only fans! When I go to the Disney Store now I have a hard time finding anything for a child over 5-6 years old.

Exactly! Walt wanted the whole family to enjoy what he created TOGETHER. Same was true of the Disney stores originally. We used to spend a ton of $$$ at the stores. They were like an extension of the theme park experience, and actually got us psyched up to go to WDW. The merchandise they have now is just more Walmart crap. Are the honchos at Disney that thick-headed that they do not realize their huge mistakes? :confused3
Damn it Disney! Read Disboards if you want to know what's wrong with the company. We are your biggest fans!

[TheDisneyGirl02]

I couldn't agree more! We used to go to the Disney stores for a little boost of magic. Everything was clean and fresh, the associates were VERY Disney knowledgeable, and there was a variety of merchandise that everyone in our family could enjoy looking at. There was a special feel to it- like you walked into one of the stores in MK. Granted, my kids are no longer little, but we have found nothing we wanted to buy in our local DS for years- now it has closed. Such a shame!

I'm sorry that you feel that Disney Store Cast Members aren't very knowledgeable about Disney - I completely disagree. At my store, we have DVC members who can help out guests with DVC questions, Cast Members who have visited multiple Disney locations throughout the world as well as sailed on the cruiseline. There are three of us (myself included) who have worked at the parks. We KNOW Disney. It is not very often that a guest will come in and ask a question about Disney that I won't know the answer to. When that happens, since I don't have access to the Internet, I tell them how they can find out the answer.

Recently the stores have started doing events for children and adults alike. As a matter of fact, I just worked one on Saturday. We had boys and girls (with the help of their parents) make Princess and the Frog visors. It was so much fun! Then after the visors were made, we went to the back of the store and played a game that the kids were bouncing around like frogs. I can't tell you how many parents were taking pictures. It was a wonderful "Disney" feeling that I was able to share with both the kids and the parents.

I personally keep very up-to-date on Disney news. I called my store the morning that 'Up' was nominated for an Oscar so the CMs working would be able to share the information with the guests. I am on the Dis many times a day and share information that I gather from here with the other CMs as well as the guests.

Can I say that all stores are like my store? No. We do our best to make Disney magic. I know that every time I work I think about Walt and what he would want me to do to help spread his dream. I understand that retail is retail and that our main goal is to sell merchandise so we can make money, however I believe it is possible to do both - keep and share the magic as well as making money.

[OldsDr]

Walts goal wasnt to make money. It was to bring families and friends together and to share the magic. They have totally ruined his dream.

I don't disagree with what your mean, your statement is incorrect. The goal of any buisness is to make money. Walt new how to do it properly by making(sometimes risky) investments in the whole family not just kids and taking proper care of his customers.

This brings in my second point. I know alot of poeple who stopped going to the disney stores when they were changed. i used to go in all the time to look at watches and cells and posters, I would buy something like that about every two months. But I was in the store, and while I was in the store looking at the low margin product I would usually buy a High margin product for as a birthday present or something for a family member (we are very close through our whole extended family) Evere since the day they told me they were no longer selling watches or the other things I never went back in the store and bought nothing.

This brings me back to the Walt quote. The Walt thought process would have kept the product in there that kept me happy and spending money. So he would have kept everyone having fun together and and the company making money.

The Cells and painting took up zero square footage because they were hung on the wall. The watch display took up about 4 square feet if I remember correctly, plus room to look at it. The adult clothing is what took up most of the sq footage of stuff that was removed, which had to be making them money.

I do not have any clue what the inventory turns were but based on previouse post I may have been the only one buying the watches and cells and posters while there if that is the case then they should have removed them. I do not think that was the case


I do not know any of the financials, maybe they were loosing money. But what happened is they tried to sell only high margin product which lowered foot traffic in the store, ultimatly loosing sales.

I wish they would bring back something close to the original model

[TheRustyScupper]

Like I said, Disney does listen to the guests. If enough guests say that they want a particular product back, hopefully they will do it. If they don't they risk losing a lost more than a store guest.

1) I do not believe this.
2) If it were so, there would not have been so many plushes and pajamas. *
3) Disney does what Disney wants to do.
4) I have personally seen to many instances of this.
5) Even when they had "real" surveys to support another direction.
6) We will have to wait and see what the New Disney Stores become.
7) I hope for the better.
8) I fear for more of the same or worse.

* If people remember the period before the sale to Palace, about all you saw in stores were these. Even though people complained like mad.

[melancholywings]

I think the problem with the store is the selection and quality is worse than ToysRUs or Target. Every time we go to the mall we go into the store with the intention of purchasing (being a Disney freak and all) and we rarely buy anything. We end up walking out with our money still in our pocket - saying how much we missed the parks and the variety of merchandise. You'd think they'd want our money:sad2:
They need to carry more home items or more specialty items that you can't aquire at the prolific Target/Wallmart. And they need to have better prices on the same items that are being offered at the big box stores.

[PatMcDuck]

The summer plates, pitchers, and cups are coming out next week I think, you may like those.

I can't wait to see the new stores, esp. the one in Times Square, NYC.

[Kim&Chris]

Please give the "new" stores a chance...... they will be truly special. YES, they are largely aimed at kids. But remember, that is really what it is all about. And I personally LOVE Disney, 100%. Starting with the adult clothing issue, for the most part, that adult stuff no longer SELLS. I worked in the stores when it DID sell, it was in fashion then. This was in the early '90s.... things changed over the next 5 years though. We would ONLY sell the adult stuff when it was heavily discounted. It may appear that there is a large market for adult Disney attire, based on what you read here in this thread, but that is not really accurate overall. (I wish I was wrong, because I wear Disney stuff myself.... like many people here). Now, I will certainly admit that there were other reasons it did not sell well, like poor design,high prices etc. Even now, the adult shirts are NOT good......so frustrating to me personally!

As for the art cels, WDCC, lennox, etc, the internet is actually partially to blame for losing the Gallery items. Dealers selling items online have way less overhead, and TDS could not effectively compete on price. Guests would LOOK at the items at TDS, and order them online for less. Logical behavior. And less people were collecting after awhile, it just became less popular overall-- of course true Disney fans still WERE looking for these items, but not enough guests were buying..... at the stores. I worked in a large Gallery store, I know, i was there. We were SO sad when we lost our Gallery. Could something have been done to reverse this trend? Maybe.....we had some ideas in the trenches (I mean stores), but alas, too late now.

So, the new stores, like the current stores, are largely geared towards the kids. My kids are grown now, but I still enjoy the our little guests, they are oh so cute...... Come visit and enjoy.....

Just wanted to touch on the issue of adult clothes. I do agree that, for a while, the stores did have adult clothing that didn't sell. But I strongly feel as though there was a big reason for it not selling...the selection wasn't all that nice. I'm looking for adult clothing that doesn't make me look like an adult trying to look like a 10 year old girl. Or a T-shirt that isn't so tissue-paper thin that you could see if I have a freckle on my tummy ;). I don't want a shirt with a massive picture of Cinderella's face, or Marie the cat.

I remember that you could buy a nice sweater or button-up shirt/henley that would be OK to wear to work as a nice, casual shirt. But the latest adult clothing was anything but that. I think that's why it simply didn't sell. Whoever was doing the buying for adult clothing didn't know what the demand was, and to the best of my knowledge, Disney made no attempt to learn. But, in all fairness, that is a sad fact that applies to many retailers these days. They just don't know their own customer anymore. JMHO.

[disneylove69]

Just wanted to touch on the issue of adult clothes. I do agree that, for a while, the stores did have adult clothing that didn't sell. But I strongly feel as though there was a big reason for it not selling...the selection wasn't all that nice. I'm looking for adult clothing that doesn't make me look like an adult trying to look like a 10 year old girl. Or a T-shirt that isn't so tissue-paper thin that you could see if I have a freckle on my tummy ;). I don't want a shirt with a massive picture of Cinderella's face, or Marie the cat.

I remember that you could buy a nice sweater or button-up shirt/henley that would be OK to wear to work as a nice, casual shirt. But the latest adult clothing was anything but that. I think that's why it simply didn't sell. Whoever was doing the buying for adult clothing didn't know what the demand was, and to the best of my knowledge, Disney made no attempt to learn. But, in all fairness, that is a sad fact that applies to many retailers these days. They just don't know their own customer anymore. JMHO.

I have two Disney stores by me. One of them is the new prototype. I can't stand either one. One of the stores there is never anyone on stage and when there is they don't say high or ask if you need help. The store always looks empty. The newer one same issue but cast members are down right mean. I bought a t-shirt in Texas and when I got home realized I already owned it. I only paid $5 for it. I went to return it and the cast member called the manager and practically accused me of refund fraud because she didn't carry the shirt. After they realized where I purchased it and that I wasn't going to take that kind of treatment they gave me the refund. I also noticed the t-shirts the other day where so thin it was like the kind you buy 3 for $20 at a cheap tourist gift shop. I wore the blue sweater once and loved my job and guests of all ages were appreciated.

[MainStMandy]

I have two Disney stores by me. One of them is the new prototype. I can't stand either one. One of the stores there is never anyone on stage and when there is they don't say high or ask if you need help. The store always looks empty. The newer one same issue but cast members are down right mean. I bought a t-shirt in Texas and when I got home realized I already owned it. I only paid $5 for it. I went to return it and the cast member called the manager and practically accused me of refund fraud because she didn't carry the shirt. After they realized where I purchased it and that I wasn't going to take that kind of treatment they gave me the refund. I also noticed the t-shirts the other day where so thin it was like the kind you buy 3 for $20 at a cheap tourist gift shop. I wore the blue sweater once and loved my job and guests of all ages were appreciated.

I've said it before and I will say it again...Disney is totally missing the boat with their concept. I agree with what you have said above, and I don't think it's just the Disney Stores, but WDW as well. Training is one of Disney's biggest assets...but unfortunately you don't alway see it being upheld. I want to see accountability for their CM's. When I was a DS Cm as well as a WDW Cm, I was held accountable for my actions. It was repeated over and over, on stage vs. off stage...keep your personal life off stage!! On Stage you should be presenting the magic, interacting with the guests and keeping the SHOW alive!!!

Also, I could care less about TDS having "new" technology!!! The original purpose was to bring a bit of the theme parks to a store near you...I'm still waiting for that to come back!

[whitney37354]

Well, I was frustrated the last time I went to the Disney Store at checkout. As I was starting to write my check, the clerk said, 'Just so you know, we no longer accept checks.' I was at the counter, with not enough cash to cover the transaction, so I had to use a credit card. If I hadn't had DD with me and already promised her the dolls as her kindergarten shot treat for being a good patient, I would have left the merchandise on the counter and walked out.

Not everyone uses a credit card for everything. I guess they are preparing for the "Apple" way of doing things: just have the clerk swipe your credit card on a hand-held and get your reciept via e-mail. I wonder what happens at the Apple store if you actually want to pay by cash or check?

Now I have gotten DD used to going to the "Mickey store" on the three or four occasions a year that we go to the mall. If she wasn't addicted, I would stop going all together.

[doconeill]

Well, I was frustrated the last time I went to the Disney Store at checkout. As I was starting to write my check, the clerk said, 'Just so you know, we no longer accept checks.' I was at the counter, with not enough cash to cover the transaction, so I had to use a credit card. If I hadn't had DD with me and already promised her the dolls as her kindergarten shot treat for being a good patient, I would have left the merchandise on the counter and walked out.

Not everyone uses a credit card for everything. I guess they are preparing for the "Apple" way of doing things: just have the clerk swipe your credit card on a hand-held and get your reciept via e-mail. I wonder what happens at the Apple store if you actually want to pay by cash or check?

Now I have gotten DD used to going to the "Mickey store" on the three or four occasions a year that we go to the mall. If she wasn't addicted, I would stop going all together.

I think this is a general trend. Handling checks is complex in comparison, although as far as I know there are no charges in check processing. Debit cards have mostly eliminated the need for check handling as well for those who do not use credit cards.

[TheDisneyGirl02]

Well, I was frustrated the last time I went to the Disney Store at checkout. As I was starting to write my check, the clerk said, 'Just so you know, we no longer accept checks.' I was at the counter, with not enough cash to cover the transaction, so I had to use a credit card. If I hadn't had DD with me and already promised her the dolls as her kindergarten shot treat for being a good patient, I would have left the merchandise on the counter and walked out.

Not everyone uses a credit card for everything. I guess they are preparing for the "Apple" way of doing things: just have the clerk swipe your credit card on a hand-held and get your reciept via e-mail. I wonder what happens at the Apple store if you actually want to pay by cash or check?

Now I have gotten DD used to going to the "Mickey store" on the three or four occasions a year that we go to the mall. If she wasn't addicted, I would stop going all together.

From what I understand, it's more of the "Disney" way to do it. I believe I read somewhere that the parks don't take checks and Disney just wanted the Stores to get in line with other Company procedures. I would say that for every check I could take during one shift, I would have at least 20 cash and credit transactions.

It is posted at the cash register that the stores no longer take checks. I do feel badly when somebody pulls out a check book to write a check, but there is nothing I can do about it.

The views and opinions expressed on this post are mine and don't necessarily represent or reflect those of the Walt Disney Company.

[mitros]

I think this is a general trend. Handling checks is complex in comparison, although as far as I know there are no charges in check processing. Debit cards have mostly eliminated the need for check handling as well for those who do not use credit cards.

We rarely if ever use a check to pay for anything any more unless it is a bill that we pay by mail. The ATM card is a big time saver. In fact, it is extremely agravating when your standing on line,{especially in a super market} and the person in front of you is fiddeling with a check book, digging out 2 forms of ID, and then waiting for the cashier to confirm the check is good. The ATM card really speeds up the process of getting out of a place of business, being a Disney store or any kind of store for that matter.
Of course this is just my opinion. :)

[WDWKOOK]

We rarely if ever use a check to pay for anything any more unless it is a bill that we pay by mail. The ATM card is a big time saver. In fact, it is extremely agravating when your standing on line,{especially in a super market} and the person in front of you is fiddeling with a check book, digging out 2 forms of ID, and then waiting for the cashier to confirm the check is good. The ATM card really speeds up the process of getting out of a place of business, being a Disney store or any kind of store for that matter.
Of course this is just my opinion. :)
Sorry, that's not just your opinion, it's mine, too:thumbsup2

I'm surprised checks are even accepted anymore. Except for my DD11's school-related purchases, I never write any checks anymore. Everything is either automatically withdrawn every month from our checking account or we use the Discover Card everywhere else - love that big (free) "cashback" check once a year:lovestruc:teacher:

[PatMcDuck]

Just wanted to touch on the issue of adult clothes. I do agree that, for a while, the stores did have adult clothing that didn't sell. But I strongly feel as though there was a big reason for it not selling...the selection wasn't all that nice. I'm looking for adult clothing that doesn't make me look like an adult trying to look like a 10 year old girl. Or a T-shirt that isn't so tissue-paper thin that you could see if I have a freckle on my tummy ;). I don't want a shirt with a massive picture of Cinderella's face, or Marie the cat.

I remember that you could buy a nice sweater or button-up shirt/henley that would be OK to wear to work as a nice, casual shirt. But the latest adult clothing was anything but that. I think that's why it simply didn't sell. Whoever was doing the buying for adult clothing didn't know what the demand was, and to the best of my knowledge, Disney made no attempt to learn. But, in all fairness, that is a sad fact that applies to many retailers these days. They just don't know their own customer anymore. JMHO.

OH YES, I agree 100% The adult shirts are largely AWFUL. HUGE head prints of the same characters. I even say, why no Pixar characters on adult shirts?? And the colors are almost always the same too, Tink on green, Eeyore on purple, etc. (Ditto for the coffee mugs). I wear t shirts, so I notice them and it makes me so nuts.

[PatMcDuck]

I have two Disney stores by me. One of them is the new prototype. I can't stand either one. One of the stores there is never anyone on stage and when there is they don't say high or ask if you need help. The store always looks empty. The newer one same issue but cast members are down right mean.


Just to say that NONE of the new concept/prototype Imagination Park stores have opened yet. You must have seen an earlier concept, possibly a Children's Place design or a Temporary Pop In store.

No cast members should be mean, obviously. As for greeting every guest, it is hard nowadays, with hours so limited. Many times there are only 2 onstage and both are on the registers.....

[doconeill]

Interestingly, I saw two different store designs in the past week, neither of which I had seen before. I don't know exactly what the latest concept is so I don't know if one of them was it. I know the one I saw in Salem NH is NOT the new design (the CM confirmed that), but was one they had tried. It was brighter than the typical store.

But the one in Burlington, MA was VERY bright and fairly open. It was wider than the typical store, with white walls and fixtures, and then even to the back it opens out into a second area where the registers are. I got the sense that it might have been a stockroom area before, but then the question is where did the stockroom go...they DID have adult T-shirts at least, although I think the designs at WoD were better than what they offered in the store.

The designs may have been related, but they weren't the same.