Childrens Place to give back Disney Stores!!

[fairygodmother29577]

I truely understand how you feel. We have 2 stores in our area and so far only 1 is on the acquired list. It is very stressful and very sad. I transfered from the retaining store 4 months ago to manage the store I am in now. I opened the store that is on the closing list. It will always be one of my babies. It is hard to see your blood and sweat be gone. We are hopefull this list will be revised, although as you said it will sad for all of us there will be those that have a sigh of relief. I am hoping htat soon after the court date we will have more answers and Disney will give us the vision the store are going to exist on. Well the week end is here and these days go by fast, so it won't be too much longer. Keep your chin up and vent all you need to. That is what we are here for.

 

[remain seated please]

I was once, twice, no...three times a TDS CM. Working for the Disney Store was my "Dream Job" for a long time. I longed for the opportunity to share the Disney "magic" with everyone I came into contact with. I was a hardcore collector and would visit every Disney Store I could whenever I traveled. I also went to Disneyland and WDW every year. I was addicted to Disney for almost 15 years.

I started working at a "flagship" Disney Store, in the gallery department. I was a seasonal CM, who was a Store Manager at another retailer. I did the seasonal thing in 1995 and 1997. Each time I was asked to stay on but could not because of my other "real" job.

Finally, in 1999 I quit my job as a store manager to become an ASM at TDS. My dream job was coming true. Six months into my new position I was promoted to Store Manager. My dream job had finally arrived. I became the proud leader of a family of TDS Castmembers. My extended family included a DM who was not my biggest fan, but a RD who adored me.

My CM's were an interesting bunch. Some who loved spreading "pixie dust", many who overdosed on the stuff, and a couple who knew knew when it was appropriate to use it. The CM's who "overdosed" on the pixie dust were the problem children at my store. The ate, drank, breathed and lived everything Disney. There was a short time when I was like them. But I quickly realized that there was a world outside of TDS.

I left the company on very poor terms. My store was facing certain closure, while nothing was ever announced. My team's morale was dropping and many of them didn't know what they were going to do if they lost their jobs. My store was flooded with CM's from a nearby closed store looking for jobs. The DM and (new) RD told us not to hire any of the "dinosaurs" from the stores. Dinosaurs were known as long-term CM's who were set in their own ways and could not be changed.

What I couldn't understand was how for so many people, Disney was the end-all, be-all of the employment world. Sure, it was my "Dream Job", but even I was a realist. At the end of the day, a Dream Job is no more than a job.

I have read all these posts by current TDS cast members who don't know what they are going to do or if they are going to have a job after this latest transition is done. I am reading about the potential of people "losing their jobs" and am supposed to feel sorry for them or there must be something wrong with me.

It's hard to sympathize with people who have a choice. But believe me when I say that you have many options when it comes to work. As it turned out for me, Disney was far from a "Dream Job". It was just a job. There are many jobs and companies that are much better than Disney. I share this because it is very true. My days of bashing Disney are long over. I have seen TDS struggle for close to ten years, including the seven since I left the company.

It is time for you TDS cast members to think of yourself first and not the mouse. The only thing I can promise you is that when Disney considers which stores to close, they are not thinking "what about the CM's". You are not even a blip on thier radar. This is not meant to sound harsh. It's reality and it's business. The only thing Disney is interested in is money and the bottom line.

Some of you have given years of your lives to that company. For others, it may be the only job you have had. For most of you the biggest perk that you will ever get from working for that company is the ability to put the word "Disney" on your resume. It very well could be the deciding factor in your next job.

So GO FOR IT! You work in retail. There are plenty of jobs out there and as I said earlier, there are many better companies. You may not believe it now, and I will probably be flamed for some of my comments. But the worst part of the "magic" of Disney (or pixie dust, if you will), is the huge amount of denial that comes with it.

If you are a fan of Disney, you can give it a small place in your life. An appropriate place. When your life revolves around Disney, you need to take a look at your priorities and decide what is really important. I promise you that you will then rethink your allegiance to the Mouse.

Good Luck to all of you.

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

I
Some of you have given years of your lives to that company. For others, it may be the only job you have had. For most of you the biggest perk that you will ever get from working for that company is the ability to put the word "Disney" on your resume. It very well could be the deciding factor in your next job.

Good Luck to all of you.

It's funny you say this because it wouldn't have been for my job at TDS, I never would have gotten the full time 'real' job that I have today. It was because of the experience I gained and the guest service skills that I am now a guest services supervisor and the manager of the gift shop at a science center. Without Disney, I wouldn't have my job.

As far as my world revolving around Disney, it truly does. I met my DBF on a Disney dating site, I met some of my best friends while working at WDW, and doing the college program saved me from nearly having a nervous breakdown after a pedestrian car accident I was involved in. If that makes my life pathetic, so be it.

It sounds you like you didn't have the best experience with the stores and it did leave a sour taste in your mouth. Not everybody's stores are that way though. I realize that there are other retail jobs out there, but I'm not working a second job just because I enjoy retail - I work it because it's Disney. If my store closed, I wouldn't get another retail job because I don't really need to.

Although I realize that it is business after all and that upper-management doesn't 'care' about the CMs, my fellow CMs care about each other. If my store closes, although I'll be sad, it will be best for the company and I'll understand.

To me, Disney is much more than just an item on my resume, it's part of my family. It's a place I can go every year (WDW) and forget about my worries. My store was one of the first places I went to after my grandmother passed away (I wasn't working there at the time) because I just needed the Disney magic to help me get through that life-changing event. My Disney family has been together through thick and thin and regardless to what happens, we'll get through this together.

 

[ranidayz]

I was once, twice, no...three times a TDS CM. Working for the Disney Store was my "Dream Job" for a long time. I longed for the opportunity to share the Disney "magic" with everyone I came into contact with. I was a hardcore collector and would visit every Disney Store I could whenever I traveled. I also went to Disneyland and WDW every year. I was addicted to Disney for almost 15 years.

I started working at a "flagship" Disney Store, in the gallery department. I was a seasonal CM, who was a Store Manager at another retailer. I did the seasonal thing in 1995 and 1997. Each time I was asked to stay on but could not because of my other "real" job.

Finally, in 1999 I quit my job as a store manager to become an ASM at TDS. My dream job was coming true. Six months into my new position I was promoted to Store Manager. My dream job had finally arrived. I became the proud leader of a family of TDS Castmembers. My extended family included a DM who was not my biggest fan, but a RD who adored me.

My CM's were an interesting bunch. Some who loved spreading "pixie dust", many who overdosed on the stuff, and a couple who knew knew when it was appropriate to use it. The CM's who "overdosed" on the pixie dust were the problem children at my store. The ate, drank, breathed and lived everything Disney. There was a short time when I was like them. But I quickly realized that there was a world outside of TDS.

I left the company on very poor terms. My store was facing certain closure, while nothing was ever announced. My team's morale was dropping and many of them didn't know what they were going to do if they lost their jobs. My store was flooded with CM's from a nearby closed store looking for jobs. The DM and (new) RD told us not to hire any of the "dinosaurs" from the stores. Dinosaurs were known as long-term CM's who were set in their own ways and could not be changed.

What I couldn't understand was how for so many people, Disney was the end-all, be-all of the employment world. Sure, it was my "Dream Job", but even I was a realist. At the end of the day, a Dream Job is no more than a job.

I have read all these posts by current TDS cast members who don't know what they are going to do or if they are going to have a job after this latest transition is done. I am reading about the potential of people "losing their jobs" and am supposed to feel sorry for them or there must be something wrong with me.

It's hard to sympathize with people who have a choice. But believe me when I say that you have many options when it comes to work. As it turned out for me, Disney was far from a "Dream Job". It was just a job. There are many jobs and companies that are much better than Disney. I share this because it is very true. My days of bashing Disney are long over. I have seen TDS struggle for close to ten years, including the seven since I left the company.

It is time for you TDS cast members to think of yourself first and not the mouse. The only thing I can promise you is that when Disney considers which stores to close, they are not thinking "what about the CM's". You are not even a blip on thier radar. This is not meant to sound harsh. It's reality and it's business. The only thing Disney is interested in is money and the bottom line.

Some of you have given years of your lives to that company. For others, it may be the only job you have had. For most of you the biggest perk that you will ever get from working for that company is the ability to put the word "Disney" on your resume. It very well could be the deciding factor in your next job.

So GO FOR IT! You work in retail. There are plenty of jobs out there and as I said earlier, there are many better companies. You may not believe it now, and I will probably be flamed for some of my comments. But the worst part of the "magic" of Disney (or pixie dust, if you will), is the huge amount of denial that comes with it.

If you are a fan of Disney, you can give it a small place in your life. An appropriate place. When your life revolves around Disney, you need to take a look at your priorities and decide what is really important. I promise you that you will then rethink your allegiance to the Mouse.

Good Luck to all of you.

Ah - you speak with the voice of someone who's flown the coop of Neverland......you grew up. While that may be your experience, allow those still residing there and enjoying their eternal youth to feel the way they feel. No one likes to be fired, relocated, left hanging or turned away - dream job or not. Reality has no choice but to drift in if true financial need is the motivation.

As someone who recently found my shadow again, I can attest as a very loyal disney customer that there is a very special joy to being a grown-up with child-like jubiliation.

You're right that a job is just a job -- but a passion that includes a job is a career --- and that is what the CMs are starting to mourn.

 

[MICKEY'SWORLD]

I always stop in at the Northwoods store when I'm in town. I live in the Quad Cities but am originally from the Peoria area and still have family there. I absolutely refuse to give the store in Davenport any of my money. I still have very hard feelings about the manager there (she came in after TCP purchase) and how I was treated when I was a CM.

Well i must disagree with you on the Davenport store. I think this store has never run better. The problem with "some" and I do mean "some" of the older cast members is...they cant except change. the cast members that work there now have a great passion for thier job and do there best to keep things as fun as when disney owned the stores...they are not there for the perks...they are there for the guest, and by far I have developed a great relationship to those gals and one special "grampa" who really makes our day! the cast members that were there before tcp and have stayed on at that store have been able to except change and the new friends at the store!! ;o)

 

[remain seated please]

It's funny you say this because it wouldn't have been for my job at TDS, I never would have gotten the full time 'real' job that I have today. It was because of the experience I gained and the guest service skills that I am now a guest services supervisor and the manager of the gift shop at a science center. Without Disney, I wouldn't have my job.

As far as my world revolving around Disney, it truly does. I met my DBF on a Disney dating site, I met some of my best friends while working at WDW, and doing the college program saved me from nearly having a nervous breakdown after a pedestrian car accident I was involved in. If that makes my life pathetic, so be it.

It sounds you like you didn't have the best experience with the stores and it did leave a sour taste in your mouth. Not everybody's stores are that way though. I realize that there are other retail jobs out there, but I'm not working a second job just because I enjoy retail - I work it because it's Disney. If my store closed, I wouldn't get another retail job because I don't really need to.

Although I realize that it is business after all and that upper-management doesn't 'care' about the CMs, my fellow CMs care about each other. If my store closes, although I'll be sad, it will be best for the company and I'll understand.

To me, Disney is much more than just an item on my resume, it's part of my family. It's a place I can go every year (WDW) and forget about my worries. My store was one of the first places I went to after my grandmother passed away (I wasn't working there at the time) because I just needed the Disney magic to help me get through that life-changing event. My Disney family has been together through thick and thin and regardless to what happens, we'll get through this together.

You are definately NOT pathetic. Disney is a source of comfort for many. It was that for me for a very long time. When I was down, Disney picked me up. I am very happy that I had Disney in my life for many years.

The job did leave a bad taste in my mouth. Fortunately that all ended in 2001 and I did not have to watch my store close. Nor did I have to go through the transition to TCP. My store was one of the original Disney Stores. It had a lot of history and it was a destination for locals, out-of-towners and tourists alike.

Today I have outgrown my adoration for "all things Disney". It just didn't fit in my life anymore. I found happiness with my partner and my own business. Where I used to go to Disneyland several times a year, it has now been several years since I have been there. I will always love the parks, but just don't feel the need to visit them anymore. I used to see the new movies on opening day in the theaters. The last Disney film I saw was "Fantasia 2000".
I used to have a Disney collection worth over $50,000. Much of that was sold on ebay and in private sales, or given away to friends or charity. What I have left sits in a storage unit, waiting for the day that I find them a new home.

My point is that I am living proof that there is life after Disney. When my life revolved around Disney, there was nothing else. My friends, family and co-workers (except CM's) thought I was a bit childish. That I was living in a dreamworld. And I guess I was both. Today I am a happier and better person than I was back then. I am not bitter towards Disney in any way, shape or form. I found my closure years ago. I just moved on.

 

[Family Fun Mom]

You are definately NOT pathetic. Disney is a source of comfort for many. It was that for me for a very long time. When I was down, Disney picked me up. I am very happy that I had Disney in my life for many years.

The job did leave a bad taste in my mouth. Fortunately that all ended in 2001 and I did not have to watch my store close. Nor did I have to go through the transition to TCP. My store was one of the original Disney Stores. It had a lot of history and it was a destination for locals, out-of-towners and tourists alike.

Today I have outgrown my adoration for "all things Disney". It just didn't fit in my life anymore. I found happiness with my partner and my own business. Where I used to go to Disneyland several times a year, it has now been several years since I have been there. I will always love the parks, but just don't feel the need to visit them anymore. I used to see the new movies on opening day in the theaters. The last Disney film I saw was "Fantasia 2000".
I used to have a Disney collection worth over $50,000. Much of that was sold on ebay and in private sales, or given away to friends or charity. What I have left sits in a storage unit, waiting for the day that I find them a new home.

My point is that I am living proof that there is life after Disney. When my life revolved around Disney, there was nothing else. My friends, family and co-workers (except CM's) thought I was a bit childish. That I was living in a dreamworld. And I guess I was both. Today I am a happier and better person than I was back then. I am not bitter towards Disney in any way, shape or form. I found my closure years ago. I just moved on.

If you are so over Disney, why are you here, posting on a Disney message board?

 

[Mickey&Donald]

You are definately NOT pathetic. Disney is a source of comfort for many. It was that for me for a very long time. When I was down, Disney picked me up. I am very happy that I had Disney in my life for many years.

The job did leave a bad taste in my mouth. Fortunately that all ended in 2001 and I did not have to watch my store close. Nor did I have to go through the transition to TCP. My store was one of the original Disney Stores. It had a lot of history and it was a destination for locals, out-of-towners and tourists alike.

Today I have outgrown my adoration for "all things Disney". It just didn't fit in my life anymore. I found happiness with my partner and my own business. Where I used to go to Disneyland several times a year, it has now been several years since I have been there. I will always love the parks, but just don't feel the need to visit them anymore. I used to see the new movies on opening day in the theaters. The last Disney film I saw was "Fantasia 2000".
I used to have a Disney collection worth over $50,000. Much of that was sold on ebay and in private sales, or given away to friends or charity. What I have left sits in a storage unit, waiting for the day that I find them a new home.

My point is that I am living proof that there is life after Disney. When my life revolved around Disney, there was nothing else. My friends, family and co-workers (except CM's) thought I was a bit childish. That I was living in a dreamworld. And I guess I was both. Today I am a happier and better person than I was back then. I am not bitter towards Disney in any way, shape or form. I found my closure years ago. I just moved on.

I don't think this has so much to do with Disney, but rather an addictive personality. At one time, you ate, breathed and slept Disney, spent insane amounts of money on it and let it take over your life. Now, you've rid yourself completely of anything bearing a resemblance to Disney, even to go so far as not ever visiting the parks again.

To be frank, I'm not sure what the point was of sharing your story on this thread. Most of us current CMs are of course mourning the potential loss of our physical stores -- losing ones job is never a fun thing -- but we're moreso thinking about missing the relationships we've developed with other CMs, about the passion that so many of us pour into our work each day, and of course, that little bit of pixie dust that most retail employees never see at their jobs. I can tell you with confidence that I will not be going to any other retailer should my store close. I interviewed with a major, high-end retailer recently and it felt so cold. I understand that business, and especially retail, is all about the bottom line, and obviously I understand that includes Disney. However, no other retail job encourages its employees to spread a little bit of magic to their guests, who in turn spread that magic back to us. It's a great feeling to know you've made that person's day a little brighter. I try to treat strangers on the street with the same attitude, and it always has a positive result. If that makes me a Disney Freak, so be it.

I'm sorry your experience with Disney left such a bad taste in your mouth. There is already so much negativity floating around with this upcoming transition, it's really unnecessary to come in here and attempt to spread more poison.

 

[KerryCM]

Mickey&Donald, you said exactly what i was thinking. I started at my store when we opened. I was a PT CM, I was teacher also. When I retired early from teaching I continued as a CM. I did this because of the cast, the guests and I was having fun. Disney does not rule my life, but enhances it. I love the fact that my grandchildren enjoy so many aspects of disney. I love my "girls" only trips I take with friends. I may go get another part time job if and I may not.

 

[fairygodmother29577]

Whew that is alot to say and you were right you wre going to take a hit on it. But this is how I see it, I love my job with Disney and yes there are other jobs, I know this because I left one to come here. With the other retailer I worked for, they too closed a few store while I was with them. One store they closed was the store I started out in. It was very hard for me to walk into that store after it was made into a Club Libby Lu's. Somtimes it is all about the people you work, the memories that are created, the guest or customers you serviced. I can tell you that I am not thrilled wth the thoughts of going out and interviewing for jobs again (that ranks right up there with getting a tooth pulled). So is there life after Disney, Yes, do we care to go and find it? Not really. I enjoy going to work and being able to be a bit silly with the kids, it sure beats being in seroius job. I smile and have fun, it give me an excuse to play with bubbles or a remote control dog. After all, if I did this at home all the time I just might have to agree something was wrong with maybe, to be truthful I couldn't find the time in my day to play with bubbles but at work I can. Now you tell me how awsome is that. Well we survive of course but for now I am happy to leave on my glass slippers and stay in Fantsyland..

 

[remain seated please]

I don't think this has so much to do with Disney, but rather an addictive personality. At one time, you ate, breathed and slept Disney, spent insane amounts of money on it and let it take over your life. Now, you've rid yourself completely of anything bearing a resemblance to Disney, even to go so far as not ever visiting the parks again.

To be frank, I'm not sure what the point was of sharing your story on this thread.

I'm sorry your experience with Disney left such a bad taste in your mouth. There is already so much negativity floating around with this upcoming transition, it's really unnecessary to come in here and attempt to spread more poison.

If you are so over Disney, why are you here, posting on a Disney message board?

This feels so familiar. Kind of like one of those bad, direct to DVD animated sequels that Disney is famous for. It's the same story, with different characters. There's no need to add fuel to the fire by dignifying these attacks with any type of direct response.

I shared my story so that others will realize that there is hope. I understand that some of you need a place to vent. My feedback was not meant to be critical of any current CM's, but rather supportive. I don't feel the need to join the choir of voices that question the whats and whys.

This is a hot button issue on these boards. It was a hot button issue when TDS was in trouble before, when it was up for sale and nobody bought it, and during and since the TCP transition. But then again, anytime somebody shares an opposing viewpoint on these boards, it seem to turn that topic into a hot button issue.

I wish people could see Disney from all sides instead of just one. I guess there's a reason why they call it Fantasyland.

Very Sad

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

I shared my story so that others will realize that there is hope. I understand that some of you need a place to vent. My feedback was not meant to be critical of any current CM's, but rather supportive. I don't feel the need to join the choir of voices that question the whats and whys.

I wish people could see Disney from all sides instead of just one. I guess there's a reason why they call it Fantasyland.

Very Sad

I mean no offense when I say this, but I didn't take your story to mean hope for current CMs, I took it as somebody who parted ways with Disney and is still disgruntled by it. Of course, that is only my opinion.

I've seen Disney from all sides, trust me. I've work for the stores and I've worked down at WDW and I've seen things that aren't fair and how they are handled. However, I believe in the original dream that Walt set forth for his CMs and that is what carries me even when the Disney days maybe dark. To me, my hope is Disney. It maybe a Fantasyland, but I really do like it here and I'm not planning on going anywhere any time soon.

 

[Mickey&Donald]

Very Sad

Yes, I can see now that you're just trying to be supportive. How silly of me to miss it before.

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

Yes, I can see now that you're just trying to be supportive. How silly of me to miss it before.

 

[The1MamaBuch]

A Few comments from a confirmed Disneyaholic. I don't know about the other stores, however, in Memphis, the store has become a girls store for the most part. I have 2 girls, however, I believe that they shouldn't get 1/2 of the store! There are no stuffed animals to mention, no art, no housewares, no t-shirts for my youngest - a Boy, no collectibles, nada. A bunch of fairy, Hannah Montana, and High School Musical stuff, and that's about it! I'm looking VERY forward to Disney doing their thing and making the store magical again!!! I used to love walking in there, and my daughter still has the life size PLUS Winnie the Pooh to prove it!!!

Julie

 

[fairygodmother29577]

Well time will tell how Disney is going to run to the stores. From my understandings it to promote their brands, Pirates, Hannah Montana, High School Musical etc.

Does the line favor girls? Yes, it mostly what we sell, although I have just as much Meal time Fun for boys right as I do girls. As for collectible except for snowglobe we really don't carry much boy or girls. I have been told that we be getting HSM merchandise for boys too. And don;t forget the new line they are just starting to work with Phines and Pherb. Art collection we have 2 girl and 2 boys prints. Who knows what the future brings, I myself as a consumer of Disney products am happy to see the changes that have taken place from the time TCP took over, the selection has improved in the last 2 years. We have more adult merchandise, more adult hardlines. I only hope that as consumers, all of the guests out there will shop the new Disney stores, it may be what keeps us around for a long time. For me it is mot only a job, but a great place to receive a little Disney fix..

 

[remain seated please]

I'm looking VERY forward to Disney doing their thing and making the store magical again!!! I used to love walking in there, and my daughter still has the life size PLUS Winnie the Pooh to prove it!!!

Unfortunately what you are looking VERY forward to will not happen. The Children's Place has gotten the blame for many things. Most of that blame has been misplaced. It's a typical case of denial where Disney is concerned. Here's what you should know.

All of the things that you used to look forward to seeing in the Disney Stores were removed long before Children's Place took over. Housewares, Collectibles, Adult Clothing, etc. were taken out of the stores and carried by the Disney Catalog. Basically, Disney itself took away the "magic" that you were referring to. But there are reasons for this.

Boys hardlines do not sell in nearly the numbers as girls. This is a basic fact, and there is not a current TDS castmember on these boards who can argue this point AND back it up with numbers. Every time Disney tried to expand the boys merchandise, it failed. Toy Story is the one major exception. And of course I'm sure the pirate fad caught on. But stuff like Peter Pan, Hook, Tarzan, etc. have never been good sellers.

Now the girls departments have always been the highest selling areas in Disney Stores. From clothing and costumes to accessories and toys. Girls merchandise (led by the Princess line) is what has kept the stores afloat, thus the reason why they represent such a large part of the selection.

Adult items have suffered along with boys stuff. I've never really understood why. Disney always did a pretty good job with the adult stuff. And it seems obvious to me that more adults wear Disney clothing than kids. Plus it costs more. It seems like having adult merchandise would be a no brainer, but if adults are buying their stuff at the theme parks or other retailers, it makes sense not to carry it at TDS.

Back to the blaming that some have made with respect to The Children's Place. That company took over a chain of stores (TDS) that should have been shut down years ago. Disney tried selling the stores for over a year and nobody was interested. TCP was the best option available to Disney at the time. I am pretty sure that Disney Consumer Products is not very happy at the prospect of being stuck with these stores (although fewer) again.

It is possible that TCP bit off more than they could choose with this deal. And it is obvious that the Disney Stores hurt TCP in a big way. With all of the licensing that Disney has done (which contributed to the demise of the stores in the first place) I don't see how Disney can re-invent these stores to make them profitable. I would expect to see stores phased out as thier leases expire.

Possibly Disney will hand over some of these store to the parks division and convert them into WOD stores. I have suggested this option for years. But if this happens, it should (and would) only be in major population/tourist centers, which will mean an end to the mall stores and an overdue end to The Disney Store.

 

[dis24242]

I agree with your statement. When TDS when pure retail we lost lots of the Magic. We went from a unique store to a cheap kids store.

We lost

1. Collectables
2. Adult wear
3. Disney Store Trivia

We gained
1. Best in Plush
2. Cheap kids toys
3. The Biz Quiz

If the stores go back to 1993 standards - GREAT
If the stores go back to 2004 standards - might as well close em all now

 

[ranidayz]

I agree with your statement. When TDS when pure retail we lost lots of the Magic. We went from a unique store to a cheap kids store.

We lost

1. Collectables
2. Adult wear
3. Disney Store Trivia

We gained
1. Best in Plush
2. Cheap kids toys
3. The Biz Quiz

If the stores go back to 1993 standards - GREAT
If the stores go back to 2004 standards - might as well close em all now

All right - so I understand there are many more hard core Disney fans than I am on this board -- but I had to respond to this.

I grew up on the West Coast and went to DisneyLand frequently - had a great time. Moved to the East Coast - took my kids to Disney World - got one little souvenir because the parks are seriously sooo expensive. That was all they had from Disney....except for when I bough a Disney Poster Book at Borders for $1 and framed each page.

We would walk by the Disney Store in the mall and want to go in, but it was so prohibitively expensive....maybe I got each of them one shirt.

Then came my daughter who is now four. DisneyStore has been under TCP since she was born. This girl has been ensconced in Disney from birth because it was accessible to us and affordable. She loves Minnie so much that she tries to get people to call her Minnie. She stops by just to say hi to Sorcerer Mickey. Our wonderful Gaithersburg Cast Members know us when we come in and make us feel welcome. So between the store and our March cruise -- my daughter's life is filled with Disney Magic.

Not one of her toys has broken. Not one of her tops, nightgowns, jeans or anything else we've gotten from there has broken. Of course, the kitchen timer I ordered from the site doesn't work...but it's shaped like Mickey, so it stays.

If the goal of going back to 1993 standards is to make everything so expensive that most people can't spread the happiness to their children -- I'm totally against it. If the goal is to increase the feeling of magic when you can't be at the parks or on a cruise -- go for it, but keep the prices for the common man.

By the way, as much as my daughter lives Disney and talks about the cruise every day -- she absolutely couldn't stand WDW because it was too scary -- and she's fearless. So let us have our local magic.....

 

[remain seated please]

In light of the discussion that has been taking place on this thread, I wanted to take a trip to one of the Disney Stores in my area. I live in the Bay Area and the last area store I visited was the Post Street Store in Downtown San Francisco. This was last September, so I was overdue for a visit.

This morning I dropped by the Disney Store at Newpark Mall in Newark, CA. I went into this visit openminded. I didn't really know what to expect, but I kept my expectations very low. I figured that if I had normal Disney expectations, I would be let down. I think this was a good strategy going in.

My first impression was that the entire store was very well stocked. Most shelves, displays and clothing racks had a abundance of merchandise available. There was a 40% off sale going on. I guess sales have become the norm at TDS. Every fixture had at least one black sign with white lettering. Several other fixtures had larger red signs promoting the sale.

A signifigant portion of the merchandise in the store was heavily geared towards girls. From tons of princess stuff to an entire wall of HSM and a section dedicated to summer fun. The assortment of girls toys, accessories, dolls, plush, etc. was obviously the main focus of the store.

Plush was also fairly well represented. The plush "fountain" was small than I remembered, but maybe my memory is not the same. (The store that I used to manage had a plush "pier"). There was other plush on different fixtures, endcaps, etc. There were also many MBBP, although the quality had obviously gone way down, while the price went up.

There was a fixture dedicated to garden supplies with a Snow White theme, a wall bay with snowglobes (another merchandise group that has suffered in quality), and another fixture with kitchen wares (mostly plates). The usual mugs, souviners, DVD's and other small items were present.

The store had a small selection of boys and adult items. The boys was mainly cars related toys and some lingering pirates stuff. Adult items were made-up of mostly sleepware and occupied three wall bays near the back of the store.

The video screen was working and the sound system and lighting were adequate.

From a merchandise standpoint, I'd give this store a B-. It was about what I expected. Infact, with the exception of the missing collectibles, I'd say the selection was exactly the same as when I managed a Disney Store nine years ago.

Where this store lost points with me is in staffing and cleanliness. I arrived at this store shortly after 11am. The store had been open since 10. The floor had obviously not been vaccumed the night before or earlier in the morning. There was debris all over the floor. And the dust and junk along the bottom of the fixtures was an obvious indication that no deep cleaning had been performed in months.

The cashwrap was disorganized. There were several shipment boxes on the counter and a Starbucks cup on the counter behind the registers. The Mickey Mouse tile entrance had not been swept and it was heavily stained.

Now for the biggest surprise of my visit. Even with my lowered expectations, I was not prepared for my observations of the employees. I observed 2 employees at the store. 1 was working on the floor and the other had just arrived and made her way to the back. The gentleman who was working was probably in his early twenties. An asian guy with spiked hair and a small beard.

This guy was wearing a plain, black t-shirt (oversized) with black athletic pants (the really thin, baggy ones) and black and white tennis shoes. There was no name tag, no promotional clothing and no uniform of any kind. This guy was not helping any customers unless they walked to the cashwrap and asked him how to find something. He would then point and describe where they could find the item on the other side of the store.

Another customer asked the guy if they had a particular size and he said he could not go into the back room because he was the only one working.

Because the Disney "Magic" is supposed to be such an important part of a person's experience at a Disney Store, I'd have to give this visit a D-. According to the many comments posted on this very thread, it's the employees who spread the magic. Not at this store. And I should point out that in the last several years I have visited stores in several cities and states, and have yet to find the "magic" that is described in threads like these (or for that matter the "magic" that used to exist in Disney Stores).

All this being said, not much has changed at The Disney Store over the years, except perhaps for the quality of the employees.