Disney Store closings?

[Kaler131]

I love the way The Disney Store used to be !

Me too! I used to be a Disney Store Cast Member years ago. I was offered a job there about a year ago and I turned it down....it's just not the same place anymore!

 

[Pixeldust Fairy]

I just came back from our Disney Store. There was a big sign that said they were closing. Im really sad. I know that since the Childrens Place took over it hasn't been the best, but it still gave me a happy feeling to go in there and feel like I was a little closer to WDW. It will be missed. By me anyway

 

[Launchpad11B]

Me and cocowum were at the World of Disney store on 5th ave, NYC yesterday. It was awesome. Our Disney store at the mall is usually pretty disappointing, nothing to buy except an occasional coffee mug.The 5th ave store was just like the WOD store at down town Disney but with a NYC twist. Lots of art and clothing and a real Disney feel. Before we went, we took DD to the American museum of natural history at central park west, but preferred the World of Disney store big time! How sick is that?!

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

The Disney Store at our local mall is really small too. They very rarely have anything suitable for us to buy...mainly just plastic princess stuff.

 

[LMCT88]

 

[Nikisha421]

it now is all clear to me Disney doesnt even own the Disney Store any more. So who owns Disneyshopping. com is that Disney or Childrens Place?

 

[LMCT88]

I think disneystore.com is owned by children's place as that stuff is the stuff sold in the stores. As far as disneyshopping.com I think that may be owned by disney.

 

[Brian_WDW74]

it now is all clear to me Disney doesnt even own the Disney Store any more. So who owns Disneyshopping. com is that Disney or Childrens Place?

That's owned by Disney. But they integrated Disney Store products (and disneystore.com) into it last year.

Unlike other posters here, I'm not that down on the Disney Store. Sure, it's not as good as when Disney owned it. And there was a long period where the quality really went downhill, but it's starting to get better. Disney is forcing Children's Place to refurbish the stores and stock better merchandise. For the longest time last year it was the only place to get Ratatouille and Enchanted merchandise. And I think that the Oswald merchandise it's selling now is terrific!

 

[imadisneynut]

I was in one of the store in connecticut and was talking to one of there cast members. I asked her why they don't sell a lot of adult clothing. she told me they were going to start selling more adult clothing. I also told here they sell way to much princess stuff. I think 3/4 of the store was princess stuff. don't tell my daughter I said that she will kill me. But even for boys they don't have to much they have some pirate stuff, toy story, and power rangers. I told the cast member that they should change the name of the store to The Princess Store. just my 2 cents

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Just a quick question for those of you with young boys -- are the Power Rangers even popular anymore? My son is a teenager and I'm always surprised to see they are still selling P.R. merchandise in the stores.

 

[shmedly123]

Sadly the Disney Store in The Burlington Mall in Burlington Massachusetts will be closing there doors on March 5, 2008. I(Also just wanted to add that the Disney Store in New York is owned by Disney), while the others are owned by the children's place. It's sad to see the one in Burlington go, everytime I have gone in there, they were very friendly and helpful. I know a few people have called the Mall itself to find out the reason, but haven't gotten a reason why, they believe it's because the mall is trying to go more upscale. It's sad because at least is was a place for the kids to go. I wonder if the mall would keep them if they customers complained or expressed how much they will be missed. Just a thought

that is sad...I was just at rainforest cafe across the hall last week to meet my wife and kids for lunch and at that time there was no indication it was closing as my wife went in to buy a couple things for our DDs upcoming trip.

 

[Chris]

Sadly the Disney Store in The Burlington Mall in Burlington Massachusetts will be closing there doors on March 5, 2008. I(Also just wanted to add that the Disney Store in New York is owned by Disney), while the others are owned by the children's place. It's sad to see the one in Burlington go, everytime I have gone in there, they were very friendly and helpful. I know a few people have called the Mall itself to find out the reason, but haven't gotten a reason why, they believe it's because the mall is trying to go more upscale. It's sad because at least is was a place for the kids to go. I wonder if the mall would keep them if they customers complained or expressed how much they will be missed. Just a thought

OH NO! I didn't know this one was closing. I'm there quite often. I know 1/2 of the staff. that's just sad.

 

[sandyh67]

We have just one DS left in Rochester (NY) about 25 miles from where we live. I see what everyone is saying, but still find if there is a good sale I end up coming out with bags. Their t-shirt sales are good, but I do find it difficult to find women's sizes, mostly kids and men's.
Last year mid-summer they had a great sale on kids bathingsuits, like $7 and I do find there's to hold up better than target/ walmart disney suits.
Really I am just a sucker for anything disney, and for sales so combine the two and I am done!

 

[LMCT88]

It is sad they are closing. I wonder why, it seems to be a busy store. The sad thing is that it was really the only place to take the kiddies in the mall, (that was really kid friendly). I know there is build a bear and lego, but the kids always seemed to enjoy going in there, I wonder if the mall would know the reason. I overheard people talking so there was alot of speculation, not sure if it was the mall wanting the space or what. Just seems really odd. I know some people were say to call the mall itself, but I doubt they will have an answer, or an honest explanation, seems that mall is going very up end, with nordstroms and the other stores. It's just too bad.

 

[boomhauer]

Sadly the Disney Store in The Burlington Mall in Burlington Massachusetts will be closing there doors on March 5, 2008. I(Also just wanted to add that the Disney Store in New York is owned by Disney), while the others are owned by the children's place. It's sad to see the one in Burlington go, everytime I have gone in there, they were very friendly and helpful. I know a few people have called the Mall itself to find out the reason, but haven't gotten a reason why, they believe it's because the mall is trying to go more upscale. It's sad because at least is was a place for the kids to go. I wonder if the mall would keep them if they customers complained or expressed how much they will be missed. Just a thought

That's awful. We go to that mall every other weekend. The Disney Store is right across the hall from the Rainforest Cafe. It always gives us a "in Disney" feeling to eat at Rainforest and see Disney right outside.

 

[LMCT88]

Just heard from a friend they don't know the reason there leaving, she said she heard someone talking to about it at the customer service desk and the they had no comment. (wonder why), maybe it has to do with the high end stores, and they may not think Disney is high end enough, its sad because there are alot of spaces that are empty in the mall. It's just sad to think that the mall may become less kid friendly. I often wonder how you could save a store from closing, with all the technology out there today. You would think they would want there customers opinions.

 

[snowbunny]

I wonder if the mall would keep them if they customers complained or expressed how much they will be missed.

I would think it has nothing to do with the mall management, rather TCS is closing stores that lose money. I have not been into the one in our mall in years. TCS changed the decoration from the old store, made it very bright pink and cheap looking and sells nothing interesting.

 

[LMCT88]

Sorry to hear your store is horrible, the one in Burlington isn't pink (as it hadn't been redone over yet). Also the stuff I didn't find to be that bad of quality considering what you would pay to get some of the same exact merchandise in Disney itself. (As I have had to return stuff from my Disney trips and it was almost the exact same item that I purchased there that they had in the store), not to say there isn't some stuff that isn't for me. I just think its sad to see a kid friendly place go. I understand that it all has to do with business, but its still a shame. Also having been to that mall and seeing the recent businesses going in there, it reminds me more of the upscale mall, it is nothing like it was over 5 years ago. I guess time are changing.

 

[quietgirll]

I was under the impression that TDS has been undergoing a modest upturn with the opening of new Disney Outlet Stores around the country. We just got a new Disney Outlet here in Charlotte, NC. I know at least 1 or 2 opened in Atlanta, and there have been other new stores opening in other markets as well. I have also noticed more adult clothes in the stores lately, and a decrease in the amount of cheap toys dominating the stores' display area. The Children's Place seems to be trying to diversify the product mix at least a little bit.

really???? where is the disney outlet in charlotte??? *runs off to investigate*

 

[DisneyDeeva]

I worked at The Disney Store before, during and after the transition to Hoop Retail Group. We were lucky enough to have a District Manager willing to share information about the negotiations with us.

First, while The Disney Stores are owned by Hoop Retail (also owners of The Children's Place), the World of Disney Stores are still owned by Disney. That's why the HUGE difference in the mix and quality of merchandise.

Also, as part of their agreement, Hoop decides on the mix of merchandise, based on what their corporate direction is and what they think will sell. But, included in the licensing part of the agreement is a clause that requires Hoop to provide symbiotic support to Disney vehicles. i.e. they were required to carry a specific amount of Enchanted merchandise before, during and after the movie's release.

Hoop has dabbled in items for adults, the home, collectibles. But, without much success. Since the stores have not carried these items for quite some time, there isn't much of a market for these lines. Without advertising, no one knows they are there (plus, on the stage sets, they tend to be towards the back and to the side of the stores - not exactly prime placement). Usually, these lines have to be sold on clearance at very little margin or at a loss. I would be SHOCKED if they expanded these lines further.

Remember, that kids cr** has a VERY high profit margin. It can be made for pennies on the dollar and is often sold at retail or a slight discount. Hoop Retail's expertise is in children's soft lines. Thus, you will always see clothing prominently displayed at the front of the store...with toys and accessories sprinkled in for good measure.

Finally, when Hoop took over the stores, they issued a statement that they would NOT be closing any more stores - in fact they planned to open over a hundred new stores within five years after the purchase. That was important because, before Eisner stepped down, in an effort to make the stores more attractive to a potential buyer (they had been for sale for almost two years before Hoop Retail bit) a few hundred of the less profitable stores were closed. Ours in Davenport is the very last store in the entire state of Iowa. The fact that Hoop has begun closing stores after only a few short years is a VERY bad sign.

There have been recent rumors cropping up that Disney has been disappointed in how the stores are perceived since the takeover. To the general public who are not obsessed with all things Disney, the stores are still Disney. They sense that something is "different" but cant put their finger on what that is. I'm hearing that Disney has been reviewing the terms of their agreement with Hoop Retail. What that means - I have no idea.

All but one of our TDS CMs quit after our store got a new manager. She came from Gymboree and does NOT embody the Disney Magic - can you spell B****? Not the store is staffed by kids with facial piercings, wacky makeup, multi-colored hair, etc. They definately don't meet the Disney dress code! I've heard language come out of their mouths that made me want to find a bar of soap.

We're all praying that the rumors have some basis in fact and they Disney decides to buy back the stores that remain open. Hey, we can dream...can't we?

OK - I admit it, this topic is very near and dear to my heart. The TDS CMs became like family to me. We shared a passion for all things Disney and supported each other through good times and bad.