Disney Store to Unveil Times Square Location in Fall 2010

[ILuvDVC2]

From Display & Design Ideas Website:

January 05, 2010

The Disney Store retail chain, which is owned and operated in the United States by Disney Store USA LLC, will transform an expansive retail space in the heart of New York’s Times Square into a state-of-the-art, interactive retail destination set to open in fall 2010. The lease, signed with Vornado Realty Trust, negotiated by RCS Real Estate Advisors and brokered by SRS Real Estate Partners, secured the location at 1540 Broadway, between 45th and 46th streets. Inspired by Walt Disney’s legacy of creativity and innovation, the new Disney Store will celebrate Disney’s longstanding history with New York. The store will incorporate technologically advanced displays, including an interactive Disney Princess castle to serve as one of many magical centerpieces at the new Times Square location. An all-new children’s theater will feature the latest Disney entertainment, classic animation and continue Disney’s tradition of storytelling. The newly designed Disney Store will facilitate interactive play and imagination, host children’s activities, special events and celebrity appearances. Over the next five years, Disney Store plans to strategically balance its retail portfolio, enter new markets, and transform more than 300 locations across the United States and Europe to feature the new design.

"Bringing Disney Store to the center of Times Square is a monumental achievement, and we have created a retail experience that complements the energy and innovation that Times Square inspires,” said Jim Fielding, president of Disney Stores Worldwide. “We’re focused on reinvigorating retail and providing a unique shopping destination to millions of families from all over the world who travel to New York for a magical experience.”

 

[majortom1981]

I cant wait. A theater and everything. I live a 45 mi ntrain ride from manhattan and visited the world of disney store every chance i got.I knew they would replace the world of disney store.

As long there is adult merchandise there i will be happy. This store will be packed all the time. The world of disney store on 5th avenue had lines just to get in . Imagine this one being in the heart of times square.

 

[crazy4wdw]

More Info from Business Tech:

January 5, 2010 10:50 AM PST
Disney opening 'magical' Times Square store
by Lance Whitney

Disney is going theme park with its new Times Square retail store.

Perhaps trying to emulate the retail magic of Apple stores, Mickey Mouse & Co. will be transforming an old retail space in New York's Times Square into an interactive store with theme park attractions and children's exhibits.

Hoping to attract young consumers and their parents, the store will conjure up an interactive princess castle and a kids' theater offering animation and storytelling for the younger crowd. Also on display will be specific activities for kids, special events, and even celebrity guest appearances timed with major Disney film releases.

Much of the credit for the new store design, according to an October New York Times article, can actually be given to Apple CEO Steve Jobs, who joined Disney's board in 2006, after the company bought Pixar Animation Studios. Just as he pushed for a certain design for the Apple stores, Jobs reportedly convinced Disney to fashion its own stores on a grand scale.

Jobs shared with Disney executives detailed information about the setup of the Apple stores and took them on a tour of Apple's research operations, the Times reported. Jobs also urged the company to first create a prototype store to work out any bugs, an effort that paid off by helping Disney build the right atmosphere and philosophy for the stores.

"Bringing Disney store to the center of Times Square is a monumental achievement, and we have created a retail experience that complements the energy and innovation that Times Square inspires," Jim Fielding, president of Disney Stores Worldwide, said in a statement.

The new store, located at 1540 Broadway, the former home of a large Virgin Records store, will be Disney's second major New York venture. In the 1990s, the company helped change the look and feel of New York's well-known and once-run-down 42nd Street district by renovating the New Amsterdam Theatre into a new Disney theater with live productions.

With the store scheduled to open in the fall of this year, renovations should begin soon. Disney is already planning to apply this magic touch to more than 300 other outlets around the United States and Europe over the next five years.

 

[lpizzuro123]

Oh I hope this is so. We were at the World of Disney on 5th Avenue a few days before it closed and it was so depressing. I used to go to this store all the time (and the regular Disney store that was there before WOD). I really need my Disney fix so can't wait to see the new store.

Linda

 

[PhantomVirus]

Pins - please carry pins...........LE's and not the open rack nonsense ;-)

 

[NYUBwayBaby]

I'm so excited for this.I tend to get student rush tickets a few hours before a show, so I'll probably use this as my pre-theater hangout, since the Virgin megastore is gone.

 

[I<3stitch626]

Pins - please carry pins...........LE's and not the open rack nonsense ;-)

Can't wait!!! I was upset when i heard the 3 story store was closing shop but this sounds like it's going to be even better!