Disney Store Update

[Sarangel]

I found the following in an article about the closing of the Warner Brothers stores:

Analysts have suggested that Hollywood studios have over-exploited their licenses since first entering the retail store business.

Walt Disney Co., which sells merchandise stamped with its own recognizable characters, plans to stick with its slumping retail business but has said it will cut the number of North American locations from 494 to 400 over the next four years.

Disney has also begun remodeling stores to adapt to changing shopper demands. The new look features in-store "media" walls showing Disney programs and interactive kiosks that permit online shopping for merchandise not found on the shelves.

Floor plans have been revamped to permit quick changes to feature seasonal items. Disney expects 20 stores to be altered by the fall and another 100 each year after that, said Sondra Haley, a Disney spokeswoman.

Nothing really new, but it does let us know how many of the Disney Stores are going away (unless, of course, they decide to close more later).

Sarangel

 

[Janet2k]

Sarangel, thanks for the info. We have a Disney Store re-opening in my area this month. I am very curious to see what the revamped store looks like.

 

[JimB.]

Unless our Disney Store locally starts stocking merchandise for humans over 3 feet tall and older than 7, I'm gonna' be hard pressed to ever step foot in it again.

Sad.

I USED to spend absolutely too much time and $$$ in it.

Not a problem right now...............................

 

[cindyfan]

Haven't been to one of the stores for 2 months now!! Last few time we went the only thing we purchased was Disney Dollars for our trip. It would be nice if I had babies to buy for ---- but I don't!
They really need to get it together or get out of the retail business!

 

[SPAGo 98]

Mine closed abruptly a while ago. Does anyone know if the Dstore at the Walt Whitman Mall in New York will be replaced by a newer one, or is it just DEAD?

Is there a list of stores that are being / are to be revamped anywhere on the internet?

 

[barbliny]

I don't know about the Walt Whitman store, but the Smith Haven Mall store on Long Island closes for its renovation on July 18.

 

[YoHo]

The Woodfield Mall Illinois Location is closing soon for its remodel (its also changing location which could be good since it was a little out of the way)


The other major change I noted a couple weeks ago is that the Disney Travel Desk is gone.

 

[Laurajean1014]

I love TDS and go frequently. I was a little disappointed when I noticed that they stopped paying attention to adult clothing. However, TDC and DO have a very decent assortment and I buy from there! Don't forget you get free shipping over $35 or $50! Or use your DC for a discount!

Maybe Disney caught on...........I bought a great embroideried shirt with fab 5 in 1995! I still have it today. Disney made no profit off that purchase! And even though I spent $38 then, that shirt will be 10 years old soon and looks new!


Gotta love this stuff.

 

[Laurajean1014]

I can understand why they would consolidate some stores! Remember, Warner Bros. is in Chapter 11 - so I would rather drive a litter further than lose them altogether.

Also, thank the good Lord Disney has the imagination and spunk to renovate its stores. My son loves walking into that store, almost as much as his mom.

One more thing..... I live near NY and the hottest thing for about 5 years now is the Tiffany heart charm bracelet! Wasn't it cool that Disney did the bracelet in a Mickey head!!! US or WB would never come up with that type of imagination!!!!

Thanks for the thread.

 

[WDWfanatic288]

yeah..TDS needs to realize adult clothing...the catalog has awesome stuff..now put it in the stores!!!

 

[Diva of Dragons]

The prototype renovation store is located here in So. CA.
IMHO, this is NOT an improvement. It is acompletely lacking in character! It looks like every other store in the mall, once you get past the media wall at the entrance.

 

[doombuggy]

We have been carrying some adult clothing in DS recently. I have heard that this is a response to people complaining that we have nothing but sleepwear, but I do not know if that is true. The bottom line is that if enough people complain to the right people, something might change. While off of the top of my head, I do not know where to direct you to send your complaints, I may be able to find out. Letting the store manager of your local DS is a start.

I used to buy a lot of clothing from the store, even before I started working there. Now I have to call the catalog and pay for shipping (or worse, use my TDCC) instead of picking it up at the store. There are a couple of outlet stores on the east coast, but they are at least two hours away. I stop in the one in VA when I am on my way to my uncle's in Quantico. That's 3 1/2 hours to get to the store! Hopefully, things will start to change. Hang in there!

 

[hopemax]

I think the management knows the dissatisfaction with the adult lines. At least at the store and regional levels. My mom is an Asst manager, so I have had opportunity at the past to talk to her district managers. They know that the guests are unhappy, they know that one of the most oftenly asked questions is, "Are you going out of business?" But I get the feeling that they feel their hands are tied. My mom's old DM left because he felt he wasn't allowed to do his job, because "corporate" was dictating what would be done, and no deviation.

Just a couple months ago, my mom was telling me that their regional manager went to England for a month and was totally blown away by the selection of the UK Disney Stores, and spent $1000, and she isn't the type of Disney fan that spends that kind of money. She told her bosses that the US needs the buyers from the UK, but will that ever happen, who knows!