DS news! Prepares to sell

[d-r]

Big sale going on throughout the store and nothing of interest to me. In fact, it looked a lot like the "sales" that have taken place at the other stores right before they disappeared. I even tried looking for something for one year-old boy twins I know but there was nothing (except plush). Lots of plastic princess stuff for little girls.

The sale has been going on for a week now. I was in the disney store today, too - we bought a bunch of trinkets at 75% off to put back until Christmas and pass out to cousin's kids and stuff. We have a big family. We only spent 30 something bucks, but I was having fun "insisting" to Melissa that we only get stuff that was 75% off, and plus we took a discount on top of that. So we had three of those big bags full of stuff.

I was thinking about buying some of the treasure planet plush for $1.99, thinking that they might become a collectors item in several years because since no one ever bought any of them there would be none in existance. In the year 2025 I could say "I have one of the three plushes of that weird cat lady captain known to exist in the world!" I also thought about buying a bunch of the thumper easter baskets and saving them in the attic until next spring and selling them on ebay. But I didn't follow through on these grand schemes.

I didn't think it looked like the sales they have at other places before they disapeared, though. I thought it looked more like the 50-75% off sale they had at the disney store last December. Or the one they had last June. You know, the semi-annual sales they have every year just like this one. There were a lot of families and kids in there buying stuff, just like they were the last times they've had these sales. There was tons of stuff for little boys there too, by the way - mostly toy story.

Oh. The best thing is this. Those disney chocolate gold coins came out at .49 cents a bag. I decided that I was going to have Melissa buy all they have left tomorrow

DR

 

[Poohnatic]

Originally posted by cindyfan
They used to have VERY HIGH standards and it is obvious that those don't exist any more. The quality of merchandise is just junk!
The look of the store is messy.....what happen to the "show"???
It is as if no one cares....and I am talking about the upper management.

Cindyfan

I am sure that when you walk through your local Disney Store, you notice not 5 or 6 cast members on stage but 2, sometimes one. Even with the huge sale. The payroll is cut to the bone and has been progressively reduced for the past three years. Many stores have a portion of their day where only a manager is working. This is scary, from a loss issue, guest service issue, you name it.

What this means is that with a sale like this, a choice is made to either have both people working ring the guests that are waiting in line or one person rings while the other tries to guest service, clean up, answer the phone, refold those shirts, etc.

I am hoping that the upper management realizes that along with good product, you need good people (and several of them) to make an impact on the sales. Less cast means less guest service-less guest service means less sales. Cutting payroll ultimately cuts profits, a lesson I hope Home Base has learned.

It drives me nuts that my store looks the way it does right now. I've always been very proud of how neat and tidy we've kept it--but unless I can have a team until 1 or 2 am each night (like the old days), it's not going to look that way

As a stockholder, I think I'm bothered the most by the amount of items sold at 75% off right now. We're doing a lot of work for no profit on those items. And yes, we're calling around to those other local stores for guests who want that 75% item that we sold out of weeks ago.

As for the other poster about the 1 year old twins, about a year ago we were told our target guest was ages 4-10. Huh? That one made no sense to any of us out in the field. It looks like we will be getting items back for the youngest Disney fans in October and I'm very happy about it. No more referring people to H&M for infant Disney clothes.

Suzanne

 

[PatMcDuck]

PamOKW- if your store was empty, with this sale going on, your store may very well be on the closure list........ most of us have very long lines. (You could have also just happened in at a rare lull). The first set of closures could be annouced fairly soon.

This sale is really unlike any other (I have been there 4 years). The main difference being the sheer volume of product we have to clear away. Not the summer stuff, but all the winter product we still have packed away in storage facilities.

 

[YesDear]

I have read this thread with great interest. Like many other threads it seems to follow a trend. One set of common posters seem to enjoy the negative side of Disney. They do everything they can do to point out their opinion as to what was, is, or forever will be the troubles of the Mouse. I am sure they like Disney in someway, or their participation here would be really worthless. ( Well there are some, I am convinced, just love a good fight!) They contiunally say they are just pointing out the truth, but it seems their truth is always the darkside. Maybe they remember the Beaver Cleaver days and wish it was always another time??? UHF is better than cable, you know.

Then there are the defenders of the Castle. Disney right do or die! Some are castmembers, loyal to the core. They are frustrated and depressed because they have fought a valiant fight, seem surrounded and feel abandoned by their leader. They are taking personally some very personal comments made by the naysayers. Most of the naysayers take the castmembers defense of themselves and their stores as an example, once again, of the demise of Disney. HOW DARE a servant of me ever look me in the eye!!! They should just be grateful I am here and leave it at that. I will show them. I won't go anymore!

Others posters are the true believers in pixie dust and the magic that Walt created. These are the posters that will quickly get a tear in their eye when they see a picture of Bambi and Thumper. They also cannot forget their childrens first trip to the land of the mouse. They are excited to feel the child in them be relived in their own children. You can see them defend their frequent trips to TDS, WDW, DL, etc as doing it for the kids, when they know they are the ones that need a disney fix.

Well now that I have that off my chest... My question? And I expect to be flamed, mudded, trashed, whatever you want to call it.

I believe this whole thread took this common path primarliy because one person, on their first post, over a year after they joined this forum, inferred they were a castmember. Since it was their first post, and may be their last, how do you know they are a castmember and knows what is on that board?

Thanks!!

I feel better now!

 

[FriendsOfEeyore]

We live in Minnesota. Most of the DS have been closed here with the exception of The Mall of America. I think that I will take a run out there tomorrow to look at the discounted items. The CMs at that store have also been excellent. We often stop at the store, look around, find nothing that interests us, but we talk with the CMs and think about our next trip.

Remember "VoiceOfReason" has supposedly been a poster for like a year now. Great time to pipe up and stop lurking.

If you try to throw mud at me, I just moved and you missed me.

I am ready for this thread to be locked now. I got my .02 in...

 

[EUROPA]

Originally posted by FriendsOfEeyore
I am ready for this thread to be locked now. I got my .02 in...

Why does everybody do that? Why do people beg for the thread to be locked?

 

[VoiceofReason]

This thread has taken some very interesting and informative turns!
I feel I should apologize for the "your name is mud" comment. It was inappropriate and not representative of the wonderful cast members who frequent these boards. I had no business speaking for other CMs, who are more than capable of speaking for themselves.
Now carry on and play nicely!

 

[fab5101]

Rose colored glasses? No...

Just trying to make each guest have the best Disney Experience they can in Lafayette, IN.


For every guest who can't find the jewelry we haven't carried in years, there are the children who saved up their pennies for months to get that mickey/princess/toy they've been wanting. It's the smile on the face of a guest who gets a kick out of me singing along with the disney music. It's those guests who come in and even though they don't find something they like, want or need, they still come in to give the Giant Pooh bear a big hug because he's their favorite.

These are the reasons I'm a CM. I take pride in my store and my cast. I don't let those guests who flaunt the attitude of "TDS is a failing company and since we don't carry anything for them we should close" affect my performance on stage.

On the flip side, I don't completely shield myself from the reality of what is happening with the company. EUROPA, every dollar does count...and in my store the guest with $0.50 worth of merchandise is just as important as the guest with $500 of merchandise.

But for now, I'm going to do everything within my power to keep my store alive and my guests happy.



Katie

 

[CM Tinkerbell]

In regards to the comments about messy stores......please do not take this as a sign of the CM's not caring. This topic really hits me personally because I always beleive that having a neat, clean, nice looking store is very, very important because that is one thing that people expect from Disney. Myself included and it's very important to me. That said, it has been nearly impossible for us to keep our stores in this condition and trust me, it drives me crazy. Although this may look like the CM's don't care, this is absolutely not true. Once again, this is one of the many ways we are limited by upper management. Our hours have been cut so much, that we are kept running and trying to handle many tasks at one time. We are pulling in holiday type crowds right now, where we would normally have 5 or 6 CMs on, and handling it with 2 or sometimes only 1 CM. It's been more then frustrating. Along with some of the positive changes that upper management will be implementing in the near future, they have also promised us more hours in our stores. I'm very impressed with the changes that are in the works and I think this may be the beginning of the end to all of the frustrations that our guests feel and that we as CMs feel. I understand that certain guests are very unhappy with the condition of the Disney Stores now. I don't take that personally. There are some very valid complaints. There are definite changes that need to be made. I also won't take personally the comments from posters who say that the CM's aren't what they used to be or don't care, because of course I know that's not true and I know that there are many who don't feel that way. I suppose for some that it may sometimes appear that way, but they also don't know how difficult it has been to maintain the moral and magic that is required of CM's when we have been put through the wringer. We do still try our very best. I don't think the CM's of today care about what Disney stands for any less then those of the past. Many of those same CM's are still with us today. It's just been a very tough time and even though we are risking losing something that we love dearly, most of us CM's will stick it out to the bitter end and do the absolute best we can for the love of this company.
Anyway, long story short, we need to stop blaming guests and guests blaming CM's for the condition of the stores. It's just silly.

 

[isyne4u]

I, too, am one of those CMs with rose colored glasses on. However, I prefer to look think of it more in terms of the glass is half full right now. I totally agree with the guests concerns about the product line and lack of adult merchandise. I took my job at the Store almost 6 years ago to pay for my "habit". Now I don't have much of a habit to support because of the product line. That said, I still take great pride in the job I do. I am sympathetic to the guests who are sad for the state of the stores, I am empathetic to the guest who can't find adult product, and I'm ecstatic with the ones who found exactly what they were looking for. I accept the opinions of those who would like to see us close because for them there is nothing there. But I also know that I am there to spread disney magic, to sing with the laser discs, and to try and ensure a great guest experience.

I miss the days where all the shirts had to have "eyes" showing, I miss the days where the "show line" couldn't be broken by signs or product. It makes me absoluetly crazy when I can't take the time to fold shirts the right way because there are not enough people on stage to help all the guests and maintain my store.

As for the DNR: Most of the time, having had to do this in the last few years, it is usually the immediate family who gets to decide this. In the case of TDS the immediate family (the cms) are not ready to give up hope. We are still looking for the miracle that will make things wonderful again and will bring this baby back to life.

As for the Titanic: At least with the titanic the captain went down with his ship. Here the captain jumped ship, thankfully, and now the crew is scurrying around trying to plug the leaks. Once the leaks are plugged they can focus on what needs to be done to keep this ship afloat. It may not work, but at least someone is trying. I'm doing my part by keeping up hope that things will turn around soon.

I personally would like to thank all the guests that came in last night when we were swamped and took the time to tell us that they hoped things would turn around for us soon because they don't want to see us go anywhere!

 

[cindyfan]

The payroll is cut to the bone and has been progressively reduced for the past three years. Many stores have a portion of their day where only a manager is working.

Less cast means less guest service-less guest service means less sales

Yep, lowered standards!
One of the reasons I am not a CM anymore.

It's the smile on the face of a guest who gets a kick out of me singing along with the disney music

But I also know that I am there to spread disney magic, to sing with the laser discs, and to try and ensure a great guest experience.

The thing is....that laser disc is no more than a 45 minute commercial! NOT what it used to be.
.......

Here the captain jumped ship, thankfully, and now the crew is scurrying around trying to plug the leaks. Once the leaks are plugged they can focus on what needs to be done to keep this ship afloat. It may not work, but at least someone is trying. I'm doing my part by keeping up hope

I truely believe the CM that are still there are definitely giving it 150%. But without the support from the upper management........that ship is going to sink.
Another reason I'm not a CM anymore.

As for the DNR: Most of the time, having had to do this in the last few years, it is usually the immediate family who gets to decide this. In the case of TDS the immediate family (the cms) are not ready to give up hope.

Sorry, don't mean to offend you.....but I think it is upper management that is the "immediate family" in this case, the CMs are just second cousins.
Because if the CMs had that much input in to how the store was run, etc......It may not be in the condition it is in today.
Yet another reason why I'm not a CM anymore.

From a business stand point.....it really is time to close up shop.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

I have to say that with the way that you feel, it is a good thing you are not a Cast Member any more, no matter whose decision it was for you to leave Disney, yours or Disney's.

 

[cindyfan]

I have to say that with the way that you feel, it is a good thing you are not a Cast Member any more, no matter whose decision it was for you to leave Disney, yours or Disney's.

No need to be rude!
It was MY decision to leave. As a member of management....I saw and heard a lot of things that the normal CM was never exposed to. A lot of things that I knew would kill the magic! And that is exactly what happened.
I left because I love Disney too much to stay a part of what the upper management was trying to do over the past 2 to 3 years.

 

[YesDear]

I do not think previous poster was trying to be rude, but from your posts it is obvious that you had made your decision about what was or was not happening at TDS. At that point anyone should leave. It also appears, IMHO, that you still have issues with that decision! Not trying to be rude, just an observation.

It is a shame that such a fan of Disney is turned off like you appear to be. (at least to TDS) Particularly since you worked as a castmember.

I am hearing a renewed energy in the spirit of the castmembers of TDS with the recent management changes. I think we ought to give them the benefit of our doubts and see what happens. At worse they are gone, but maybe magic does and can happen and we, the customers, end up with a new old or old new TDS. I think they deserve the chance and our support in those efforts.

IMHO

 

[bevgray]

Hey there Katie,
You wouldn't happen to be the Katie from my Castleton store days, would you? If so, hello and nice to hear that you're doing well at the Lafayette store. I'm working downtown now so my fellah and I don't get the chance to go up to Castleton very often and are now visiting the Circle Center store on our lunch times.
Best regards to you and your husband.
Beverly

As to the current state of the Disney Store, may I just remind everyone that the last two years have been brutal for all of us in a lot of different ways? Terrorism, wars, sour economy. Beautiful watches, framed pin sets, the high (WDCC) and moderate figurines, those silk ties...these are all luxury items which, in a tough economy, tend not to sell. More inexpensive toys and items do better. I too loved the high end pieces and when Castleton got the occasional Gallery piece in...Wow! I for one will continue to give the Disney Store, and the company, every chance because I prefer the Disney Characters. If the stores are sold, maybe good will come from it. Or, perhaps the marketing will change. Retail is fluid and buyers and managers are always having to forecast based on past trends. It's a tough call to make; especially in recession/depressioin where unemployment is up and those with jobs are nervous about keeping them. The disposable income of the '90s is not with us at the moment. If the toys and current merchandise enables the stores to weather things when many other retail units are dead in the water, then I'll keep my fingers crossed. Also, I for one have not noticed any diminishing in the "magic" of the Cast Members. They still make every effort to treat each guest like an honored and welcome guest. Retail work is difficult in any kind of store. It's even harder when the staff is EXPECTED to go that one step further. Not just a pleasant smile as they ring you up but the pixie dust too.

 

[mickey4ver]

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less cast means less guest service-less guest service means less sales
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Yep, lowered standards!
One of the reasons I am not a CM anymore.
-----------------------------------------------------

I don't get how you equate the fact that because there are "less" of us working at a given time, that that fact means I've "lowered" my standards. My standards are exactly what they've always been, and I'm a seasoned cast member with some years under my belt, and I may be pulled in lots of different directions during my shift, but I don't ever think I've compromised my standards or beliefs as to how a guest should be treated when shopping at TDS and I continue to treat them as I always have as difficult as it is at times when I'm multiple tasking. But that is what kinda makes it a challenge and that little beaming tot that comes up and tells you they are off to WDW to see Mickey or they just got back and are STILL excited, makes it worthwhile and worth the stress of being short-handed and still trying to get the job done.

 

[mickey4ver]

Originally posted by bevgray
Also, I for one have not noticed any diminishing in the "magic" of the Cast Members. They still make every effort to treat each guest like an honored and welcome guest. Retail work is difficult in any kind of store. It's even harder when the staff is EXPECTED to go that one step further. Not just a pleasant smile as they ring you up but the pixie dust too.

The vote of confidence is appreciated, and I'm sure on the above quote, I can thank you on behalf of lots of cast who frequent/read these boards.

 

[PamOKW]

I'm glad to hear that stores elsewhere are busy. I haven't seen a busy Disney Store in many years in my area. We had 3 stores in 3 malls and are now down to one store. If Disney Stores in other areas are busy during this sale and this store was a ghost town (rest of the mall was relatively busy but it was a Friday close to noon), then maybe we'll be down to no store soon but only in our area.

 

[MelissathePooh]

As a CM I have to take issue with one thing about the state of the "show" and neatness of the stores. While payrolls are bareboned and staffing is short - part of the problem is guest behavior.

I've never seen it in other retail situations like I do at TDS. Parents use TDS as a baby sitter. The will leave their children in the store for half an hour while they go some place else. Advise them to play with whatever they want and seldom request that the children put back what they have played with. We actuall heard a mother say "We've only got a few more minutes - so go play". We constantly have to tell groups of unsupervised children to leave and find their parents.

I don't know if people treat TDS differently because its Disney or what, but I've never seen anything like it. Maybe if more CM's were working we could keep up with it, but its close to impossible as it stands now.

BTW, I'm not much of fan of the princess line, but the adventurers collection for boys is pretty cool.

Melissa

 

[cindyfan]

I think it was rude. And No, I don't still have issues.
I am simply stating my opinion here.
And I think a few of you should re-read my posts.
I stated:

I truely believe the CM that are still there are definitely giving it 150%.

Less cast means less guest service-less guest service means less sales

Yep, lowered standards!

I never said the CM's lowered their guest service. BUT that the upper management did!!

They were the ones that cut the hours to a fraction of what they used to be......therefore fewer CMs etc....

I am talking about the over-all standards that the corporate offices set.

I never said the CMs weren't doing their best to deliver the magic.....just that it is not the over-all magical experience that it used to be!!!

I also stated:

Because if the CMs had that much input in to how the store was run, etc......It may not be in the condition it is in today.

The CMs are the ones that know the guests and face them everyday.......but what input did they have these past 3 years??
None......IMHO

I left because I felt the "big wigs" lost touch with what the true Disney experience was at TDS.
If they ever get that back.....then I would be the first in line to re-apply.