Improving Authenticity in EPCOT World Showcase Country Gift Shops

[Diz Duck]

I currently run a store where all of the items for sale are Made in America. I know financially it would be difficult for Disney to transition to all American Made products in its domestic parks, however i think it would be great if each of the World Showcase country gift shops had only products authentic to that country.

On my last trip to Epcot I noticed in both Japan and Mexico pavillions, there were Made in China products.

 

[manning]

I currently run a store where all of the items for sale are Made in America. I know financially it would be difficult for Disney to transition to all American Made products in its domestic parks, however i think it would be great if each of the World Showcase country gift shops had only products authentic to that country.

On my last trip to Epcot I noticed in both Japan and Mexico pavillions, there were Made in China products.

They're all made in China

 

[diznygirl]

Once upon a time they did. Now it's all about profit. Disney doesn't care as long it's making $$$. And they are.

 

[pat fan]

Two trips ago we complained at the American Pavilion gift shop that maybe ONE item was made in the USA, the rest China etc...

Last trip, maybe half was USA and half elsewhere. Seemed they were at least trying, which we complimented them in. I could give a rats patoot what other countries do. Their countries run them, so it's up to them.

 

[Pacolovestacos]

Diz Duck, probably one of the reasons I have almost zero interest in looking at the shops. 20 years ago, it was pretty fun to check the shops. Now I just get bored to tears.

 

[RedAngie]

When I was last in Epcot in 2013, I'm pretty sure each pavilion had at least SOME goods made in the respective countries. Mostly higher priced items. But yeah, the bulk of the cheaper souvenirs and trinkets were made in China. Most visitors aren't willing to pay higher prices for authentic goods.

 

[TLSnell1981]

It's all overpriced, generic, poor quality junk. IMO. ITA with posters, who once enjoyed, but now steer clear of the shops. We spend a lot less on merchandise and food, due to the negative changes. It's disappointing, but Disney only care about making a quick buck.

 

[DennyCrane]

I sure hope they start selling those alligator shoes and belts I keep hearing about in EPCOT.

 

[loves to dive]

I'm willing to bet if you were to go to those countries you wouldn't find many products in their stores that were made in that country. It's a fact of life now, not right or wrong but just a fact, that most stores are going to go with wherever it's cheaper to make it.

 

[Micca]

Diz Duck, probably one of the reasons I have almost zero interest in looking at the shops. 20 years ago, it was pretty fun to check the shops. Now I just get bored to tears.

We stay out of most of the shops too. If it isn't authentic, it's just the same stuff you can get anywhere, likely at a much better price. It was a novel idea when Epcot opened, but back then you couldn't just go on-line to obtain an artificial beaver pelt from Canada. :}

 

[L&Lfan]

I haven't bought a "Disney souvenir" in years. Most of them are junk, imo, and are of zero interest to me.

 

[TLSnell1981]

I'm willing to bet if you were to go to those countries you wouldn't find many products in their stores that were made in that country. It's a fact of life now, not right or wrong but just a fact, that most stores are going to go with wherever it's cheaper to make it.

It is cheaper to sell things mass produced from China. Yes, you do see these items sold around the real world. However, there are still many things still made in Germany, France, etc. We always purchase locally made products on our trips abroad.

 

[Pacolovestacos]

We stay out of most of the shops too. If it isn't authentic, it's just the same stuff you can get anywhere, likely at a much better price. It was a novel idea when Epcot opened, but back then you couldn't just go on-line to obtain an artificial beaver pelt from Canada. :}

I still like the atmosphere and some of the restaurants so I stroll through. I just usually stay away from the shops unless I'm with someone who hasn't been to Disney World before.

 

[Pacolovestacos]

It is cheaper to sell things mass produced from China. Yes, you do see these items sold around the real world. However, there are still many things still made in Germany, France, etc. We always purchase locally made products on our trips abroad.

I've been to many of these countries and it's not at all difficult to find locally made craftsman products. Not difficult at all.

 

[manning]

Over priced?

I saw a 41 inch umbrella at Disney for $45.00. Saw the same at Home Depot for $5.00. Looked at it closely. The same thing except for one thing. No Mickey logo. hmmm.

 

[3 MEN AND A BOAT]

Work within the system we have and shop only at the China pavilion.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I got a bag in Hawaii in September it said "Designed in Hawaii" but also said "Made in China". That type of bag was kind of the hit item as it was all over (tourist places, ABC stores, Duke's Marketplace, Dole Plantation {which is where I got it from}, etc).

I would bet most comes down to profit margins and expected price a customer is willing to pay.