What is wrong with the Disney Store

[Robin1116]

I really don't know where to post this but I do feel this is the right spot....

Hopefully some of you out there have been to the Disney Store lately.... what is going on with their Marketing Campaign?!!?

They have eliminated the "adult" market and now carry 95% of chidren's toy's and retail.

Now I understand, Disney is for kids, and maybe I am a kid at heart, but what is the thinking for this lack of variety on shopping.....

Hmmm.... does anyone out there think this philosopy has improved sales at Disney Stores or do you think this is hurting their wallets....

Let me know what you think....

 

[Sarangel]

The Disney Stores have been struggling for a while now, and the re-positioning of their merchandise (not to mention the re-design of the shops themselves) has been the great white hope of their salvation. They seem to be aiming for the children's market at the expense of the adult (possibly because the adult merchandise wasn't moving).

They're also trying to limit exposre by closing a number of Disney stores: there used to be 6 withing driving distance for me & now there are two. Will it work? Who knows, but the retail division is hoping it does.

Frankly, I'm with you. Give me more subtle adult clothing, give me a greater selection of characters, give me artwork & I'll put my money on the table, but I'm not a parent. If the re-positioning of the Disney Stores doesn't work, they may go the way of the Warner Bros. Stores & close all of them.

Sarangel

 

[Robin1116]

Thanks Sarangel,

I really would like to see an Art of Disney store and more adult clothing line too... but I guess I don't work in Marketing for Disney.....

It is amazing though.... every time I go in there I see less and less customers, blank shelves, and other signs of Chaper 7 or 11....

You think such a Marketing giant could resove this situatition... then again maybe not....

 

[AKemel]

It does not look too good for Disney stores but they are trying to find a way to survive (by having stores next to tourist attractions)
http://www.nypost.com/realestate/31618.htm

The question that I always had is why is it so difficult to make ALL the products that are available at WDW/DL, be available on-line and in the catalog. They have the products, so sell them.

 

[disneycub]

I've stopped going to the Disney Store in Denver, unless it's to pick up an Annual Pass. Basically, you are "assaulted" constantly from first arrival until you leave, their selection for adults is non-existent, and it's no longer a fun experience.'

Ordered an adult sweatshirt from their online store the other day, and received a box with Cinderella shoes, tiara, and a makeup kit. ARRRRGH! And they want me to pay to ship it back?

 

[hopemax]

Disneycub,

In case you didn't know you can return catalog items to the Disney Store. You won't get your shipping refunded, but you won't have to pay to send it back either.

 

[DisneyFanGuy]

My family and I used to visit the DS every time we went to the mall. I bought clothes, corporate and personal presents, and often enjoyed browsing in their book and art sections. I never bought tickets there, but probably would have eventually.

Now my wife and I laugh about the fact that they don't want our business anymore and walk right past the store. We are parents, however, nothing (And I mean NOTHING) in their stock interests us anymore. They even took out most of the video screens except for one in the rear of the store.....and that one is often not working properly.

I love debating rumors and news about the parks and films, because everyone has their opinion and it's easy for me to see both sides of any argument. In the case of the DS tho......I think Disney has lost their mind. No debate necessary. Close the darn things down. It's too painful watching them flop around without any life or direction.

 

[airlarry!]

Please bring Paul Pressler back. If I remember right, he was the guiding force behind the success of the DS. Kick him out of parks, and back where he belongs...in the stores.

Even hard-core critics of the California MisAdventure acknowledge that the stores there are themed very well, probably through the influence of the credit card King, Pressler.

 

[DVC-Landbaron]

Please bring Paul Pressler back.

AIRLARRY!!!! Go wash your mouth... I mean your typing fingers out with soap!!!

NO! Wait!! Do you mean he would leave the parks then???

OK, I changed my mind! Please bring Paul Pre$$ler back. The Disney Stores NEED him!!!

 

[airlarry!]

hehehehe

I should have said...

"Please bring Paul Pre$$ler back ... to the Disney Stores."



But as much as others have reviled Mr. Pre$$ler, there was universal praise for his ability to manage the entire Disney store line. Unless, I am remembering wrong?

 

[Testtrack321]

Actulaly, Pressler was the reason why the retail divison did so well. He's good at retail, but is god awful with the theme park unit.

 

[Laurajean1014]

From another outlook:

An adult can buy a shirt for $38 and have it for 5-10 years!

A child will outgrow their clothes, toys, computer games every season or year.

Also, Disney is not stupid, they know kids rule and if it's eye catching to a child, the parent will buy! (It's the same concept as breakfast cereals ~ wonder why the junk is eye level?)

I say if it's not moving, don't sell it! Disney offers on-line and catalog shopping for adults and home furnishings as well as a 100 yard store in DD! What more do ya want?

Yes, you can return Disney Catalog stuff to the stores as well as Disneyland and Disney World items! They take back everything! (and thank Disney for that). I don't like paying to return something I never liked in the first place.

As for the workers, I can only speak for Fairfield Cty, CT and they're the best! I go once a month, and now they know me. They always ask if I've just returned or planning a trip! One can't assume that all stores are rotten or great, but let's give them the benefit of the doubt. Also, they always apply my discounts when I buy (I can't say that for other major department stores ~ except Nordstrom).

Frankly, I love that I can buy Disney stuff a few miles from my home! My only wish is that my stores include pins, but I'm not fussy!

 

[Grog]

Wow!! I thought it was just me as I hadn't heard any other complaints about this until now. I also used to visit the DS in my local mall every time I was there to look at (and occassionally buy) collectibles. In 1997 I was unable to get a miniature of the "Birthday" castle in any of the parks or shops at WDW as it was sold out. I got home and found one right away at the local mall

Now it is all stuffed toys, kids clothing, and kids playsets of various types. I've also noticed the DS here isn't as crowded as it used to be when it sold collectibles. I hope someone changes this soon. I'd hate to see ours close because of bad decisions in marketing

 

[Planogirl]

I am a parent too and the Disney Store offers us nothing now. My 8 year old wants books and tapes. Has anyone noticed how these items have trickled down to virtually nothing?

We visited one of the last few Warner Brothers Stores recently and I noticed right away how much nicer their merchandise was, at least to me. They also had a LOT of kids' things which certainly didn't help them. I don't see how it will help the Disney Stores. And yes I did buy a few things at the Warner Brothers Store and could only think of how ironic this was as we walked past the nearby Disney Store.

A few Disney Store CM's have told me recently that they keep asking for adult clothing items because of demand and that they are told that such items will be forthcoming. But they never arrive. It's too bad IMO.

 

[Robin1116]

LauraJean,

You have some valid points, but have you stepped into your local Disney Store lately?

Who is buying these items and toys for children? Everytime I go into our local Disney Store there is tons of things for kids but no one is buying anything, in fact there is no one in there!

If there is anyone in the store they are in the back looking for clearance items (which it is the same items that have been on clearance for the last six months)!!!! Arrggghhh!!!!!

And as for a catalog's that cater to Disney home furnishings and adults, can you tell me where to get one? I only recieve the same one the store gets, the "Disney Store"Catalog which now contains 80% of items for children! It's a shopper's worst nightmare!!!!

I do have to agreee with you on the World of Disney Store at Downtown Disney, please don't let them change that!!!!!!!!!

 

[NFalzon]

The scented Mickey (Lime) & Minnie (Strawberry) to me? (Or is it only my store that sells this utterly BIZARRE product.)
Nick

 

[debbie fields]

As a former Disney Store cast member, I can relate to what you're all saying! There is virtually no
adult product, and what they do have is so emblazoned with the character featured that it's insane.
I think Disney lovers are looking for subtle, not screaming! Product that guests were always looking
for, we never carried (for example, mouse ears, autograph books, men's ties, golf shirts, boxers). I was
lucky enough to work for a store with a Disney Gallery, so collectibles were never a problem.

As for guests being bombarded, I agree. I know when I go shopping, I like to be acknowledged and then
left alone to do my thing. If I need help, I'll ask.

Don't get me wrong. I LOVE Disney and did enjoy working there, but at the end it was more about making
the dollars than making the guests happy - and having them leave satisfied!

 

[Toby'sFriend]

I just stumbled across this board today and this caught my eye.

I also thought it was only me! Not only is the Disney store now only for kids, but it's only for very very young kids! I can barely DRAG my 8yo in their anymore. There just isn't anything to interest us. My husband used to occassionaly enjoy very *subtle* Disney themed polo shirts or ties -- you hardly ever see them anywhere anymore.

The little girl princess tiara sets and cinderella clothes are adorable, but they don't stay that little for long.....sometimes I find myself looking at them and wishing that I knew of a little girl to buy them for --- but I don't have anybody!

 

[noblemickey]

I to have cut back on visiting the Disney Store near me. As an adult, the selection has gone way down hill. I can remember just a few years ago when I was having a tough day at work I'd get in my car and drive down to the West Farms Mall store near Hartford, CT. It lightened my day and gave me my Disney fix. No more, but things change and we can always hope that they don't shut us adults out completely. Just look at the Disney Channel, no more Walt Disney World inside out and few programs that would interest an adult. I just hope that the direction they are going is right and profitable both at the stores and the Disney Channel as I know that Disney is for children but true Disney fans are CHILDREN AT HEART!

 

[Donna]

Thanks for starting this thread. Alot of what's on here is what we've all (cm's) been saying for a long time and also hearing from our guests. I have printed the thread and will put in my district managers office this weekend. These boards represent a cross section of people from across the country and i think the powers that be should be listening! thanks!