Just back from Disney World after arriving arriving there on the 29th of December. We have visited Disney World the past 5 years during this same time.
This year’s merchandise situation was pathetic and the attempt to try hide it was just as bad. As we departed on January 6th you could still buy 2021 labeled shirts celebrating I guess last year at all of the parks 6 days into 2022. No 2022 shirts to be found. Christmas items were spread out and kept out long after the holiday just so the stores didn’t look any more barren than they already appeared.
As originally mentioned no traditional plushes anywhere to be found. Ceramic mugs couldn’t be found.
Disney now has a savvy product guy (Mr. Chapek) in charge of the company that can’t figure out a way to get products into the resort to sell. Does anyone else find that peculiar?
Before anyone blames the pandemic and shipping vessels tying up deliveries of merchandise, I would propose that there are other modes of transportation (albeit more expensive) such as air transport that could avoid this embarrassment.
I know from experience the cost penalty to import via air over vessel. The company I oversee (far smaller than the Disney Company) relies solely on importing product to the automotive industry. Over the past 2 years we have had to actively manage our import strategy from Asia sources. We do not have the luxury to deliver late to the customer or have shortage of goods, but we do have a choice on how to get products (a bit more complicated and fragile than a stuffed character) over the ocean, through customs, and to our final destination in less than a week.
The choice for Disney is margin erosion or full shelves…after this past visit I understand which option they chose.
How ridiculous is it that during these times to get your hands on new park merchandise you have to go to Shop Disney to buy it…when more often than not those items are then offered at a discount via web promotions? That same merchandise instead could be sold at full price in the parks?
