View source for Disney Store

{{Short description|Company selling Disney products}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Disney Store Worldwide
| logo = [[File: Disney Store 2024 logo.svg|frameless|upright=0.9|class=skin-invert]]
| image = 1201 Flower Street.jpg
| image_caption = The Disney Store headquarters in Glendale
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| foundation = {{Start date and age|1987|03|28}}<br />[[Glendale, California]]
| locations = 21
| area_served = Japan, North America, Europe, China, Philippines
| key_people = 
| industry = [[Retail]]
| fate = 
| location = [[Grand Central Creative Campus]]
| location_city = [[Glendale, California]], U.S.
| products = 
| parent = [[Disney Experiences]]
| homepage = {{Official website|name=DisneyStore.com}}
}}
The '''Disney Store''' is a chain of specialty stores created on March 28, 1987, and sells only [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]]-related items, many of them exclusive, under its own name and Disney Outlet. It is a business unit of the [[Disney Experiences]] division of [[The Walt Disney Company]].

Disney Store was the first "retail-tainment", or entertainment store.<ref name="lat7">{{cite news|last1=White|first1=George|title=New Theme Player|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-sep-16-fi-32873-story.html|work=Los Angeles Times|date=September 16, 1997|access-date=February 7, 2017}}</ref> The company had operated a number of store chains beyond its flagship Disney Store chain such as ESPN-The Store and the short-lived Mickey's Kitchen restaurant. Currently, the company operates the stand-alone stores, Disney Baby, [[The Disney Gallery#Other locations|Walt Disney Gallery]] and Disney's Soda Fountain and Studio Store. Disney Store was a partner for [[#Disney at Harrods|Disney at Harrods]], which included a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique salon.

North America stores were owned and operated by [[The Children's Place]]'s subsidiary Hoop Holdings from 2004 to 2008. [[The Oriental Land Company]]'s subsidiary Retail Networks Co., Ltd. owned and operated the Japanese stores from 2002 to 2010. Since 2012, Disney departments exist in [[JCPenney]]  in about 520 JCPenney locations.<ref name=wwd/> In India, two licensed chains, Disney Jeans and Disney Artist, are owned and operated by Indus Clothing and Ravi Jaipuria Corporation respectively. At the 2019 [[D23 Expo]], it was announced that Disney departments were opening at [[Target Corporation|Target]] stores across the United States starting in October prior to the release of ''[[Frozen II]]''. Disney Store items are also being sold on Target.com in addition to the Disney Store website (previously known as "shopDisney" from 2017 to 2024).<ref>{{cite web |last1=Flaherty |first1=Morgan |title=shopDisney Announces Website Name Change |url=https://www.wdw-magazine.com/shopdisney-the-disney-store/ |website=WDW Magazine |access-date=February 15, 2024 |date=February 14, 2024}}</ref>

Disney's Character Warehouse Outlet Store was licensed out to liquidator Asset Management & Sales LLC to sell overstock and discontinued [[Disney Experiences|Disney Parks]] merchandise. The Character Warehouses just have a few permanent locations while having temporary stores at times. Asset Management & Sales is owned by Janie and Gary Stump.<ref name=slt/><ref name=tnt/>

==History==
The first Disney Store opened in the [[Glendale Galleria]] in [[Glendale, California]], on March 28, 1987.<ref group=ChWDC>{{cite web|title=1987|url=http://kpolsson.com/disnehis/disn1987.htm|access-date=26 November 2012}} source:<br />*Prince of the Magic Kingdom, by Joe Flower, 1991.<br />*Work in Progress, by Michael Eisner, 1998. Page 243.</ref>

The first Disney Store outside California opened in [[Bridgewater Commons]] in [[Bridgewater, New Jersey]], on June 18, 1988.<ref>"[https://www.newspapers.com/image/280832837/ Disney Store opens in Jersey]". ''The Daily Journal''. June 18, 1988. p. 1.</ref>

The first overseas Disney Store opened in November 1990 in [[London|London, England]].<ref group=ChWDC>{{cite web|title=1987|url=http://kpolsson.com/disnehis/disn1990jul.htm|access-date=26 November 2012}} source:<br />*Work in Progress, by Michael Eisner, 1998. Page 246.<br />*The New Internationalist, December 1998, Number 308. Page 19.</ref>

[[File:Disney Store logo.svg|thumb|Logo used from 2010 to 2017|class=skin-invert]]

Doug Murphy was hired by Disney Store as manager of new business development in September 1991, then promoted to head business development in April 1993.<ref name="lat5">{{cite news|title=Gutshall Named President of Palo Alto Drug Maker|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-12-11-fi-7853-story.html|access-date=February 6, 2017|work=Los Angeles Times|date=December 11, 1994}}</ref> The first Japanese location opened in 1992<ref name=lat0>{{cite news|title=Disney to Sell Its Retail Stores in Japan|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-sep-11-fi-44387-story.html|access-date=27 November 2012|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=September 11, 2001|agency=Bloomberg News}}</ref> as did the first Australian store.<ref name=abi>{{cite news|title=Disney Store closing its doors|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-92838628.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140629085841/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-92838628.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 29, 2014|access-date=May 20, 2014|newspaper=Australasian Business Intelligence|date=October 15, 2002|agency=Inside Retailing - ABIX via COMTEX}}</ref> In 1992, [[Company scrip|Disney Dollars]] were available at Disney Stores.<ref group=ChWDC>{{cite web|title=1992|url=http://kpolsson.com/disnehis/disn1992.htm|access-date=October 13, 2015}} source:<br />Disney Magazine, Summer 1997. Page 68.</ref>

A showcase {{convert|11000|sqft}} location was opened in the third quarter 1994 at the Post and Powell corner of [[San Francisco]]'s [[Union Square, San Francisco|Union Square]].<ref name="ctrib0">{{cite news|last1=Sandoval|first1=Ricardo|title=Disney Entertaining Retail Splash|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1993/12/26/disney-entertaining-retail-splash/|access-date=October 25, 2017|work=Chicago Tribune|agency=San Francisco Examiner|date=December 26, 1993|language=en}}</ref> On October 24, 1994, its Disney Store (Hong Kong) Ltd. opened its first location in a [[New Territories]] shopping center.<ref name="os0">{{cite news|title=Disney Retail Operations Expanded To Hong Kong|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1994/10/25/disney-retail-operations-expanded-to-hong-kong/|access-date=March 7, 2014|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|date=October 25, 1994}}</ref>  In 1996, Disney Store opened its [[#New York City flagship|flagship]] location in [[New York City]].<ref name="nyt0">{{cite news|last1=McGeehan|first1=Patrick|title=For Disney, the Magic on Fifth Avenue Ends|url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/23/for-disney-the-magic-on-fifth-avenue-ends/?_r=0|access-date=December 10, 2016|work=City Room|date=September 23, 2009}}</ref> A Disney Store location opened next to the [[El Capitan Theatre]] in its building in 1998.<ref name="d23">{{cite web|title=Disney's Soda Fountain and Studio Store|url=https://d23.com/a-to-z/disneys-soda-fountain-studio-store/|website=D23: Disney A to Z|publisher=The Walt Disney Company|access-date=September 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906071543/https://d23.com/a-to-z/disneys-soda-fountain-studio-store/|archive-date=September 6, 2015|url-access=registration}}</ref>

The first [[The Disney Gallery#Other locations|Walt Disney Gallery]] opened outside of the park next to the Disney Store at [[Westfield MainPlace|Main Place Santa Ana]] in California on November 4, 1994<ref name="lat6">{{cite news|last1=Johnson|first1=Greg|title=Restaurants And Retail|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-09-20-fi-40934-story.html|access-date=February 6, 2017|work=Los Angeles Times|date=September 20, 1994}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Johnson |first1= Greg |title=Retail |url= https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-11-01-fi-57437-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times|date=1 November 1994}}</ref> and was operated by Disney Store.<ref name="lat6" /> Doug Murphy was appointed vice president of the Walt Disney Gallery for Disney Store in December 1994.<ref name="lat5" />

{| class="wikitable" align=right
|-
!colspan=3| Store Numbers
|-
! Year !! Licensed !! Disney Owned
|-
| 1987 || N/A || 1
|-
| 1990 || N/A || 78<ref name="os1"/> 
|-
| 1992 || N/A || 126<ref name="lat6"/>
|-
| 1993 || N/A || 215<ref name="ctrib0"/>
|-
| 1994 ||  N/A  || 310<ref name="lat6"/>
|-
| 1997 || N/A || 749<ref>{{cite news|last1=Holson|first1=Laura M.|title=A Nike Veteran Adds Some Swoosh to Disney's Tired Mouse|work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/30/business/media/30disney.html|access-date=February 26, 2015|date=August 30, 2004}}</ref>
|-
| 2001 || N/A || 700<ref name=lat0/>
|-
| 2004 || 313<ref name=lat/> ||
|-
| 2008 || 322 (March 24)<ref name=mw/> || 220<ref name=lat2/>
|-
| 2009 || 357<ref name="ctrib1"/> ||
|-
| 2013 || 520 || 200<ref name=wwd/>
|-
| 2014 || 564 || 200<ref name=dn/>
|-
| 2015 || 680<ref name=dn/> ||
|}

In 2000, its store in [[Munich]] was closed.<ref name="sdz">{{cite news |last1=Ratzesberger |first1=Pia |title=Das Geschäft mit der Maus |url=http://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/disney-shop-in-muenchen-das-geschaeft-mit-der-maus-1.3740962 |access-date=July 9, 2018 |work=sueddeutsche.de |date=8 November 2017 |language=de}} [https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=de&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sueddeutsche.de%2Fmuenchen%2Fdisney-shop-in-muenchen-das-geschaeft-mit-der-maus-1.3740962&edit-text= Translation: The business with the mouse].</ref> In September 2000, Disney Store remodeled two stores, showing off prototype designs in Costa Mesa and Cherry Hill, N.J. These stores had more space and a high-tech look where theme park tickets could be bought via computer stations. When Disney indicated that this new model would be rolled out to 350 stores, they also indicated the closure of 100 locations worldwide. Analysts had indicated that Disney had overbuilt stores. By April 2001, 20 stores were redone in the high tech style when a new president, Peter Whitford, was hired.<ref name=lat1>{{cite news|last1=Verrier|first1=Richard|title=Disney Stores to Get Redesign|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-mar-02-fi-disney2-story.html|access-date=August 6, 2014|work=Los Angeles Times|date=March 2, 2002}}</ref>

In late 2002, two new prototypes were rolled out in Canoga Park and Torrance. In March 2002, Disney Stores Worldwide announced that the chain would be split into two types of stores, Disney Play and Disney Kids at Home. They also continued closing stores to reach 350 by 2005. The Disney Play stores would stock Disney character toys, plush dolls and costumes aimed at young children, while Disney Kids at Home targeted parents looking to purchase home furnishings, clothing and bed & bath products for their children. Some were expected to be a hybrid of both concepts. This roll out of the two store brands was expected to take 3 years.<ref name=lat1/> On March 31, 2003, its 16 Australian locations closed.<ref name=abi/>

With lackluster films, high-priced and high-margin items, sales dropped while continuing to overly open stores. The company closed hundreds of stores in order to make a slim profit. Whitford left in 2003.<ref name="lat4">{{cite news|last1=Menn|first1=Joseph|title=New ownership turns Disney Stores around|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-dec-23-fi-disneystores23-story.html|access-date=December 29, 2016|work=Los Angeles Times|date=23 December 2006}}</ref>

===Licensed out North American and Japanese operations===
Even though the Disney Stores maintained strong sales, mounting costs of sales and operation, and the loss of key executives who had driven the Disney Stores to success led [[The Walt Disney Company]] to convert the Disney Stores into a licensed operation. The Japanese stores were sold to [[The Oriental Land Company]] in 2002,<ref name=lat0/> while most North American stores were sold and licensed in November 2004 to [[The Children's Place]].<ref name=lat>{{cite news|title=Disney buys back store chain from Children's Place|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-may-02-fi-disney2-story.html|access-date=27 November 2012|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=May 2, 2008|agency=Reuters}}</ref>

The Walt Disney Company decided to keep the stores in Europe, along with the flagship store in [[Manhattan]], which was converted into a [[World of Disney]] store run by [[Walt Disney Parks and Resorts]] in 2004,<ref name="nyt0"/> while The Children's Place got the Chicago flagship location.<ref name="rtrs">{{cite news|title=Children's Place, Disney unit settle store dispute|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-childrensplace-settlement-disney/childrens-place-disney-unit-settle-store-dispute-idUSWNAS353020070608|access-date=October 23, 2017|work=Reuters|date=June 8, 2007}}</ref> On June 2, 2005, the [[#Studio Store|Disney's Soda Fountain and Studio Store]] opened up in the [[El Capitan Theatre|El Capitan Building]] on the ground floor replacing a Disney Store.<ref name=d23/><ref name=pr>{{cite press release | author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->| title =Hollywood's Coolest New "Hot Spot" | url =http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/el_capitan/soda_fountain/press.html | url-status =dead | publisher = Buena Vista Pictures Distribution | date = June 22, 2005 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20051214180149/http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/el_capitan/soda_fountain/press.html | archive-date = December 14, 2005 | access-date = September 8, 2015 }}</ref>

Disney sold the chain for the cost of inventory to the Children's Place's subsidiary Hoop Holdings and signed a 15-year licensing agreement.<ref name="lat4" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/2008/03/unit_of_childrens_place_that_o.html|title=Unit of Children's Place that operates Disney Stores files for bankruptcy|publisher=nj.com |date=2008-03-27 |access-date=2016-03-04}}</ref> Under the licensing agreement, a "royalty holiday" period existed until October 2006 to allow revamping of the stores. The royalty thereafter was 5% of store sales while online sales give Disney a 9% to 10% royalty. Hoop Holdings had to write off the cost ($48 million) of the equipment and property received in the purchase.<ref name="lat4" /> On the weekend of March 24, 2005, Hoop Holdings opened its first Disney Store Outlet location.<ref>{{cite press release |date=March 24, 2005 |title=Disney Store Announces Expansion Into Outlet Centers |url=http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=120577&p=irol-newsArticle_Print&ID=764230 |publisher=Disney Store North America (Hoop Holdings) |access-date=2017-02-11}}</ref>

The Children's Place intended to reinvigorate the Disney Store brand in the United States by expanding the number of stores, reducing initial selling prices. Previously, Disney Stores have been well known for inflated initial prices, which would be marked down substantially after just a few weeks. Also, The Children's Place opened Disney outlet stores, which have lower operating costs and typically have a high profit margin even though they have reduced prices versus mall stores. However, Disney's strict licensing agreement, which included the burden of being required to invest significantly in store remodels, contributed to the eventual decision by The Children's Place to exit the business.<ref name=mw>{{cite news|last=Daniel|first=Robert|title=Children's Place's Disney Store unit files Chapter 11|url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/disney-store-unit-of-retailer-files-for-bankruptcy-protection?dist=hplatest|access-date=27 November 2012|newspaper=MarketWatch|date=March 27, 2008}}</ref>

Hoops saw progress with its strategy as open stores in 2006 for 11 month saw 15% increase in sales assisted by a better Disney box office results, and the success of the [[Disney Channel]]'s hit made-for-TV movie ''[[High School Musical]]''. A store website would be up and running in April 2007.<ref name="lat4" /> Hoops Retail Stores, DBA Disney Store and a subsidiary of The Children's Place, commenced a 13-year lease of the [[Royal Laundry Complex]] in 2006.<ref name="labj">{{cite news |last1=Firnhaber |first1=Bethany |title=Historic Pasadena Site Touts Creative Appeal |url=http://labusinessjournal.com/news/2014/feb/17/historic-pasadena-site-touts-creative-appeal/?page=1& |access-date=June 4, 2019 |work=Los Angeles Business Journal |date=February 17, 2014}}</ref>

On June 8, 2007, [[Disney Consumer Products]] and The Children's Place settled a licensing agreement dispute, in which Disney indicated 130 unfixed breaches. The Children's Place agreed to have a new prototype store design approved by Disney by the end of June with the prototype to rolled out to 234 existing stores by January 31, 2012, while 18 new prototype store would be opened by early 2009. At the Chicago flagship and about 165 other locations, Hoops would get maintenance up to date by June 30, 2008. Restrictions on Disney to give direct merchandising licenses to other specialty retailers was loosened.<ref name="rtrs"/>

In 2005, DCP has begun working with various Indian retail outlets to establish Disney Corners within the outlets to sell licensed merchandise.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bhattacharjee|first=Manisha|title=Disney's Eisner, Iger in India; to meet PM & President|url=http://www.indiantelevision.org.in/headlines/y2k5/apr/apr296.htm|access-date=23 April 2014|newspaper=Indiantelevision.com|date=25 April 2005|archive-date=24 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140424034506/http://www.indiantelevision.org.in/headlines/y2k5/apr/apr296.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 26 September 2006, the Disney Jeans brand was launched under license to Indus Clothing, who planned to open 30 Disney Jean stores by the end of 2007.<ref>{{cite news|title=Disney Jeans launched, plans 30 stores|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/disney-jeans-launched-plans-30-stores-106092600046_1.html|access-date=23 April 2014|newspaper=Business Standard|date=26 September 2006}}</ref> In October 2006, DCP licensed the rights to Ravi Jaipuria Corporation for five years to set up 150 Disney Artist brand stores and wholesales under the Disney Artist brand, which sold Disney character-branded greeting cards, stationery, arts, crafts and party products in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Maldives.<ref>{{cite news|title=Disney to set up 150 stores in India|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Disney-to-set-up-150-stores-in-India/articleshow/2153876.cms?referral=PM|access-date=23 April 2014|newspaper=The Times of India|date=12 October 2006|agency=TNN}}</ref>

===Reunited operations===
[[File:EatonDisneyStore.jpg|thumb|left|The old Disney Store in [[Toronto Eaton Centre]] in [[Toronto, Ontario]], Canada in 2010, before renovations.]]
[[File:Disney Store in Toronto Eaton Centre.jpg|thumb|left|The former Disney Store in [[Toronto Eaton Centre]] in 2014 after renovations. The location closed on September 22nd, 2021.]]
Hoop Retail, The Children's Place subsidiary operating the Disney Stores, announced on March 20, 2008, that they were in talks to sell the Disney Store brand back to The Walt Disney Company. Hoop Retail filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March.<ref name=ust0>{{cite news|title=Disney takes back Disney Stores from Children's Place|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/money/media/2008-05-01-disney-stores_N.htm|access-date=27 November 2012|newspaper=USA Today|date=May 1, 2008|agency=AP}}</ref> On May 1, 2008, 231 Disney Stores in North America once again became the property of Disney, operating under the Disney Consumer Products arm.<ref name=lat2>{{cite news|last=Chmielewski|first=Dawn C.|title=Head of Disney Consumer Products group steps down |url= http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2011/09/head-of-disney-consumer-products-group-steps-down.html |access-date=15 November 2012|newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=September 6, 2011}}</ref> James Fielding was named president of Disney Stores Worldwide. In Europe at the time, the chain had 107 locations.<ref name=ust0/> The San Francisco showcase location was closed in 2008.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Colliver|first1=Victoria|title=Virgin Megastore in S.F. will liquidate|url=http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Virgin-Megastore-in-S-F-will-liquidate-3170032.php#photo-2304693|access-date=October 25, 2017|work=SFGate|publisher=Hearst Communications, Inc.|date=February 27, 2009}}</ref>

Furthermore, Disney announced in November 2009 that they were planning a massive "re-launching" and re-branding of all Disney Store locations, spearheaded by [[Apple Inc.|Apple]]'s [[Steve Jobs]], who pioneered the [[Apple Store|Apple Retail Store]] concept.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/13/business/media/13disney.html?scp=3&sq=disney+store&st=nyt | work=The New York Times | title=Disney's Retail Plan Is a Theme Park in Its Stores | first=Brooks | last=Barnes | date=October 13, 2009 | access-date=May 1, 2010}}</ref> The new store look and feel was designed by New York-based design firm Pompei A.D.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ddionline.com/displayanddesignideas/magazine/Modern-magic-3541.shtml | work=DDI | title=Modern magic | first=Erin | last=Loewe | date=March 21, 2011 | access-date=June 19, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110916070758/http://www.ddionline.com/displayanddesignideas/magazine/Modern-magic-3541.shtml | archive-date=September 16, 2011 | url-status=dead }}</ref> and was referred to as 'Imagination Parks', which was under consideration as a new name for the stores. This model was to be high tech and have several interactive activities. $1 million was the expected outlay for converting to this concept. The first of these stores were opened in May 2010 in Long Island, Madrid and Southern California.<ref name=tr>{{cite news|last1=Hartley|first1=Adam|title=Steve Jobs turning Disney stores into 'Imagination Parks'|url=http://www.techradar.com/news/world-of-tech/steve-jobs-turning-disney-stores-into-imagination-parks-642336|access-date=December 14, 2016|work=TechRadar|date=October 13, 2009}}</ref> 40 more of this format were to open in 2011.<ref>{{cite news|title=Disney plans 40 new concept stores|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2011/05/24/disney-plans-40-new-concept-stores.html|access-date=December 14, 2016|work=South Florida Business Journal|date=May 24, 2011}}</ref>

With the shuttering of the [[Disney Parks and Resorts]]-run [[World of Disney]] store in [[Fifth Avenue]] [[New York City]] in January 2010, a Disney Store replaced it on Broadway and became the [[#New York City flagship|flagship store]]. It opened late in the year capping off a 20-store opening.<ref name=cny>{{cite news|last=Pasquarelli|first=Adrianne|title=New mouse house for Times Square|url=http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20100105/FREE/100109984|access-date=March 7, 2014|newspaper=Crain's New York Business|date=January 5, 2010}}</ref>

[[The Oriental Land Company]] announced that it would sell its Japanese Disney Stores back to [[The Walt Disney Company]]. Disney took over Retail Networks Co., Ltd., an Oriental Land Company subsidiary owning the Disney Stores in Japan, beginning on March 31, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|title=Company Overview of Retail Networks Co., Ltd.|url=http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=22687088|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130118134352/http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=22687088|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 18, 2013|work=Company Profiles|publisher=Business Week|access-date=27 November 2012}}</ref> Ireland's first store opened on May 18, 2011.<ref>{{cite news|title=Disney store for Dublin|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-252149979.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140629085842/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-252149979.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 29, 2014|access-date=May 20, 2014|newspaper=The Mirror|date=March 23, 2011|location=London, England}}</ref>

With president Fielding leaving, he was replaced by Molly Adams and Paul Gainer as executive vice presidents in charge of the global retail operation from their Disney Store senior vice president positions in May 2012.<ref name="ctrib1">{{cite news|title=Disney completes overhaul of consumer products unit|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2012/05/29/disney-completes-overhaul-of-consumer-products-unit/|access-date=October 25, 2017|work=Chicago Tribune|agency=Reuters|date=May 29, 2012|language=en}}</ref> On September 6, 2012, the first flagship [[#Baby Store|Disney Baby Store]] opened in [[Glendale, California]].<ref name=laf>{{cite web | url =http://www.lafamily.com/activities-and-attractions-la/grand-opening-first-disney-baby-store-glendale-ca | title =Grand Opening of the First Disney Baby Store in Glendale, CA | last =Lazaro | first =Flora | date =September 5, 2012 | website =LA Family.com | access-date =December 29, 2016 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20170605073659/http://www.lafamily.com/activities-and-attractions-la/grand-opening-first-disney-baby-store-glendale-ca | archive-date =June 5, 2017 | url-status =dead }}</ref><ref name=ust>{{cite news |last=Horovitz |first=Bruce |date= September 7, 2012 |title=Disney Baby retail and online store targets youngest crowd |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/money/industries/retail/story/2012-09-05/disney-baby-store/57615352/1 |access-date=December 29, 2016 }}</ref> Regular stores were expected to add a Disney Baby section.<ref name=ust/> In November 2013, Disney's Soda Fountain and Studio Store replaced DeWar with [[Ghirardelli Chocolate Company]] operating the soda fountain half of the shop.<ref name=abt>{{cite web |last1=Deioma |first1=Kayte |title=Sweets and Souvenirs at the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Disney Store in Hollywood |url=http://golosangeles.about.com/od/thingstodoinhollywood/fr/DisneySodaFt.htm |website=About.com Travel |publisher=About, Inc. |date=August 30, 2016 |access-date=December 12, 2016 |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220094553/http://golosangeles.about.com/od/thingstodoinhollywood/fr/DisneySodaFt.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In January 2012, Disney Stores indicated that the company would open 25 to 40 locations in China over the next three years, with the first store originally scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2012.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rapoza|first1=Kenneth|title=Guess Where Disney Plans To Open 40 Stores?|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kenrapoza/2012/01/18/disney-store-china-bound/#5c5ea87b569f|access-date=December 14, 2016|work=Forbes|date=January 18, 2012}}</ref> On October 25, 2013, Disney announced that the [[#China flagship|first Disney Store]] in [[Shanghai]], China would open in 2015.<ref name=thr>{{cite news|title=World's Largest Disney Store Set For Shanghai|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/worlds-largest-disney-store-set-650846|access-date=25 October 2013|newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter|date=October 25, 2013}}</ref> On May 20, 2015, this Chinese flagship Disney Store opened.<ref name=lat3>{{cite news|last1=Forgione|first1=Mary|title=Nine things you need to know about the world's biggest Disney Store|url=http://www.latimes.com/travel/la-trb-disney-store-china-20150521-htmlstory.html|access-date=December 13, 2016|work=Los Angeles Times|date=May 22, 2015}}</ref>

On September 21, 2012, Disney announced a partnership with [[JCPenney]] (JCP) to open a Disney department with {{convert|750|to|1100|sqft}} in about 520 Penney locations.<ref name=wwd>{{cite news|title=Disney Shops Headed for J.C. Penney|url=http://www.wwd.com/retail-news/department-stores/disney-shops-headed-for-penneys-6305790|access-date=19 February 2013|newspaper=Women's Wear Daily|date=September 19, 2012}}</ref> JCP's online version opened on September 6 and the store within a store locations opened on October 4.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Abril|first1=Danielle|title=J.C. Penney to launch Disney store within the store|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/2013/10/03/jc-penney-to-launch-disney-store.html|access-date=December 14, 2016|work=Dallas Business Journal|publisher=American City Business Journals|date=October 3, 2013}}</ref> With the success of these Disney shops and its exclusive merchandise in 2014, Penney added 44 additional stores and add 116 more in 2015 for a total of 620. The JCP locations were also promoting the Disney live action [[Cinderella (2015 Disney film)|Cinderella film]]. This actually marked the second time Disney and JCP had team up on promoting a movie, while the first was with the animated movie.<ref name=dn>{{cite news|last1=Halkias|first1=Maria|title=J.C. Penney riding Disney's coattails again|url=http://www.dallasnews.com/business/retail/2015/01/26/j.c.-penney-riding-disneys-coattails-again|access-date=December 14, 2016|work=Dallas News|date=January 26, 2015|archive-date=December 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220134929/http://www.dallasnews.com/business/retail/2015/01/26/j.c.-penney-riding-disneys-coattails-again|url-status=dead}}</ref>

A NY Attorney General inquiry into [[On call shift|On-call scheduling]] in 2016 led Disney Stores to indicate in December that the retailer had dropped the practice early in the year.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Halzack|first1=Sarah|title=Disney Store and other retailers ditch on-call scheduling|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2016/12/20/disney-store-and-other-retailers-ditch-on-call-scheduling/|access-date=December 29, 2016|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=December 20, 2016}}</ref> In the UK, Disney Stores Europe opened nine [[Pop-up shop]]s in October 2016 for the Christmas season.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Duke|first1=Simon|title=A whole new world for Disney fans as pop up store opens|url=http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/shopping/pop-up-disney-store-opens-12041137|access-date=December 29, 2016|work=nechronicle|publisher=Trinity Mirror Group|date=October 18, 2016}}</ref>

Disney Stores reopened in Germany on November 9, 2017, with a single store on [[Neuhauser Straße]] in Munich where Disney Germany is headquartered.<ref name="sdz" /> The store was permanently closed in June 2020. As a promotion for its sleep shop launch in August 2018, Disney Store operated, during the month, a bedtime hotline where Mickey Mouse and friends share a short bedtime message.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Frigerio |first1=Josh |title=Disney Store launches sleep hotline with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy and Goofy |url=https://www.abc15.com/entertainment/events/disney-store-launches-sleep-hotline-with-mickey-minnie-donald-daisy-and-goofy |access-date=August 14, 2018 |work=KNXV |date=August 9, 2018}}</ref> In mid-November 2018, the Disney Stores USA headquarters moved out of the [[Royal Laundry Complex]] in Pasadena to [[Grand Central Airport (California)|Grand Central Creative Campus]], [[Glendale, California|Glendale]], [[California]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Statement of Information: Disney Stores USA, LLC |url=https://businesssearch.sos.ca.gov/Document/RetrievePDF?Id=200809410208-23916211 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925031152/https://businesssearch.sos.ca.gov/Document/RetrievePDF?Id=200809410208-23916211 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 25, 2021 |website=Business Search |publisher=California Secretary of State |date=March 23, 2018 |access-date=June 4, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Statement of Information: Disney Stores USA, LLC |url=https://businesssearch.sos.ca.gov/Document/RetrievePDF?Id=200809410208-25171008 |website=Business Search |publisher=California Secretary of State |date=November 19, 2018 |access-date=June 4, 2019 |archive-date=September 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925045612/https://businesssearch.sos.ca.gov/Document/RetrievePDF?Id=200809410208-25171008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

With the announced closing of the only store in West Virginia in the [[Huntington Mall]] on May 26, 2019, family rallied at the store in an organized "cash-mob" event to save the store. However, ''The Herald-Dispatch'' reported that the mall rent was not the issue, but that the chain was systematically closing its stores.<ref>{{cite news |title=Families rally to keep Disney Store open |url=https://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/families-rally-to-keep-disney-store-open/article_41ffe29b-9fce-5ba7-9e3e-c3bff8a45197.html |access-date=June 11, 2019 |newspaper=The Herald-Dispatch |date=May 27, 2019 |language=en}}</ref>

At the [[D23 Expo]] in August 2019, Disney announced that it would be partnering with Target to open 25 "shop-within-shops" inside of Targets on October 4.<ref name="ust1">{{cite news |last1=Tyko |first1=Kelly |title=Disney and Target announce 25 Disney shops coming to Target stores in October, new website |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/08/25/target-and-disney-target-location-near-you-may-get-disney-store/2099498001/ |access-date=October 7, 2019 |work=USA Today |date=August 25, 2019}}</ref>

===Closure===

In early March 2021, Disney announced that it would close at least 155 Disney Store locations in North America (United States and Canada) and focus more on its [[e-commerce]] operations.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Watson|first=R. T.|date=2021-03-03|title=Disney Closing at Least 60 Bricks-and-Mortar Stores in North America|language=en-US|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/disney-closing-at-least-60-brick-and-mortar-stores-in-north-america-11614815085|access-date=2021-03-04|issn=0099-9660}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Snider|first=Mike|title=Disney to close at least 60 Disney Stores in US and Canada, as shopping shifts to online|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/shopping/2021/03/03/disney-store-closing-60-north-american-locations-focus-shopdisney/6912225002/|access-date=2021-03-04|website=USA TODAY|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=The list of USA anc Canada locations closings.|date=10 March 2021 |url=https://www.laughingplace.com/w/news/2021/03/09/disney-releases-which-disney-stores-will-be-closing-around-the-united-states-and-canada/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311010829/https://www.laughingplace.com/w/news/2021/03/09/disney-releases-which-disney-stores-will-be-closing-around-the-united-states-and-canada/ |archive-date=2021-03-11 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=5 more locations to close on or before April 15.|date=30 March 2021 |url=https://diskingdom.com/2021/03/30/5-more-closures-announced-disney-store-locations-shutting-in-ga-mn-nj-ms-tx/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331002555/http://diskingdom.com/2021/03/30/5-more-closures-announced-disney-store-locations-shutting-in-ga-mn-nj-ms-tx/ |archive-date=2021-03-31 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Seven more closures: Disney Store closing last stores in three states|date=24 April 2021 |url=https://diskingdom.com/2021/04/24/seven-more-closures-disney-store-exiting-three-states/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425012950/http://diskingdom.com/2021/04/24/seven-more-closures-disney-store-exiting-three-states/ |archive-date=2021-04-25 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=The final 60 Disney Store closures|date=20 May 2021 |url=https://diskingdom.com/2021/05/20/disney-store-next-11-closures-are-stores-in-ca-nj-ny-ut-leaving-ky-pr/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521020809/http://diskingdom.com/2021/05/20/disney-store-next-11-closures-are-stores-in-ca-nj-ny-ut-leaving-ky-pr/ |archive-date=2021-05-21 }}</ref> On May 5, 2021, Disney announced that it would close all the Disney Store locations in Europe (with the exception of a handful of stores such as the flagship store at Disney Village in [[Disneyland Paris]]).<ref>{{Cite web|title=DLPReport on the closure of European Disney Stores.|url=https://twitter.com/DLPReport/status/1389957684934422530/photo/1|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505193350/https://twitter.com/DLPReport/status/1389957684934422530/photo/1 |archive-date=2021-05-05 }}</ref> On June 18, it was announced that the original Glendale Galleria location would close on July 14, 2021 (among other 16 stores).<ref>{{Cite web|title=The original Glendale Disney Store will be closing soon.|date=18 June 2021 |url=http://diskingdom.com/2021/06/18/first-ever-disney-store-announced-as-one-of-the-16-to-close-permanently-july-14-ca-co-de-fl-hi-nj-nv-ny-oh-tx-and-british-columbia/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619074056/https://diskingdom.com/2021/06/18/first-ever-disney-store-announced-as-one-of-the-16-to-close-permanently-july-14-ca-co-de-fl-hi-nj-nv-ny-oh-tx-and-british-columbia/ |archive-date=2021-06-19 }}</ref> On July 23, it was announced that most Canadian stores (with the exception of [[Toronto Eaton Centre]], [[Vaughan Mills]], and [[Scarborough Town Center]]) would be closing on or before August 18, 2021. The final 1990s "pink and green" location at Chicago Ridge Mall in Chicago Ridge, Illinois was also announced to be part of these closures. On August 23, it was announced that 59 stores would close on or before September 15, leaving only twenty-two stores remaining in the United States. It was also announced that the last three Canadian stores would close as well.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Most Canadian Disney Stores are closing except a few in Toronto area.|date=23 July 2021 |url=https://diskingdom.com/2021/07/23/14-more-disney-stores-to-close-alberta-ontario-california-ohio-illinois-manitoba/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723213403/https://diskingdom.com/2021/07/23/14-more-disney-stores-to-close-alberta-ontario-california-ohio-illinois-manitoba/ |archive-date=2021-07-23 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=All remaining Disney Stores to close|date=23 August 2021 |url=https://chipandco.com/disney-store-closing-57-more-stores-only-25-will-remain-after-sept-15th-442462/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210823175011/https://chipandco.com/disney-store-closing-57-more-stores-only-25-will-remain-after-sept-15th-442462/ |archive-date=2021-08-23 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://disneyinsideblog.wordpress.com/2021/08/23/saying-goodbye-to-the-disney-store/|title = Saying Goodbye to the Disney Store|date = 23 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=More closures to come.|date=4 September 2021 |url=http://diskingdom.com/2021/09/04/california-virginia-stores-added-to-closing-list-down-to-23/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904185331/https://diskingdom.com/2021/09/04/california-virginia-stores-added-to-closing-list-down-to-23/ |archive-date=2021-09-04 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Now, It's time to say Goodbye, Disney Store!|date=13 September 2021|url=https://www.wdwinfo.com/history/see-ya-real-soon-disney-store/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914112041/https://www.wdwinfo.com/history/see-ya-real-soon-disney-store/ |archive-date=2021-09-14 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=R.I.P. Disney Store (1987-2021)|date=13 September 2021 |url=https://www.gawker.com/news/disney-store-dead-at-34|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914115547/https://www.gawker.com/news/disney-store-dead-at-34 |archive-date=2021-09-14 }}</ref> On December 24, it was announced that the Disney Store located in Bellevue, Washington would close on January 19, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Disney Store is leaving Bellevue Square|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CX896d_rGuQ/}}</ref>

On April 12, 2025, it was announced that the flagship Disney Store at Disney Village in Disneyland Paris would permanently close in fall 2025, being replaced by a new store named Disney Wonders.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Taylor |date=2025-04-12 |title=Disneyland Paris Releases Construction Updates: Disney Adventure World and More |url=https://disneyparksblog.com/dlp/disneyland-paris-releases-construction-updates-disney-adventure-world-and-more/?CMP=SOC-DPFY25Q1wo0410250067F |access-date=2025-04-12 |website=Disney Parks Blog |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Lawsuit===
In July 2021, UBS Realty sued Disney for back rent at [[The Shops at Montebello]] location in [[Montebello, California]], in the amount of $275,000.<ref>{{Cite web|title=UBS Realty sues The Walt Disney Company for $275,000 for back rent.|date=26 July 2021|url=https://therealdeal.com/la/2021/07/26/mall-vs-the-mouse-ubs-sues-disney-store-for-275k-in-back-rent/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726174433/https://therealdeal.com/la/2021/07/26/mall-vs-the-mouse-ubs-sues-disney-store-for-275k-in-back-rent/ |archive-date=2021-07-26 }}</ref>

==Locations==
[[File:DisneyVaughanMills.jpg|thumb|A former Disney Outlet in [[Vaughan Mills]]]]
[[File:The Magic of Hong Kong Disneyland in HKIA 2015.jpg|thumb|The Magic of Hong Kong Disneyland in [[Hong Kong International Airport]]]]
{| class="wikitable sortable" 
|-
!colspan=3| Countries
|-
! Country !! Opened !! locations (#)
|-
| United States || {{dts|1987|3|28}} || 21
|-
| United Kingdom || {{dts|1990|11}} || 3
|-
| Japan || {{dts|1992}} || 40+
|-
| France || {{dts|1993}} || 2
|-
| [[Hong Kong]]<ref name=os0/> || {{dts|1994|10|24}} || 
|-
| Ireland || {{dts|2011|}} || 1
|-
| China || 2015 ||
|-
| Germany<ref name="sdz" /> || {{dts|2017|11|9}} || 2
|-
| Philippines<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lizan |first1=Louise |title=Disney Store Opens First Store in the PH |url=https://www.spot.ph/shopping/the-latest-shopping/110099/photos-disney-store-opens-in-sm-mall-of-asia-a5109-20240926-lfrm |work=Spot.ph |access-date=September 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926115111/https://www.spot.ph/shopping/the-latest-shopping/110099/photos-disney-store-opens-in-sm-mall-of-asia-a5109-20240926-lfrm |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |url-status=live |date=September 26, 2024}}</ref> || {{dts|2024|09|27}}<br>{{dts|2025|09|06}} || [[SM Mall of Asia|1]]<br>[[SM North EDSA|2]]
|}
Disney Stores are located in malls and commercial areas in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Australia, Japan, and the Philippines. A small number of stores were opened in [[Hong Kong]] however, the Australian stores were closed in 2003, and the only Disney Store in Hong Kong at this time is located in the [[Hong Kong International Airport]], which was renamed '''The Magic of Hong Kong Disneyland''' and managed by [[Hong Kong International Theme Parks]]. Disney also operated approximately 15 smaller-scale locations in airports throughout the United States, which were all shuttered in the early 2000s, with the last being the [[Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport]] location in summer 2004.

Disney Store came back to Germany with a flagship store in [[Munich]] in November 2017.<ref name="sdz" />

In the United States, Canada, and Europe, Disney Stores are owned by The Walt Disney Company. However, Japanese Disney Stores were owned and operated by [[The Oriental Land Company]], the company that owns and operates the [[Tokyo Disney Resort]], but have now been bought back by The Walt Disney Company. From November 21, 2004, until May 1, 2008, Disney Stores in the United States and Canada were owned and operated by Hoop Retail Stores, a wholly owned subsidiary of [[The Children's Place]], LLC. Oriental Land operates Disney Stores under a long-term license agreement with The Walt Disney Company, as did The Children's Place. In the United Kingdom and Europe, Disney operates approximately 30 locations. As of early 2021, Disney maintained about 300 Disney Stores worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Whitten|first=Sarah|date=2021-03-03|title=Disney shuttering at least 20% of Disney Stores as it shifts focus to e-commerce|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/03/disney-shuttering-at-least-20percent-of-disney-stores-as-it-shifts-focus-to-e-commerce.html|access-date=2021-03-04|website=CNBC|language=en}}</ref>

===Features===
In 2010, Disney started rolling out a themed retail business model and redesign led by [[Steve Jobs]] for its stores dubbed Imagination Parks.<ref name=tr/> At the overhauled stores, shopping is more interactive with a large castle that has a mirror in which Disney princesses appear, and projectors have the leaves in the trees changing to Disney characters. The store's perimeter is a lined skyline with local landmarks and added Disney themes for the appearance, and the store is the center of "this big, magical world." Inside there is a pixie dust trail leading throughout the store. Many revamped stores get localized products and design touches. For example, Las Vegas has 35 items including showgirl Minnie and Elvis costumed Stitch.<ref name="lvrj">{{cite news|last1=Carroll|first1=Laura|title=When you wish upon a store: New Disney retail outlet opens|url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/business/retail/when-you-wish-upon-store-new-disney-retail-outlet-opens|access-date=February 11, 2017|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|date=July 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211155431/http://www.reviewjournal.com/business/retail/when-you-wish-upon-store-new-disney-retail-outlet-opens|archive-date=February 11, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Also, a daily opening ceremony takes place with music. A Cast Member selects a child to unlock the store by placing a giant key into a giant padlock. This triggers Tinker Bell flying about inside as the darkened store's interior gradually increases its lighting as projected pseudo fireworks are set off.<ref name="lvrj"/>

===China flagship===
The flagship first Disney Store in China is in [[Lujiazui]] area of the [[Pudong]] financial district, [[Shanghai]] with {{convert|54000|sqft}}, the largest Disney Store anywhere.<ref name=lat3/><ref name=thr/> A {{convert|19|ft}} high Magic Kingdom castle is in the middle of the store and has a projected musical show that is shown on the hour. Also, the location has an outdoor plaza with a Mickey Mouse flowerbed. The location has a Marvel area with statues of Iron Man, Thor, an 8-foot-tall Hulk and other heroes. Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Daisy and Donald Duck are in a hot-air balloons. Its roof is an illuminated Mickey Mouse shape.<ref name=lat3/>

On Wednesday 20 May 2015 at 1:14&nbsp;p.m., this store opened. Customers were waiting 3 hours before hand.<ref name=lat3/> An hour after opening, the store closed to additional customers.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}

===Chicago flagship===
A flagship Disney Store was built in Chicago on the [[Magnificent Mile]] at 717 N. Michigan Avenue with {{convert|7000|sqft}} at ground floor, twice a standard store's footprint, with Saks Fifth Avenue men's store taking the remainder of the ground floor plus the second and third floor. This flagship store replaced the original location at Water Tower Place, and joined two [[Disney Regional Entertainment]] chain locations, [[DisneyQuest]] and [[ESPN Zone]] nearby in the North Bridge development.<ref name=ctrib>{{cite news|last1=Allen|first1=J. Linn|title=Disney Makes Big Plans For North Michigan Store|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1998/10/14/disney-makes-big-plans-for-north-michigan-store/|access-date=October 23, 2017|work=Chicago Tribune|date=October 14, 1998|language=en}}</ref> The store opened on July 26, 1999, and an official dedication occurred on August 5, 1999, with Chicago native and DCP president Anne Osberg, along with a live special appearance from Mickey Mouse. An exclusive {{frac|13|1|2}}-inch "Blues Mickey" plush toy which had an "unprecedented one-store, one-day limited edition Mini Bean Bag Plush" was also available for the dedication.<ref name=ctrib2>{{cite news|last1=Lazarus|first1=George|title=Disney Creates Its Own Kingdom In Chicago|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1999/07/22/disney-creates-its-own-kingdom-in-chicago/|access-date=October 25, 2017|work=Chicago Tribune|date=July 22, 1999|language=en}}</ref> Children's Place got the Chicago flagship location<ref name="rtrs"/> when the company's subsidiary operated the chain. (2004–2008)<ref name=ust0/> A smaller store later opened on [[108 North State Street]] in 2010, but then closed in March 2021.<ref>{{cite news |title=Disney Store closings 2021: Is your closest location holding a liquidation sale? See the store closures list. |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/shopping/2021/03/10/disney-stores-closures-locations-shuttering-march-2021-liquidation/6945644002/ |access-date=16 April 2021 |publisher=USA Today |date=March 10, 2021}}</ref> The Michigan Avenue store would also close on September 4, 2021.

===New York City flagship===
[[File:4.29.11DisneyStoreByLuigiNovi.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Times Square]] store.]]

On May 22, 1996, an original flagship Disney Store opened in [[New York City]] at a corner of [[55th Street (Manhattan)|55th Street]] and [[Fifth Avenue]] in the former La Côte Basque restaurant location. With the sale of the US location, the store in Manhattan was kept and converted into a [[World of Disney]] store run by [[Disney Experiences]] in 2004.<ref name="nyt0"/> With the shuttering of the Disney Parks and Resorts-run World of Disney store in Fifth Avenue New York City in January 2010 due to high rent, the Disney Store was moved to 1540 Broadway in [[Times Square]] in the former [[Virgin Megastore]] and became the flagship store when it opened on November 9, 2010, capping off a 20 store opening year.<ref name=cny/>  Its localized design features include Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade inspired oversized Mickey and Minnie balloons floating above and Broadway is recognized with Disney-themed playbills.<ref name="lvrj"/>

===Baby Store===
The Disney Baby Store in [[Americana at Brand]], [[Glendale, California]], is the only flagship store of its brand. The store is used as a testing grounds for Disney Baby line of products.<ref name=ust/>

With a recent focus on baby products by Disney Consumer Products, Glendale was chosen as the location of a corresponding store given it was near to Disney Consumer Products and Disney Store headquarters.<ref name=ust/><ref name=gnp>{{cite news|last=Cox|first=Josh|title=Disney Baby debuts with a military baby shower|url=http://articles.glendalenewspress.com/2012-09-06/news/tn-gnp-0907-mickey-for-the-nursery-set_1_baby-shower-disney-baby-operation-shower|access-date=May 20, 2014|newspaper=Glendale News-Press|date=September 6, 2012|archive-date=July 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726214526/http://articles.glendalenewspress.com/2012-09-06/news/tn-gnp-0907-mickey-for-the-nursery-set_1_baby-shower-disney-baby-operation-shower|url-status=dead}}</ref> In early June 2011, Disney Consumer Products chairman Andy Mooney announced that Disney Stores would open two Disney Baby Stores, one on each coast while indicating Glendale had already been chosen. Disney Consumer Products had reached out to new mothers and new born through Our365 company by giving a Disney Cuddly Bodysuit as a part of the hospital sample goods. This is a part of a larger push across the Walt Disney Company as Disney Junior block launched a new series in 2011, while the 24-hour Disney Junior cable channel launched in 2012.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Chmielewski|first1=Dawn C.|title=Disney to open Disney Baby stores|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2011/06/disney-to-open-disney-baby-stores.html|access-date=February 7, 2017|work=Los Angeles Times|date=June 9, 2011}}</ref>

On September 6, 2012, the first flagship Disney Baby Store opened in Americana at Brand, Glendale, California with an Operation Shower military mom baby shower on a Wednesday and a Grand Opening on Saturday. Disney Consumer Products President [[Bob Chapek]] and [[Alison Sweeney]] and [[Winnie the Pooh (Disney character)|Winnie the Pooh]] and friends were there for the opening, plus musical act [[Blue Sky Riders]].<ref name=gnp/><ref name=laf/> The first store manager was Kim Chapman.<ref name=gnp/> On July 23, 2021, it was announced the store would close permanently.

===Studio Store===
[[File:El Capitan Theater (3715406878).jpg|thumb|Disney's Soda Fountain and Studio Store in the El Capitan Theater building]]
Disney's Soda Fountain and Studio Store, also Disney Studio Store Hollywood, is a co-located store consisting of Disney Studio Store and Ghirardelli Soda Fountain in the [[El Capitan Theatre]] building.

A Disney Store location opened next to the [[El Capitan Theatre]] in its building in 1998.<ref name=d23/> On June 2, 2005, Disney's Soda Fountain and Studio Store opened up in the [[El Capitan Theatre|El Capitan Building]] on the ground floor replacing a Disney Store. The store has a take-out counter, a street-front cone window, and in-store table service.<ref name=d23/><ref name=pr/>

===Character Warehouse Outlet Store===
Disney's Character Warehouse Outlet Store was licensed out to liquidator Asset Management & Sales LLC to sell overstock and discontinued Disney Parks merchandise. The Character Warehouses just have a few permanent locations (Fullerton and Pomona, California, and Las Vegas)<ref name=slt/> while having temporary stores at times. Asset Management & Sales was owned by Janie and Gary Stump. In early 2007, the company opened a year-round store in Midvale, Utah. This store was forced to temporarily move to Taylorville as the result of a squabble between the landlord and a neighboring business. The Midvale location never recovered its sales after returning thus shut its doors in May 2008.<ref name=slt>{{cite news|last1=Mitchell|first1=Lesley |title=Disney liquidation store to shut its doors|url=http://archive.sltrib.com/story.php?ref=/ci_9200426|access-date=February 10, 2017|work=The Salt Lake Tribune|date=May 9, 2008}}</ref><ref name=tnt>{{cite news|title=New Businesses|url=http://wwwb.thenewstribune.com/business/new_business/details.php?id=80|access-date=February 10, 2017|work=The News Tribune|date=December 30, 2008|archive-date=February 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211160017/http://wwwb.thenewstribune.com/business/new_business/details.php?id=80|url-status=dead}}</ref> Asset Management, based near [[Murfreesboro, Tennessee]], also owned Character Depot stores, both seasonal and year-round locations. They opened a permanent Character Depot in Murfreesboro in January 2012.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hudgins|first1=Melinda|title=Locally owned Art Barn celebrates grand opening|url=http://www.murfreesboropost.com/locally-owned-art-barn-celebrates-grand-opening-cms-29717|access-date=June 23, 2017|work=The Murfreesboro Post|date=January 8, 2012}}</ref>

===JCPenney store-in-store===
In 2013, Disney announced that it would be partnering with [[JCPenney]] department stores nationwide to open 525 "shop-within-shops" inside of JCPenney stores on October 4, 2013, in time for the release of ''[[Frozen (2013 film)|Frozen]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Disney Store reach deal with J.C. Penney|url=https://chainstoreage.com/operations/penney-launches-store-disney-shops-new-kids-brands|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719213141/https://chainstoreage.com/operations/penney-launches-store-disney-shops-new-kids-brands |archive-date=2020-07-19 }}</ref>

===Target store-in-store ===
At the [[D23 Expo]] in August 2019, Disney announced that it would be partnering with Target to open 25 "shop-within-shops" inside of Targets on October 4 in time for the releases of ''[[Frozen II]]'' and ''[[Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker]]''. The stores would be, on average {{convert|750|sqft}} and include music, interactive displays, and Disney movie clips. They also have created subsite for these stores at Target's website.<ref name="ust1"/> Target and Disney announced another 40 such locations would be opened by October 2020 and a new Target location near Disney World.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tyko |first1=Kelly |title=New Disney stores at Target now open, featuring 'Frozen 2' and Star Wars merchandise |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/10/04/target-disney-join-forces-25-new-stores-opening-oct-4/3856894002/ |access-date=October 7, 2019 |work=USA Today |date=October 4, 2019 |language=en}}</ref> Target and Disney announced they will open 100 more locations by December 25, 2021, as most Disney Stores close for good.<ref>{{Cite web|title=More locations will be added in 2021 in the wake most regular Disney Stores closings.|website=[[USA Today]] |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/shopping/2021/08/23/target-disney-store-expansion-holiday-shopping-toy-list/8214032002/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210823123710/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/shopping/2021/08/23/target-disney-store-expansion-holiday-shopping-toy-list/8214032002/ |archive-date=2021-08-23 }}</ref>

==Disney at Harrods==
'''Disney at Harrods''' was a partnership between Disney and Harrods for the operation of Disney stores, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, a Disney Store and Disney Cafe, within [[Harrods]] from 2002 to 2017.

On October 10, 2012, a 7,000 square foot Disney popup shop with a Princess Parlour, Cinderella Slipper salon, special Disney/Pixar corner and Activity Zone was set up in Harrods on the fourth floor.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=October 10, 2012  |title=Harrods opens its new Disney pop-up boutique today |url=http://now-here-this.timeout.com/2012/10/10/harrods-opens-its-new-disney-pop-up-boutique-today/ |magazine=Time Out London |access-date=October 27, 2017 }}</ref> Harrod followed National Princess Week with their Christmas theme being Disney Princesses by having Oscar de la Renta designed dresses for the Princesses.<ref>{{cite news|first1=Mark J.|last1=Miller|title=It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Disney at Harrods|url=http://brandchannel.com/2012/06/11/its-beginning-to-look-a-lot-like-disney-at-harrods/|access-date=27 October 2017|work=Brandchannel|date=11 June 2012|archive-date=27 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027232251/http://brandchannel.com/2012/06/11/its-beginning-to-look-a-lot-like-disney-at-harrods/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In August, the dresses were on display at [[D23 (Disney)|D23 Expo]] before being auctioned off on November 13 to benefit Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lidbury|first1=Olivia|title=Harrods' Disney-inspired dresses go up for auction - Telegraph|url=http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/news-features/TMG10240354/Harrods-Disney-inspired-dresses-go-up-for-auction.html|work=Telegraph|date=4 August 2013|access-date=27 October 2017 }}</ref>

Within the previously operating Disney Cafe and Disney Store, the Disney at Harrods partnership added the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique salon to those stores.<ref name=rgz>{{cite news|title=Disney and Harrods launch new retail experience |url= https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2013/11/20044-disney-and-harrods-launch-new-retail-experience|access-date=February 7, 2017|work=Retail Gazette|date=November 15, 2013|language=en}}</ref> The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique salon was replicated for the first time for any [[Disney Parks, Experiences and Products]] experience in Europe at [[Harrods]]<ref>{{cite news|title=The Disney Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Harrods Opens its Castle Doors Today|url=http://www.a1retailmagazine.com/latest-news/the-disney-bibbidi-bobbidi-boutique-at-harrods-opens-its-castle-doors-today/|access-date=February 7, 2017|work=A1 Retail Magazine|publisher=4 U Media Ltd|date=November 25, 2013|archive-date=February 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211112826/http://www.a1retailmagazine.com/latest-news/the-disney-bibbidi-bobbidi-boutique-at-harrods-opens-its-castle-doors-today/|url-status=dead}}</ref> as a part of Disney at Harrods<ref name=rgz/> with its opening on November 25, 2013.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Boyle|first1=Siân|title=Harrods' fairy-tale boutique gives little princesses a Disney makeover|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/harrods-fairy-tale-boutique-gives-little-princesses-a-disney-makeover-8956851.html|access-date=27 October 2017|work=Evening Standard|date=22 November 2013}}</ref>

From July to 21 August 2016, a Star Wars gallery ticketed event was held here with the Millennium Falcon cockpit, Holochess Table and Sofa and prop replicas.  Propshop's state-of-the-art photogrammetry system captured heads and faces added to a Rebel Pilot, Stormtrooper or TIE Fighter Pilot overlay for personalized half a meter tall scale model for sale along with prop replicas.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Perrett|first1=Michelle|title=Harrods and Disney partner to launch interactive Star Wars gallery|url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/harrods-disney-partner-launch-interactive-star-wars-gallery/%7Bsubjects%7D/article/1401506|access-date=October 27, 2017|work=CampaignUK|publisher=Haymarket Media Group Ltd.|date=July 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171028042412/https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/harrods-disney-partner-launch-interactive-star-wars-gallery/%7Bsubjects%7D/article/1401506|archive-date=October 28, 2017}}</ref> On June 1, 2017, Disney at Harrods closed.<ref>{{cite web|title=Disney Store at Harrods|url=http://disneystore-uk.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/8834/~/disney-store-at-harrods|website=disneystore-uk.custhelp.com|access-date=27 October 2017}}{{Dead link|date=August 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

==Mickey's Kitchen==
'''Mickey's Kitchen''' was Disney's first attempt at running a chain of restaurants outside of their resorts. The two locations were paired with a Disney Store, and operated from April 21, 1990, to April 1, 1992.

On April 21, 1990, the 50th Disney Store opened at the Montclair Plaza mall (now Montclair Place) located in [[Montclair, California]], along with the first Mickey's Kitchen fast food restaurant.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://diskingdom.com/2021/03/20/mickeys-kitchen-started-in-montclair-california-tribute-to-a-closing-disney-store/ |title=Tribute to a Disney Store: vintage store in Montclair, California was site of Mickey's Kitchen |website=Diskingdom |first=Nicholas |last=Moreau |date=March 20, 2021 |access-date=October 16, 2024}}</ref> 25,000 visitors had shown up, without any promotions. This location was opened as an experiment, with 190 seats taking up {{convert|6000|sqft}} out of a total {{convert|12000|sqft}} for the paired location.<ref name="os1">{{cite news|last1=Vaughan|first1=Vickie|title=On The Front Burner Disney Testing Fast-food Recipe Restaurant Stars Healthy Menu, Elaborate Decor, Sound Stages|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1990/11/04/on-the-front-burner-disney-testing-fast-food-recipe-restaurant-stars-healthy-menu-elaborate-decor-sound-stages/|work=Orlando Sentinel |date=November 4, 1990|language=en}}</ref> The second location opened on May 31, 1991, at the [[Woodfield Mall]], which was located in [[Schaumburg, Illinois]]. It was {{convert|14000|sqft}}, when paired with the attached Disney Store.<ref name="ctrib3">{{cite news|last1=Balboni|first1=Jennifer|title=Hot Diggity|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1991/09/01/hot-diggity-5/|access-date=October 27, 2017|work=Chicago Tribune|publisher=Tribune Publishing Company|date=September 1, 1991|language=en}}</ref>

On April 1, 1992, Disney closed the two Mickey's Kitchen locations, as the restaurants were only breaking even. While the concept was well received by customers, the company wanted to focus on expanding the Disney Stores to overseas locations.<ref name=os>{{cite news|last=Vaughan|first=Vicki|title=Disney Restaurants To Close After Lackluster Performance |url= https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1992/03/28/disney-restaurants-to-close-after-lackluster-performance/ |access-date=March 7, 2014 |newspaper=Orlando Sentinel |date=March 28, 1992}}</ref> A few years after the closures of the restaurants, the two Disney Stores they were attached to remained open until the 2021 closure wave. The Woodfield Mall store had relocated and remodeled in the early 2000s, while the Montclair Plaza store retained the original "pink & green" Disney Store design up until its closure in March 2021.

==ESPN Store==
'''ESPN—The Store''' was a chain of sports retail stores run by Disney Stores. The store were designed to look like a broadcast center and have interactive kiosks for video games and news.<ref name="lat7"/>

With Disney purchase of [[Capital Cities/ABC]], [[ESPN]] was a key part of the purchase, which Disney chairman/CEO [[Michael Eisner]] moving into more brand extensions from biweekly sports magazines, [[ESPN Zone|ESPN Grill restaurants]], video games and retail stores.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mulligan|first1=Thomas S.|title=Expansion Team|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-nov-20-fi-55695-story.html|access-date=February 7, 2017|work=Los Angeles Times|date=November 20, 1997}}</ref> On September 16, 1997, Disney Stores opened its first ESPN—The Store at the Glendale Galleria, with sportscaster [[Dick Vitale]] providing color.<ref name="lat7"/> Two additional locations were opened. In September 1999, all three stores in the chain were closed down.<ref name=bs>{{cite news|title=Club Disney play centers are closing|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1999/10/06/club-disney-play-centers-are-closing-company-calls-return-on-investment-too-low-to-warrant-expansion/|access-date=February 4, 2017|work=Baltimore Sun|agency=Bloomberg|publisher=Tribune Publishing|date=October 6, 1999|language=en}}</ref>

Merchandise in the store consisted the usual branded clothing, collectibles and equipment like binoculars and radio headphones. Collectibles included one of kind collector's memorabilia like boxing gloves signed by [[Muhammad Ali]] ($350), and jerseys signed by basketball superstars [[Michael Jordan]] ($950) and [[Magic Johnson]] ($450). Sporting equipment was sold under the [[X Games]] name, ESPN's brand of "Extreme Games" competitions.<ref name="lat7"/>

==Online presence==
{{Unreferenced section|date=March 2014}}
[[File:Entranceto443southraymondave.jpg|thumb|right|Entrance to former Disney Store headquarters in Pasadena]]
[[Online shopping|Online retail]] at The Walt Disney Company began on November 19, 1996, with the launch of The Disney Store Online. At the time, the business was under the [[Disney Interactive Media Group|Disney Online]] business unit.<ref group=ChWDC>{{cite web|title=July-December 1996 |url=http://kpolsson.com/disnehis/disn1996jul.htm|access-date=26 November 2012}}</ref>

In 1998, the company purchased [[Infoseek]], and that purchase included [[Starwave]]. With that purchase there were now many other online properties under Disney Online including [[Disney.com]], DisneyStore.com, MrShowbiz.com, [[FamilyFun.com|Family.com]], [[Movies.com]], [[ESPN.com]], [[National Football League#Internet.2Fnew media|NFL.com]], [[Nascar.com#Nascar.com|NASCAR.com]], [[Nhl.com|NHL.com]], etc. This led to a new business named [[Disney Interactive Media Group|Buena Vista Internet Group]] (BVIG) which grouped all internet sites under one business unit. In 1999, the business was changed from BVIG to [[Go.com]] and was then spun that off as a [[tracking stock]]. Also in 1999 the DisneyStore.com business was moved under a business named Disney Direct Marketing (DDM). DDM was a business entity under the company's [[Disney Consumer Products]] (DCP) division and ran the Disney Catalog. At the same time all of this was happening, the team that ran the DisneyStore.com site also built and launched ESPNStore.com, NASCARStore.com, DisneyTickets.com and DisneyAuctions.com.

'''Disney Auctions''' was created in October 2000 with a partnership between [[The Walt Disney Company]] and [[eBay]]. Items such as signs and ride vehicles from [[Disneyland Resort]] and [[Walt Disney World|Walt Disney World Resort]] were commonly sold as well as costume pieces and props from previously released movies from [[Walt Disney Studios (division)|Walt Disney Studios]].

In 2001, DDM was moved directly under the control of The Disney Stores business. The sale of The Disney Stores to The Children's Place didn't include the sale of DDM but did include the sale of the DisneyStore.com [[domain name]], so in 2004 DisneyStore.com was changed to DisneyDirect.com.

In 2006, a complete rebranding was done. Disney Direct Marketing, Inc. was changed to Disney Shopping, Inc. (DSI), the domain was changed from DisneyDirect.com to DisneyShopping.com and the Disney Catalog business was shut down. In fall of 2006, Disney ended their partnership with eBay and moved the Disney Auctions website under its own banner.

In 2008, after the repurchase of the Disney Store business from The Children's Place, the domain was changed back to DisneyStore.com. In 2009, DisneyAuctions.com was completely shut down. In 2010, DSI was moved back under the control of the newly reacquired Disney Store business and a complete redesign of the site was launched. Also in 2010, the Disneystore.co.uk site was completely rebuilt on the same platform as the US site. The Walt Disney Company acquired [[Marvel Entertainment]] in 2009 and that same year, DisneyAuctions.com was completely shut down and that domain now redirects visitors to DisneyStore.com. In 2011, MarvelStore.com was relaunched using the same technology as the Disney Store website. A new online store  for the French market was launched and a new store for the German market was launched.

For a time between 2020-2023, the sites were branded ShopDisney.

A special Disney World vintage apparel line called "YesterEars" was available at the online store for a limited time in August 2016. YesterEars products pay homage to classic park attractions and destinations and is named after the former Downtown Disney Pleasure Island shop. Additional products would be announced in September.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Dineen|first1=Caitlin|title=Disney launches vintage 'YesterEars' merchandise line|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/the-daily-disney/os-disney-vintage-yesterears-merchandise-20160818-story.html|access-date=August 18, 2016|work=Orlando Sentinel|date=August 18, 2016}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}
*{{cite web|last=Polsson|first=Ken|title=Chronology of the Walt Disney Company|url=http://kpolsson.com/disnehis/|publisher=KPolsson.com}}
<references group="ChWDC"/>

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website|name=DisneyStore.com}} (official American website)
** {{URL|https://www.disneystore.com/store-locator}}, Disney Store Locations (North America)
** {{URL|https://www.disneystore.com/store-locator}}, Disney Store Locations map
*[http://store.disney.co.jp DisneyStore (Japan)]

{{DisneyConsumer}}
{{Disney}}
{{Disney Experiences}}
{{SMPH}}

[[Category:The Walt Disney Company]]
[[Category:Disney merchandise]]
[[Category:Disney Consumer Products]]
[[Category:American companies established in 1987]]
[[Category:Retail companies established in 1987]]
[[Category:Companies that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2008]]
[[Category:Toy retailers of the United States]]
[[Category:Companies based in Glendale, California]]
[[Category:1987 establishments in California]]
[[Category:Fantasy brick and mortar retail stores]]