Has anyone seen this about the Disney Store? About This Page:

[mom23k9s]

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/13/bu...er=rss&emc=rss

This would be totally cool! I hope we get one! I miss our Disney Store!

[jenjen1127]

That sounds great. I'd be the first in line with my grandson if one opened in my vicinity.

[norm & linda]

very interesting article.

[revral]

Well, it would be different.

[lukeandbrookesmom]

I can't wait to see what they do to our store

[TMWIlson7196]

I keep getting page not found. What is it?

[Kynna]

OOOOOH! I hope they do this to our store . It needs a makeover. I have to say having entertainment works. When we went for the special Disney Visa party I spent more than I normally would.

[cajunlace]

That would be great if we had a Disney store near us.

[Griffin]

Sounds really cool! Would it boost sales, or just bring more visitors though?

[Dave Marx]

All interesting, and a very exciting article. It is cool to see they effectively Imagineered the store. Why it took Steve Jobs to point the way is, if not surprising, at least another example of how Disney's own lessons can come back from the "outside" to reinvigorate the company (Disney storytelling + amusement park = theme park, Disney entertainment/storytelling + retail store = Disney Store on steroids).

The statistic on Apple Store sales (in excess or $4,700 per square foot) is remarkable. While Best Buy (at $1,000/sq. ft) hardly comes close, a lot of that statistic depends on the mix of high value/low value items on sale. The CDs and DVDs sold at Best Buy are going to pull down the averages, probably closer to the range Disney would likely be able to attain. What can Disney Store sell for over $1,000, other than those DCL vacations (plus WDW, DLR, ABD...)? Everything else tends to be in the same price range as DVDs (or cheaper). The big benefit I see from Disney selling travel in-store is similar to the advantage of Apple selling computers in-store (rather than at their web site). In either case, the companies have products with very devoted followings, so they already sell exceptionally well even without the help of the mall stores. What they gain is the enhanced ability to close the sale thanks to the immersive environment and helpful, live sales staff. Just how much compensation will Parks and Resorts give to the Disney Store division for the added selling assistance?

Altogether, if done right, it can be a winner, but that's true of just about anything, isn't it?

[Carousel96]

My DH saw this -- it sounds neat. I know the store at Mall of America could use some attention.

[Desurae]

WOW! I would love to see this happen to our local store!!! Very cool!

[PamelaK]

I was just at the Disney Store at the Houston Galleria yesterday. They recently moved the store to another part of the mall and DOWNSIZED it. I asked why did they downsize because every time I went, they were always so busy. The Lead CM said that this store is just a temporary store and that within a year they will be in a much bigger store. I am wondering if the "much bigger store" will be one of the new interactive ones. Hmmmmm. At any rate, I can't wait to see the new store. I get up there about once every 6 months, so I look forward to seeing the changes.

[Shell_of_the_South]

At least they are trying something. It used to be a treat to browse in a DS, but not I don't even bother going in because there's nothing there for me. The 5 and under crowd are pretty well covered, but nothing at all to interest adults.

I do think it's pretty strange to compare Apple's sales/sq.ft. vs. Best Buy's/sq.ft. That's like comparing apples to oranges (no pun intended!) Best Buy is pretty much an electronics Walmart, while Apple stores are boutiques with specific items.

[WeRDisneyFanatics]

My DH sent me that article yesterday. Looks soooo cool, I hope it happens! All three of the Disney stores near me closed down a year or so ago, but I'm willing to travel to the one near my mom, especially for this.