Over the last year, Disney has shifted its business strategies in a handful of ways.
Last year, Disney CEO Bob Chapek shared that The Walt Disney Company would be shifting much of its business strategies onto direct-to-consumer segments, like streaming services. Now, another shift in business is taking place and it’s resulting in major closures.
According to CNBC, Disney will be closing at least 20% of Disney Stores before the end of this year in an attempt to direct the company’s focus onto e-commerce business. It’s expected that a minimum of 60 Disney Store locations in North America will shut their doors, as consumer focus shifts to online shopping.
It was noted that consumer behavior suggests an increased interest in e-commerce. Stephanie Young, president of consumer products, games, and publishing shared, “While consumer behavior has shifted toward online shopping, the global pandemic has changed what consumers expect from a retailer.”
Currently, the company anticipates closing one-fifth of Disney Store locations, and then determining if any further closures need to take place. European stores, in particular, can expect to see significant reductions.
As a result of the closure of these stores, there will be a number of layoffs — although Disney has not yet shared how many employees will be affected. Additionally, the company has not revealed which exact locations will be closing their doors. Financial details related to these closures have also not been disclosed.
Improvements are expected to come to the shopDisney website as product assortment is increased to expand its offerings. Upcoming additions include more home goods, collectibles, and apparel specifically geared towards adults.
At this time, other Disney shopping locations, including Disney Parks stores, third-party retailers, and stores with partnerships, like Target, will not be impacted.
More details are expected to be released by the Walt Disney Company related to this shift in business, so be sure to check back with us for more Disney news.
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Do you prefer shopping in Disney stores or on sites like shopDisney? Tell us in the comments!
Robert says
Great information, what is the date of this post? That would be good to add in general.
Kathryn Robertson says
Living in Canada, shipping costs from Disney online store is too costly, despite our family often seeing items we would love to purchase. If Disney is focusing more on e-commerce in the future, they should review shipping costs and open up more international purchasing. If Amazon can do it, Disney should be able to as well.
Cheri says
I really hate to see this happen. Almost every time I have items shipped, something gets broken. I also feel for all of the employees that will get laid off. 🙁
Marc says
Louisville closed a couple of months ago. With the Apple closers, the malls aren’t worth going.
Jennifer says
Very sad to hear.
Will you then offer a Canadian website for canadians to shop on?
Right now we can go to the store and pay canadian prices… however the online store is only in US currency and costs us alot in shipping, if shipping is even allowed.
Please be nice to us Canadians who want to purchase Disney things.
Mary Beth says
This is so sad. I can’t explain how happy we were when the Disney stores reopened after being closed because of Covid. We were so happy to see the employees. I imagine at least one of our Chicago area stores will close. We have been shopping at three of our local stores a few times a month…not counting the outlets. Nuimos have us spending more money. The entire family has taken comfort in Disney products during this stressful time.
L says
Any news on Disney stores here in the U.K.?
Mindy Merkley says
Here’s hoping that they make cross border shopping easier and a little less expensive or they’re going to lose the Canadian market.
Mary Ann Posanski says
Ours closed before the holidays. My daughter was a cast member. Our nearest store is a state away. Chapek may think he is saving the company but he has and is ruining brand.
Joe Martin says
That’s a shame Disney is taking away from their brand. Going to a Disney store was always a treat.
It was visiting a place that reminds you of when you went to Disneyland or Disney World.
It was a small home away from home, just to give you a little fix until the next time you visit Home.
But the economy is changing and the public rather sit on their couch than go shopping or take the kids out on a small trip. Can’t miss that football game, or baseball game.
Lynn Harbison says
Really sad to see Disney closing the stores. I love going into the Disney stores. In fact I love going into them so much I will seek them out when on vacation. Gives me just a bit of Disney to help me last until I can get to Disney World, my home away from home.
DFB Sarah says
Robert, this post was from 3/3/21. The dates are in the URLs. 🙂