PHOTOS - Temporary store to open during a major update to World of Disney at Disney Springs

[Andrew C]

Halloween merch is out. The projection screen in the store is very...spooktacular.

 

[Jon81uk]

So what you are all saying is that you didn't go to the store because it had great merchandise that you wanted to buy? You went because the giant statues of characters looked good to you? That makes it a gallery not a store.
The store is designed to sell merchandise, that is the goal, to show off the goods and sell them, not to entertain people who want to look at giant statues.

 

[ImperfectPixie]

So what you are all saying is that you didn't go to the store because it had great merchandise that you wanted to buy? You went because the giant statues of characters looked good to you? That makes it a gallery not a store.
The store is designed to sell merchandise, that is the goal, to show off the goods and sell them, not to entertain people who want to look at giant statues.

Sorry, but I am far more likely to spend money in a store in which I love to spend time than one that I don't enjoy.

 

[Jon81uk]

Sorry, but I am far more likely to spend money in a store in which I love to spend time than one that I don't enjoy.

But do you enjoy the products they sell?

I went in to World of Disney to buy souveners. It was loud and crowded and cluttered and I found it hard to find the items I wanted. I didn't care about the look of the store, it was all about the purchases (in the end the prices were too high and I bought t-shirts from Uniqlo!)

I understand everyone is different and some people will go in because the giant statues and displays attract them and they happen to see something they want to buy, but if the merchandise isn't a good enough draw on its own, then the store has other problems.

 

[ImperfectPixie]

But do you enjoy the products they sell?

I went in to World of Disney to buy souveners. It was loud and crowded and cluttered and I found it hard to find the items I wanted. I didn't care about the look of the store, it was all about the purchases (in the end the prices were too high and I bought t-shirts from Uniqlo!)

I understand everyone is different and some people will go in because the giant statues and displays attract them and they happen to see something they want to buy, but if the merchandise isn't a good enough draw on its own, then the store has other problems.

Yes. In fact the last time I was there, I spent about $300.

My bestie and I used to go to a local art/craft store every week and spend a couple hours just looking around for inspiration. Granted, we didn't buy stuff every trip, but when we did it was always a big haul.

 

[lazyboy97o]

So what you are all saying is that you didn't go to the store because it had great merchandise that you wanted to buy? You went because the giant statues of characters looked good to you? That makes it a gallery not a store.
The store is designed to sell merchandise, that is the goal, to show off the goods and sell them, not to entertain people who want to look at giant statues.

There is a very strong correlation between time spent in a venue and dollars spent. A good experience does sell merchandise.

 

[Jon81uk]

There is a very strong correlation between time spent in a venue and dollars spent. A good experience does sell merchandise.

and personally I could not get out of the old World of Disney quick enough (I haven't been back since the refurb), but I spent ages looking at t-shirts in Uniqlo.

 

[Casper Gutman]

Everyone is different, but in the aggregate, people spend money in a store when they spend time in the store. It’s why the Gruen Transfer is so important - that moment in a store or mall when a consumer stops determinedly looking for one specific item and starts browsing, when their feet slow and their eyes drift. It’s integral to store design. And it’s why in amusement areas like WDW, stores should be attractions - Uni’s Potter lands are close to the ideal. Just like the old World of Disney, the aisles are too narrow, the spaces too crowded - but it doesn’t matter, because it’s an attraction. The new WoD is no kind of attraction. It’s ideal for getting in, getting exactly what you want when you came through the door, and getting out. No Transfer. Bad design.

 

[lazyboy97o]

Everyone is different, but in the aggregate, people spend money in a store when they spend time in the store. It’s why the Gruen Transfer is so important - that moment in a store or mall when a consumer stops determinedly looking for one specific item and starts browsing, when their feet slow and their eyes drift. It’s integral to store design. And it’s why in amusement areas like WDW, stores should be attractions - Uni’s Potter lands are close to the ideal. Just like the old World of Disney, the aisles are too narrow, the spaces too crowded - but it doesn’t matter, because it’s an attraction. The new WoD is no kind of attraction. It’s ideal for getting in, getting exactly what you want when you came through the door, and getting out. No Transfer. Bad design.

The Gruen Transfer is not something that should be employed in attractions, or retail in general. It’s not just about slowing people down but doing so in very negative ways. People slow down because they have become overwhelmed and disoriented, so they give up on just trying to find what they want. This is a big reason why malls and retail in general has become such an unenjoyable experience, and thus a big part of the decline in sells. It’s about breaking people, not delighting them.

The Gruen Transfer is also a horrible misnomer as it is about practices that are direct opposition to how Gruen envisioned the mall.

 

[Andrew C]

There is a very strong correlation between time spent in a venue and dollars spent. A good experience does sell merchandise.

It is a good then that they made the store experience better. Better flow and use of space. More flexibility that allows changing up of fixtures based on seasons, holidays, etc. Good use of projections. And a greater variety of merchandise.

 

[Casper Gutman]

The Gruen Transfer is not something that should be employed in attractions, or retail in general. It’s not just about slowing people down but doing so in very negative ways. People slow down because they have become overwhelmed and disoriented, so they give up on just trying to find what they want. This is a big reason why malls and retail in general has become such an unenjoyable experience, and thus a big part of the decline in sells. It’s about breaking people, not delighting them.

The Gruen Transfer is also a horrible misnomer as it is about practices that are direct opposition to how Gruen envisioned the mall.

Not to venture into the weeds, but I’ve encountered usage of the Gruen Transfer in less negative connotations. Certainly bewildering a guest with windowless, labyrinthine spaces in a mall or casino is one application, but so is immersing them in an attractive fantasy of consumption.

And I am very aware Victor Gruen had more idealized intentions for the shopping spaces he designed, but ultimately they did in fact lead directly to the proliferation of the malls he so despised. The term is appropriate, if perhaps ungenerous.

 

[MisterPenguin]

Does anyone think that Disney didn't market-research this to determine what environment the average shopper would spend more money in?

That some people don't like it and it makes them want to stay away is a truth for them. Not everyone. It's the very definition of anecdotal evidence.

The new store is always packed whenever I go in. There's my anecdote.

Unless you have access to research that kept track of time spent in the store previously v. renovated... it's just one's feelings and not objective reality... it might be the case, but one can't claim it's actually the case because they have no proof. Just anecdotal and subjective reports of one's own shopping habits and feelings.

 

[Jon81uk]

Does anyone think that Disney didn't market-research this to determine what environment the average shopper would spend more money in?

That some people don't like it and it makes them want to stay away is a truth for them. Not everyone. It's the very definition of anecdotal evidence.

The new store is always packed whenever I go in. There's my anecdote.

Unless you have access to research that kept track of time spent in the store previously v. renovated... it's just one's feelings and not objective reality... it might be the case, but one can't claim it's actually the case because they have no proof. Just anecdotal and subjective reports of one's own shopping habits and feelings.

and if research shows spending is the same with people staying in the store for less time, that's a good thing as it stops the store feeling overcrowded making it more comfortable for everyone.

 

[homerdance]

Does anyone think that Disney didn't market-research this to determine what environment the average shopper would spend more money in?

That some people don't like it and it makes them want to stay away is a truth for them. Not everyone. It's the very definition of anecdotal evidence.

The new store is always packed whenever I go in. There's my anecdote.

Unless you have access to research that kept track of time spent in the store previously v. renovated... it's just one's feelings and not objective reality... it might be the case, but one can't claim it's actually the case because they have no proof. Just anecdotal and subjective reports of one's own shopping habits and feelings.

I don't like the new store(or any of the "new" disney stores that they open) But to your point, yes, i am sure there is some report that showed how making it feel like a big box store vs. an intimate space will help guest flow and sales. They have a very easy way to determine if the changes improved sales/reduced theft and was better. But, then again, i preferred the old "downtown disney" market place to the outdoor mall that exists there now, but i am very confident the new mall is more successful then the old marketplace.

 

[Jon81uk]

But, then again, i preferred the old "downtown disney" market place to the outdoor mall that exists there now, but i am very confident the new mall is more successful then the old marketplace.

Marketplace is still there and hasn’t really changed. Still has Goofy’s candy, Rainforest Cafe, the carousel, Christmas store and so on. The Town Center stores are an add on not a replacement.

 

[KBLovedDisney]

I will say that the new store design may very well increase sales and flow of people and what have you.


Doesn't make me miss the old store any less though.

 

[homerdance]

Marketplace is still there and hasn’t really changed. Still has Goofy’s candy, Rainforest Cafe, the carousel, Christmas store and so on. The Town Center stores are an add on not a replacement.

Yeah, its there but isn't the same, the intimate space that was market place is gone.

 

[jaklgreen]

The Gruen Transfer is not something that should be employed in attractions, or retail in general. It’s not just about slowing people down but doing so in very negative ways. People slow down because they have become overwhelmed and disoriented, so they give up on just trying to find what they want. This is a big reason why malls and retail in general has become such an unenjoyable experience, and thus a big part of the decline in sells. It’s about breaking people, not delighting them.

The Gruen Transfer is also a horrible misnomer as it is about practices that are direct opposition to how Gruen envisioned the mall.

I actually have more trouble finding what I want with the new design. When they had the individual rooms, I knew exactly what room to go to to find what I was looking for. Now I have to wander around more to find what I am looking for. AND it is still crazy busy and crowded. It does not feel like a Disney store anymore either. And for some reason it feels smaller.

 

[Kman101]

But do you enjoy the products they sell?

I went in to World of Disney to buy souveners. It was loud and crowded and cluttered and I found it hard to find the items I wanted. I didn't care about the look of the store, it was all about the purchases (in the end the prices were too high and I bought t-shirts from Uniqlo!)

I understand everyone is different and some people will go in because the giant statues and displays attract them and they happen to see something they want to buy, but if the merchandise isn't a good enough draw on its own, then the store has other problems.

I find plenty to buy as well (to be fair, I also often wait until it hits the Outlet ... I will pick up a few things here and there but yes, pricing is outrageous, IMO, and they would sell more if they dropped the pricing a bit. 34 dollars for a shirt is a no go for me). I enjoyed the look of the old store but it was chaotic and had a confusing/terrible layout. Much worse than it is now. I hated going in there. I really don't mind the new WoD. It's bare and basic but it's not *that* horrible.

I don't know. I'm more turned off by the Disney Store's makeovers (I enjoy brickwork). At least the Florida Mall location isn't sterile yet (I'd rather have brickwork and some magic moments than sterile walls and a large video screen promoting the parks). But to each their own and all. It doesn't have to have a big statute of Mickey or Donald to make it feel 'Disney' to me. But that's me.

 

[MagicHappens1971]

I think the new World of Disney is very overwhelming and makes it a lot harder to find things rather than its prior iteration.