I do understand the aversion to slathering characters onto the park, including here. The one thing with this location is that for almost its entire history Mickey & Friends have been featured around the store. So, if they can elevate how they do that in some way I think it's at least an improvement.
Looking at this thread, I just can't imagine if the store had opened with it in place that people would have been so offended that they'd be talking about boycotts or complaining to Guest Relations.
I think part of my defence of this shop so far is that for me it's at least a big improvement on Mouse Gear. That was pure 1990s character and decoration overdrive that really didn't suit Epcot. At least in my view, it was more an example of themed retail from the era than of theme park design. For the most part, what people don't like about this store vs. Mouse Gear are I think actually what makes it appropriate for the location.