Disney to buy back Disney Store chain

[Captain Hank]

That's because you didn't have to wear them! :wave: (Or maybe you did...)

I worked in the days of the sweater and shorts. We were required to wear hose under our shorts, white socks and plain leather tennis shoes with absolutely no logos. That was hard to find! It got SO HOT in those letterman's sweaters under those hot lights. Everyone who had worked in the skirt days said that these costumes were better, but not by much.

That being said, I do think that the current red shirt/black pants look too generic and not Mouse enough.

To current CM's - do they still have the pin reward system? We could earn pins for good customer service, length of service, etc. I don't see them on the CMs, so I figure this went out w/ Disney?

I was a fan of the denim shirt costume, myself.

Recently, a new "yEars of service" pin program was started. Same idea as the oval service pins at Disney, but in the shape of iridescent ear hats. Presumably, if the re-sale goes through, they'll revert to the Disney years of service.

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

I was a fan of the denim shirt costume, myself.

Recently, a new "yEars of service" pin program was started. Same idea as the oval service pins at Disney, but in the shape of iridescent ear hats. Presumably, if the re-sale goes through, they'll revert to the Disney years of service.

Me too!!!! I want my Donald pin! I should have had my Donald pin four years ago, but I had to term myself when I went to WDW to work because it was a 'conflict of interest' and I'm not yet at 5 years at this point...I will be in September though! :drevil: Hopefully we'll still be open at that point!

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

I totally had forgotten about that little TV! Ours was up near the front of the store in the wall. There were also the TVs that were near the videos that had a movie on as well in addition to the big screen.

Awwww...I remember that from when I was little!

The OP said "boutique versions of...World of Disney," meaning similar, yet much smaller. For the record, I think that would be a good direction to go in.

YES.That really is the way to go.Even the stores are magical.

Does this mean we would be able to PinTrade at Disney Stores, like the WOD store in NYC? That would be cool!

I WOULD LOVE THAT.I can only go Pin Trading at Dolphin Mall's Character Warehouse in Miami which is a good 30 mins away from my house.If they were to have PT at the mall that's basically across the street from my house,I would be thrilled.


:sohappy::sohappy::sohappy:

 

[DisneyJill]

I worked at TDS during the denim shirt/black pants phase, during TCP takeover. I quit as soon as it was final, I felt they had no business owning TDS-the management staff was horrible at my store. I positively hate the renovations-I think the stores look generic like Kay-Bee Toys and the merchandise is crapola. I miss the old art they had available, etc...Anyhoo, on a positive note, hopefully things will change now!

 

[geauxdaddy71]

My wife is a ASM here in NC. She is very nervous about her store closing. They never renovated her store, but it is a store that takes in over $2 mil. Maybe we will have nothing to worry about. I wish all the castmembers good luck. I hope your stores are not part of the 115. I heard they already closed nine stores as of 3/9. We went through the worrying period right before TCP bought the stores. My wife was pregnant with our daughter then. That was not fun, and the worrying is not fun now. It will be a good thing, especially if the CMs get their discounts back!!!! Good Luck again to all you CMs

 

[wedway71]

Not benefits, perks. Our company ID got us through the gates whenever we wanted, we also got 4 passes per year to give to anyone we wanted, and we could use our ID to go backstage stores at WDW (Company D and Property Control) as well as use it to get our discount on merchandise and food.

While they can't take us down in pay when the stores change over they will give us back these perks. TCP paid their employees more but without the perks. But most CMs don't work at The Disney Store for the money.



I know it's sad news. That store is in our disctrict and they closed 3 of them in the district in January. But if you pop on I96 and hear over to Novi at the Twelve Oaks Mall there is one there.

Raven,
What about regular benefits such as
Medical
Dental
vision/RX
401k
Long/short term disability
life insurance.... They offer the typical benefit mix?

 

[wedway71]

I worked at TDS during the denim shirt/black pants phase, during TCP takeover. I quit as soon as it was final, I felt they had no business owning TDS-the management staff was horrible at my store. I positively hate the renovations-I think the stores look generic like Kay-Bee Toys and the merchandise is crapola. I miss the old art they had available, etc...Anyhoo, on a positive note, hopefully things will change now!

Dont forget Jill, We are trying to get an Indy /Indiana Meet going here soon.:wave:

 

[raven]

To current CM's - do they still have the pin reward system? We could earn pins for good customer service, length of service, etc. I don't see them on the CMs, so I figure this went out w/ Disney?

Yes they do. It's called the "Ears of Service" awards and they are little sequined mouse ears with the number of years of service on them (5,10,15,20, etc.). They aren't the regular gold ones that we are used to but they are still very cute. I have my original 1-year pin but never received my 5-year golden pin due to the change over.

I first started working at the store during the black pants/denim shirt days. Then we were chosen to be a pilot for the Disney Play Store and Disney Kids & Home (which never took off) and we had dark blue denim jears with a colored t-shirt (Blue Monster Inc., bright green Buzz Lightyear, orange Woody or yellow Pooh Characters) for the Disney Play store and Khaki pants and white cotton button-down shirts for the Disney Kids & Home stores. There were only 3 of these stores nation-wide so they were pretty vibrant. Now we have the black pants and red Mickey shirt which are very plain.

Here are some pictures of our old Play Store in Troy, Michigan when we had a Pin Meet (I'm in the orange shirt) scroll to Troy, MI pin meet:
http://www.dizneypins.com/SponsoredPinMeetPicture.htm

 

[Brian_WDW74]

Okay, my concerns about product variety have been assuaged by this quote from the L.A. Times:

"When you're in control of franchises and a retail outlet like the Disney stores . . . we can take bets early on 'Disney Fairies' or 'High School Musical.' We can launch a line of merchandise and let it take off from there," a spokesman for Disney Consumer Products said.​

It sounds like they'll continue to use TDS as a testing place for new (and hopefully old) franchises. Let the revolution begin.

 

[Hrudey3032]

Hmmm,
Are ya thinking what I am thinking?-lol:sohappy:

Well heck ya! Thought about a PT job so why not there

 

[wedway71]

I think Disney will make this work.

Now that they have seen the error of their ways in the world of Retail outside of the parks I hope they capitalize on their AWESOME franchise.

Good thing is they will cut it down to about 225 stores which will enable them to focus on core stores and not have to manage upwards of 900 like they had before. I think they should utilize Parks and Resorts Merchandise teams for redesign of the stores.

Just like others have said they should have a Kiosk for Disney Travel. Why not use the technology of Epcot to have live one on one reservation attendants with 2 way digital cams for live visual conversations like at Epcot.

Disney Store should use the Synergy that the other business Units use for cross promotional Marketing like have Disney Store Commercials on Disney movie trailors.

Cool thing is Mid to Upper Mgt including a new President of Disney Store and VPS Will be needed as well.

I vote for Hrudey3032 for V.P. of Loss Prevention:wave:

 

[Hrudey3032]

I think Disney will make this work.

Now that they have seen the error of their ways in the world of Retail outside of the parks I hope they capitalize on their AWESOME franchise.

Good thing is they will cut it down to about 225 stores which will enable them to focus on core stores and not have to manage upwards of 900 like they had before. I think they should utilize Parks and Resorts Merchandise teams for redesign of the stores.

Just like others have said they should have a Kiosk for Disney Travel. Why not use the technology of Epcot to have live one on one reservation attendants with 2 way digital cams for live visual conversations like at Epcot.

Disney Store should use the Synergy that the other business Units use for cross promotional Marketing like have Disney Store Commercials on Disney movie trailors.

Cool thing is Mid to Upper Mgt including a new President of Disney Store and VPS Will be needed as well.

I vote for Hrudey3032 for V.P. of Loss Prevention:wave:

I am so ready for that position. So what would you do as the new President of Disney Stores commander?

 

[wedway71]

I am so ready for that position. So what would you do as the new President of Disney Stores commander?

I would take it from Consumer Products and give it to Parks and Resorts.Consumer products is better at License deals with Retailers than actually operating a retail chain.

I would create the Disney Store College Program just like at the parks and try to team up local apartment complexes for housing.

More marketing......Disney Store was the ONLY Business unit for all of Disney that never had Commercials. I dont mean typical retail commercials like a Kroger but magical shopping experiences for the entire family just like the park commercials.

Have each store unique in theme.Theme according to the area. For instance here in Indy would have a strong Racing ,Sports,Disney theme with "Colts" Mickey Plush and expand on Adult Merchandise.

Create a Disney Store Catalog specifically for Business. Call it "Disney at Work" which to include ties,dress shirts,dress socks,sport coats with Mickey Emblem along with briefcases,watches,stationary etc.

Continue the strong Disney Culture to have CM special events hosted at parks either at DL/WDW for Disney related Trivia.

Have strong operational partnership with Merchandise Mgt from the Parks and have a program in which Mgt once a year would trade "spots" with their Mgt counter parts. For instance a "Retail Guest Service Manger" at WDW would work as Store Manager at a Disney Store and vice versa.

The jumbo monitors would have all Disney units represented through out the day such as Theme Parks,Movies,Disney.com,etc.

I think overall realize that Disney Store needs to be less of a retail store and more of a local "Brand extension" that markets all of Disney and offers a great shopping experience as well.

 

[elizs77]

Raven - I went to the Somerset Mall store in 2005, and I thought it was a really good Disney Store, even then!!

 

[Hrudey3032]

I would take it from Consumer Products and give it to Parks and Resorts.Consumer products is better at License deals with Retailers than actually operating a retail chain.

I would create the Disney Store College Program just like at the parks and try to team up local apartment complexes for housing.

More marketing......Disney Store was the ONLY Business unit for all of Disney that never had Commercials. I dont mean typical retail commercials like a Kroger but magical shopping experiences for the entire family just like the park commercials.

Have each store unique in theme.Theme according to the area. For instance here in Indy would have a strong Racing ,Sports,Disney theme with "Colts" Mickey Plush and expand on Adult Merchandise.

Create a Disney Store Catalog specifically for Business. Call it "Disney at Work" which to include ties,dress shirts,dress socks,sport coats with Mickey Emblem along with briefcases,watches,stationary etc.

Continue the strong Disney Culture to have CM special events hosted at parks either at DL/WDW for Disney related Trivia.

Have strong operational partnership with Merchandise Mgt from the Parks and have a program in which Mgt once a year would trade "spots" with their Mgt counter parts. For instance a "Retail Guest Service Manger" at WDW would work as Store Manager at a Disney Store and vice versa.

The jumbo monitors would have all Disney units represented through out the day such as Theme Parks,Movies,Disney.com,etc.

I think overall realize that Disney Store needs to be less of a retail store and more of a local "Brand extension" that markets all of Disney and offers a great shopping experience as well.

I agree Disney could promote more sports collectibles that would be great.A few years ago I was looking for Donald Duck stuff and found bobble dobbles with him in numerous team gear.I got a hockey one of him in Avalanche gear and love it.If these were more available I would have many many more.

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

If Disney had sense it would add a travel area to the stores selling Disney holidays & Cruises, advertising DVC with a stand in every store with a video of the resorts on sale. If it still had the Disney mobile phone they could have had a section selling those but they ditched it. They should maybe add a section with some screens showing clips from the Broadway shows and you should be able to buy tickets at the travel desk. A pin trading area with cases showing Pins that are exclusive to the parks could be used as a teaser to get people to think about a trip. A PC where you can view a selection of collectibles that can be ordered in for you to collect in a few days time, that means you visit twice and therefore they have more of a chance of making extra sales and they store doesn't have to give over loads of space to collectibles. Collectibles selling well via this channel could be stocked in store so each store has a small selection of best selling items. A store with services as well as loads of plush would be more of a destination where you may going to get ideas about your next holiday but also end up buying some stuff or you may go to buy a DVD and end up deciding on visiting a park and booking your package their at the store.

With some real thought they can make the stores something different that people will visit for different reasons rather than just being dragged in by kids.

You do have some good ideas, however they wouldn't really work in the retail world. At my store, we have a screen that has always shown company clips, Broadway show teasers, scenes from various Disney movies and usually upcoming movie clips. We have a ticket destination fixture that you can pick your own ticket and pay/activate them at the cash wrap. You can also pick up a WDW brochure or buy the newest Official WDW Tour Guide.

The problem would be there would be no money for the company if you sell very little merchandise due to advertising other parts of the company. I think the stores need to go back to departments, like we had when I first started working there in 1999. We had five different departments - children's, adult's, collectables, toys and what's new. It worked very well. I remember I started out in a adults and then that concept sort of disappeared.

I do hope that they bring back the collectables because although we didn't sell large quantities of them, they did sell. I purchased a few myself from the store. Cels and artwork would be wonderful too. We still have the nails in the posts that we could hang them up once again if we do start carrying them.

There is a lot of potential for Disney and the Disney Stores if/once Disney takes us back. I think it will be an interesting couple of months and I can't wait to see what happens (that is as long as it's not my store that closes!).

 

[wedway71]

Pretty confident to say at this point ..... its a done deal.

Just have to wait for the official announcement. TCP Hasnt lived up to its end of the contract.They no longer feel DS is a good idea.

Disney wants the stores back and can make this return to greatness,

Lacklustersales from poor performing movies helped kill DS. Now with Pixar in the play movies will be hits and thus sales increasing.

Again I dont think of as much as when.

DISNEY has to get busy here now and plan the buy back and have a game plan so they have no "egg on thier face" this time. They will need to have a Team in place to ensure this happens too. A logical choice for President DS would maybe be a current VP of Disney Store UK-LTD since Disney never lost control of European stores.

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

Lacklustersales from poor performing movies helped kill DS. Now with Pixar in the play movies will be hits and thus sales increasing.

That is so true! Now that things are looking up for the Company as a whole, now is the best time to make the move.

I just said to one of my best friends that I'm very nervous and scared about my store closing, but the idea of going back to Disney makes me so excited I could jump out of my skin!

I'm not sure if I posted this on this thread (or another one since I've been posting so much in the last 24 hours), but from what I understand, the sale should go through in a matter of weeks not months. :sohappy:

 

[MouseearsDeb]

Well this may stink

I called my local Disney Store to do some fishing And the mood is that they will be one of the ones closing. Of course they won't know for sure until they're notified but the lady I spoke with didn't sound very optimistic. Unfortunately, there are only two stores within 100 miles of me and the 2nd one is about an hour a way. So, if the one at Opry Mills closes, then any dreams of a PT job would be out.

I never visited the stores often after the change of hands but the few times I did, it just wasn't the same. Just not the same Magic!

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

I never visited the stores often after the change of hands but the few times I did, it just wasn't the same. Just not the same Magic!

Can I ask you a question? You said that after the stores were sold to TCP, they just didn't have the same magic. What was it that left the store that didn't make it have the same magic? Was it just the fact that you knew that Disney didn't own the stores anymore or was there a change in CMs? I'm just wondering because I never felt my store lost the magic after the sale.