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Epcot's China Pavilion shop reopens with a new name and all new store layout
- Thread starter wdwmagic
- Start date
TinkerChelli
Member
Thanks looks really nice, I will check it out for sure when I am there. 
Mickey_777
Well-Known Member
Yep it looks much better. I remember it used to look like any other cheap store you could find in Chinatown in NYC...
aurorawest
Member
I didn't actually realise this was new, but I was there yesterday as well and it did look quite nice.
dreamfinder
Well-Known Member
Is it still run by a 3rd party? Or did WDW bring the merch in house? Selection definitely seems pared back alot for that size of store.
I believe it is the same third party.
SirNim
Well-Known Member
Does anyone have any information about this third party? Do they actually operate retail stores in China or are they a U.S. based importer kind of business? (Mitsukoshi, for example, actually has a huge chain of department stores in Japan, mainland Asia and Europe.)
I will miss the "Department Store" moniker, just because it seemed so out-of-place. Like, "Welcome to the Chinese Macy's." It was a souvenir store, not really a department store, but it was still fun that it was called one.
The new layout is nice, though sometimes a little clutter and eccentricity is what authenticity should call for. The Mitsukoshi redesign from a few years back really fits with Japan's future-first technological culture, but China, both the country and the Pavilion, always seemed to have a more traditional focus. The charm is in the little flaws and imperfections, if cultural authenticity is one of your goals (along with moving merchandise, which is always a goal). And it looks like some of those little flaws and imperfections have been erased away. It's a pretty refurb, and a nice new name, but I'll miss the old quirky department store moniker and the kinda haphazard layout.
aladdin2007
Well-Known Member
You have a point. There is a lack of authenticity now. The new one seems very empty compared to before, taking away the fun of discovering all kinds of little things here and there. It def is very elegant and modern looking now, but I didnt even notice any Chinese music playing in the background, anyone else? Sorry but the name is too standard basic, the old one was more authentic and creative.
worldfanatic
Well-Known Member
ChrisFL
Premium Member
If it was more cluttered, they couldn't fit their double-wide strollers through the place
WDW1974
Well-Known Member
If it was more cluttered, they couldn't fit their double-wide strollers through the place
I would guess this is the issue here more than anything (well, that and the ECVs).
I didn't notice the same thing when I was visiting the village of Hogsmeade recently :ROFLOL:.
I didn't look at the pics, but I've always liked shopping here (yes, I actually have bought items ... because they aren't Tink hoodies, Pooh plush and WDW pins!) because it felt very authentic ... and now after numerous visits to China, it is in many ways. I'd hate if it lost that feeling.
NewfieFan
Well-Known Member
If it was more cluttered, they couldn't fit their double-wide strollers through the place
Stroller jokes are just as old as Stitch jokes!
(FYI, I've never used a "double-wide strollers" but feel for the parents that need them!)
Anywho, I like the look of the openness in the pictures. I never had an issue with the old design or layout but this looks nice in the photographs... I guess I will judge when I see if for myself!
It was the old Kidcot
ChrisFL
Premium Member
Stroller jokes are just as old as Stitch jokes!
(FYI, I've never used a "double-wide strollers" but feel for the parents that need them!)
It wasn't a joke