Its Offical Childrens Place Bought The Disney Store

[darthdarrel]

I would be very sad if they do sell it. I go to my local Disney store every weekend to get my disnet fix, even if I do not buy anything at the time, I just like being in a "Disney" place! I do think they need to remodel and I would like to see them bring more adult stuff, as I do not have any children.

 

[CTXRover]

The sale of the Disney Stores *could* be a very good thing, but of course it could be bad also. I prefer to look at it optimistically until further info is available. I don't know any specifics of the deal, but it very well could be similar to the deal Disney has with the Oriental Land Company which owns and operates the Disney Stores in Japan, as well as a majority stake in the entire Tokyo Disneyland resort. As far as I know, aren't the workers for OLC still considered Disney Cast members? Perhaps your paycheck will now say The Children's Place vs The Disney Store, but I don't anticipate any changes on the surface that would indicate to most customers that it is not really a "Disney" store. In other words, somebody else will be operating the stores, dealing with lease negotations and probably even a good amount of input into the stock in each store, but the merchandise and feel of the stores will still be completely Disney. I could even see the stores go towards more of a "classy"/"upscale" line of merchandise with emphasis on fine adult and children's wear and collectible items than toys and t-shirts that you could find comparable items for much cheaper at your local Wal-mart.

This could very well be the thing the Disney Stores needed....I for one help the sale does go through, otherwise it sounds like all Disney Stores would have been closed permanently. This way the stores stay open and perhaps could even be run better with better Disney merchandise. Most people won't even realize Disney doesn't directly run the stores anymore (beyond people at fan sites and of course CM's currently at the Disney Stores).

 

[Captain Hank]

I'm personally of two minds about the sale. Yes, I would prefer that the Disney stores were actually owned by Disney. But, if it means a choice between Children's Place and nothing, I would definately go with Children's Place. My store is in pretty good shape, though it does need some TLC. (For the record, darthdarrel and I are talking about the same store!) I also agree that there need to be more adult things at the stores. I wish we had art and watches. The adult section has been growing, but not too much. *sigh* I just hope everything turns out okay.

 

[monorail256]

Most people won't even realize Disney doesn't directly run the stores anymore (beyond people at fan sites and of course CM's currently at the Disney Stores).

Exactly. The stores merchandise isn't going to change one bit, and if anything, it will grow to be a much better selection. Disney has really screwed up the stores within the past few years.... not only with the type of merchandise we now sell (you could call us... plush and plastic heaven) but with they way they make our merchandise.

Anyone notice the Prince Phillip costume has a blue cape? Uh.. doesnt he have a red one in the movie? And the Jasmine costume... purple? I could have sworn she wore blue in the movie. :lol:

Im really hoping that the Childrens Place can fix whats been tarnished (including cast members).

I've heard that tomorrow (Monday) we will know what perks, if any, we will recieve for Walt Disney World. So... we'll see. I know most of the people at my store only work there for the WDW perks, and with them gone... so will be the cast.

I have no problem with the Childrens Place... they have good stuff in their stores. I just don't want them to turn us into a plain looking store, that lacks color, and the disney magic. Lets all hope for the best..

 

[HennieBogan1966]

Store Sale

Here's the word I've gotten. The deal is to be finalized by Oct., 01, and unfortunately, as of yesterday, it doesn't look good for benefits. First off, there will be no pension offer for those who are full time. Secondly, and I think more importantly, you will no longer get ticket, hotel, or merchandise benefits AT the theme parks. In addition to that, those of us hoping to use employment with the stores as a stepping stone to working within the theme parks, will no longer have that opportunity.

Lastly, the only detail that remains unknown at this time is how the park hopper tickets will be handled in the stores. Apparently, the 2 companies are trying to work out a compromise on this issue. Obviously, if the Children's Place Stores continue to offer the tickets, they feel that the (cms) employees of each store, should get a discount on the tickets.

The other information is that the product will largely remain the same, however the apparel and "toys" will bear the CP tags.

 

[Gucci65]

This is too sad. I lovED the Disney Store.

Spent hundreds of dollars when my daughter was little, but around 5/6 years ago their childrens clothing line when down the toilet. AND they catered to adults (sweatshirts - whoppee doo) and infants. KIDS of all ages/sizes like Disney clothes, but could no longer buy them at the Disney store.

I fell for the CM's that this will be affecting, but I'm surprised it hasn't happened sooner. I remember when our store in Duluth, GA went "mainly plush". I have all the plush I want, bring the watches back, bring the globes back, bring the pins back, bring the CUTE well-made kids clothes back.

 

[Captain Hank]

I really hope the merchandise continues to reflect the Disney Store name. What's the point of being "The Disney Store" if we sell merchandise that says "Children's Place?" Any offical word on the perks? I'll continue to work there seasonal regardless, but it would be nice to know.

 

[prberk]

This is too sad. I lovED the Disney Store.

I have all the plush I want, bring the watches back, bring the globes back, bring the pins back, bring the CUTE well-made kids clothes back.

Amen.

I still find it amazing that you cannot find a Mickey Mouse watch -- the most iconic of all character-based merchandising -- in a DISNEY Store.

Just shows that they lost their bearings and the understanding of just what built and sustains this company... When they get past the trendspotting and remember that, they will be restored to profitability... and the company will reap the benefits.

Paul

 

[walts son 1971]

Found out yesterday that the deal has been inked quote from DM.All employees will get a 30% discount at all childrens places stores including Disney stores.To all fellow castmembers I hope you understand if you have a childrens place store close to your store you may have to work there also.I have worked there 6 years the only good news is the DM said Disney may grandfather in senior castmembers to keep all there Disney discounts.If this happens I will stay otherwise I have no desire to work for the childrens place only Disney.I hope the grandfathering is like castmembers got after 10 years in the past,after 10 years you could quit and still get your discounts.I hope they go to 6 years for me!

 

[Pioneer Hall]

Found out yesterday that the deal has been inked quote from DM.All employees will get a 30% discount at all childrens places stores including Disney stores.To all fellow castmembers I hope you understand if you have a childrens place store close to your store you may have to work there also.I have worked there 6 years the only good news is the DM said Disney may grandfather in senior castmembers to keep all there Disney discounts.If this happens I will stay otherwise I have no desire to work for the childrens place only Disney.I hope the grandfathering is like castmembers got after 10 years in the past,after 10 years you could quit and still get your discounts.I hope they go to 6 years for me!

For some reason I only see them giving you the good perks if you were with them for a long time or you held a high position for them. I don't think that we are going to have our out of store perks for a long time after the turnover occurs. I also agree that there is no point to going to working at the stores if I can't work for Disney anymore.

 

[Disnut]

I went into The Children's Place yesterday just to see what the have (1st time in one) and I asked one of the cashiers if she knew anything. She said all they have been told is that they are looking into it. She is hoping that it will happen so The Disney Store will come to this side of town. We have one on the Northside and one Downtown. They are too far away for me to get to.

 

[Pioneer Hall]

I went into The Children's Place yesterday just to see what the have (1st time in one) and I asked one of the cashiers if she knew anything. She said all they have been told is that they are looking into it. She is hoping that it will happen so The Disney Store will come to this side of town. We have one on the Northside and one Downtown. They are too far away for me to get to.

Well it did happen. It is 100% official and is going to be occuring in the near future. All the stores have already received information and notices from upper management that the change will be occuring.

 

[weluvtink]

I'm not thrilled about this buyout, but I won't leave my store. I love the people I work with. I'm loyal to them.

 

[Pixie Duster]

I loved being a manager for Disney Store. But the company no longer has the energy to do what it needs to make Disney Store what it once was. I wish it didn't have to come to this, but I've seen good things from Children's Place. However, it does worry me that Disney Store may become all kid focused, even more so than it is now and forget about us Big Kids.

 

[Captain Hank]

I think no matter what, I'll be returning to TDS, assuming we lowly seasonal CM's are kept on board. If not, I'm glad I hung on to my nametag as a momento. I really like the CM's that I worked with, and I hope not too many of them leave because of the sale.