Disappointed in Disney Store

Linda · 04-15-2003

I visited my local Disney Store this past weekend. It was kind of disappointing.

I was looking for a gift for a 16 year old friend of mine. You talk about a tough job. Everything was toddler and infant ware, and stuffed toys.

No jewelry, no adult size shirts, not all the DVD's that could be available. I ended up buying her a Pooh beach towel and mini Pooh bean bag. (She likes Pooh!)

I mentioned to the manager standing there that it was obvious that this is why some of the stores are closing (a little sarcastic on my part). She sternly told me that that was not the reason, but that too many stores had been opened. Now that they have closed some, the company is doing just fine.

I made my meager purchase and left, but felt a little empty when I did. Her tone of voice and the lack of merchandise left me a little......annoyed. She reminded me that I could still purchase off of the internet. I told her I was aware of that but I needed the gift for that night.

Oh well, life will go on, and I guess the internet is becoming the best place to purchase Disney merchandise. At least you don't have to deal with managers like her.

**DisneyTeacher** · 04-15-2003

I noticed the same problem in my local Disney Store at Christmas time. I can find some things for my DS (4) but nothing for me. I used to buy a lot of things for me and now can't. I love all things Disney and love being able to look at things in the store before I buy it. I buy online but would rather see it first.

I think you are right about the reason the stores are closing. I know I used to spend quite a bit of money in the Disney Store every time I went to the mall, now I am lucky if I spend more than 5 dollars a few times a year. I am more than a little sad about this.

jonesee3 · 04-15-2003

Same situation here at our Disney Stores! We have one that is HUUUUUUUUUUGE! It use to have all kinds of adult ware, kitchen ware, jewlery, art, etc..........now---ALL IT HAS IS childrens ware & toy/stuffed animals. I use to shop there A LOT, but now I buy nothing from there.

I know I can buy online from Disney, and I do. BUT, I do like to see the things I am buying before I purchase....ya know?

Just my thoughts----I miss the old Disney Stores.

Heather

Captgoodguy · 04-15-2003

Our Disney Store has also changed. I used to shop there every week. Loved the Collectibles. Purchased several there along with adult size clothes as well.

Now I almost never go in the store. As my wife and I have no children (we are big kids ourselves) there isn't anything for us to spend our money on.

I also prefer to see certain things before purchasing. Who knows how the clothes will run? Large? Small? What size do you buy?

So now in most cases, I only buy clothes at the World of Disney in Downtown Disney where I can see them which means I don't spend as much as I used to with Disney.

MickeyMac · 04-15-2003

Can I make a recommendation? Write. Write to Disney and let them know. Our store (small) was recently turned into a test market store, but they are testing toddler clothing right now. It's cute, and very inexpensive, but still, I'm outa that market.

Anyways, the District Manager moved to the store and is encouraging customers to write to the corporate office - from what I understand, tehre's a shift in upper management, and they are taking written input very seriously. I've all ready written my concerns to them, and why I'm shopping for adult logo'd merchandise at Walmart and Kmart instead of at the Disney Store.

tiggerlover1971 · 04-15-2003

can you give us the address on who to write to because like all of you I used to buy alot of clothes at the disney store now I am lucky to buy something when i walk out of there I got to the character priemere store in sawgrass mostly now because that is discontinued merchandise from the parks and I can actually buy clothing there

MickeyMac · 04-16-2003

Sure, I'll see what I can come up with.

goofygal1975 · 04-16-2003

I'll be more than happy to voice my concerns regarding the Disney Stores!! Thanks for looking up the address for us!

PiratesFan · 04-16-2003

The Disney Store is not what it used to be. I remember that when the first one opened up near me, the store used to cary Disney related jewlery and watches, for both men, women, and kids. They also carried a complete line of movies, plus basic adult Disney T-shirts in a variety of colors. Not anymore though, its strictly movie tie-in merchandise, in the form of kids clothes, toys, and stuffed animals. Nothing for adults. It's a shame.;pirate:

ilvminnie · 04-16-2003

Yep, I've thought the same thing for awhile now. Every once in awhile I can find some neat stuff, but not like I used to. I do most of my shopping at DisneyStore.com anymore, but I really find the neat stuff when I get to go to WDW. I wish we could have easier access to the stuff that's in the stores there on-line. That would be really nice.

MickeyMac · 04-16-2003

Ack! I have to wait until noon to call... it's in California...

MickeyMac · 04-16-2003

OK, I have spent the better part of the day trying to get through to someone at Corportate (for the Store division) If anyone wants to try, it's 800-689-0789. I finally left my name, number, and reason why I called on the answering machine, and called the local Disney Store.

She suggested contacting the District Managers. Bring letters in directly to the Store Managers (who seem to be just as frustrated with the lack of product) who will turn them into the District Managers.

I'm still not comfortable with this process, even though we are friends with the store manager, and left a message for the DM to call me back and hopefully redirect me to someone with more clout.

Anyways, I just wanted to update. If anyone finds out anything different, please let me know.

All this for four tee-shirts. Harumph!

maelstrom · 04-16-2003

I remember when going to the Disney Store was a big treat. The closest store was in Danbury, Conn., and I always wanted to go to that mall, just for the Disney store. Eventually all the other malls got one, including the mall in my town. But by that time, they had already started sucking. I was on the lookout for a Tinkerbell watch, and I ended up getting it at JC Penney, because the Disney Store didn't have ANY watches. (the watch I tried to get in the World Of Disney in February was discontinued, yet the display was still up, which annoyed me.) All my Disney Store seems to have anymore is kids clothes and a lot of plushes. I'm small and fit into kids shirts, so that's not really a problem for me. But the lack of watches, jewelry, adult clothing, housewares, etc is really unacceptable. I'd shop online or wait until my next WDW trip to visit the World Of Disney, despite my annoyance over the watch.

Goofette · 04-17-2003

I'm making a run to the Disney Store tomorrow (not the outlet that I worked out), so I'm curious to see what all they have now. After I go there I'll probably drive to the Catalog outlet I worked at over the holidays. They have different things each week, depending on the trucks. I'm hoping to get some good Easter things..I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I'll let you know how ours are in this area since I haven't been to the regular Disney Store in quite a long time.

MickeyMac · 04-17-2003

Goofette, if you can, can you ask for a corporate address to write to? I was so frustrated yesterday, and would really like to put closure on this for me. :cry:

04-15-2003	#1 (permalink)
Linda Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 119	Disappointed in Disney Store I visited my local Disney Store this past weekend. It was kind of disappointing. I was looking for a gift for a 16 year old friend of mine. You talk about a tough job. Everything was toddler and infant ware, and stuffed toys. No jewelry, no adult size shirts, not all the DVD's that could be available. I ended up buying her a Pooh beach towel and mini Pooh bean bag. (She likes Pooh!) I mentioned to the manager standing there that it was obvious that this is why some of the stores are closing (a little sarcastic on my part). She sternly told me that that was not the reason, but that too many stores had been opened. Now that they have closed some, the company is doing just fine. I made my meager purchase and left, but felt a little empty when I did. Her tone of voice and the lack of merchandise left me a little......annoyed. She reminded me that I could still purchase off of the internet. I told her I was aware of that but I needed the gift for that night. Oh well, life will go on, and I guess the internet is becoming the best place to purchase Disney merchandise. At least you don't have to deal with managers like her. __________________ Linda 2004 May-BCV-Flwr Fest/Nov-BCV 2003 Hilton Head DVC-June/BCV-Nov 2002 POR/Polynesian 2001 POR 2000 Beach Club/Cape Royal 1999 Dixie Landings (POR) 1995 Dolphin 1993 Disneyland Hotel 84-92 Various off site hotels 1983 Disneyland Hotel 1972 First Visit to WDW

04-15-2003	#2 (permalink)
DisneyTeacher Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: WDW in my dreams Posts: 18,308	I noticed the same problem in my local Disney Store at Christmas time. I can find some things for my DS (4) but nothing for me. I used to buy a lot of things for me and now can't. I love all things Disney and love being able to look at things in the store before I buy it. I buy online but would rather see it first. I think you are right about the reason the stores are closing. I know I used to spend quite a bit of money in the Disney Store every time I went to the mall, now I am lucky if I spend more than 5 dollars a few times a year. I am more than a little sad about this. __________________ ~Stephanie~ 1993 Caribbean Beach Resort ~ 1996 Caribbean Beach resort ~1997 Caribbean Beach Resort ~2003 Wilderness Lodge ~2004 Beach Club Resort/Shades of Green/Pop Century~ 2005 Wilderness Lodge Resort/Beach Club Villas ~ 2006 Saratoga Springs Resort~2007 Port Orleans French Quarter/Beach Club Villas/Boardwalk Villas ~ 2007 Port Orleans Riverside~ 2008 Wilderness Lodge/Beach Club Villas~2008 Beach Club Villas~2009 Hilton Head Island~ 2009 Beach Club Villas My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Beach Club here we come 239 days 13 hours 25 minutes

04-15-2003	#3 (permalink)
jonesee3 Mouseketeer Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Hawaii (but I am a FL resident) Posts: 67	Same here! Same situation here at our Disney Stores! We have one that is HUUUUUUUUUUGE! It use to have all kinds of adult ware, kitchen ware, jewlery, art, etc..........now---ALL IT HAS IS childrens ware & toy/stuffed animals. I use to shop there A LOT, but now I buy nothing from there. I know I can buy online from Disney, and I do. BUT, I do like to see the things I am buying before I purchase....ya know? Just my thoughts----I miss the old Disney Stores. Heather

04-15-2003	#4 (permalink)
Captgoodguy Big Cheese Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Indiana Posts: 516	I Agree! Our Disney Store has also changed. I used to shop there every week. Loved the Collectibles. Purchased several there along with adult size clothes as well. Now I almost never go in the store. As my wife and I have no children (we are big kids ourselves) there isn't anything for us to spend our money on. I also prefer to see certain things before purchasing. Who knows how the clothes will run? Large? Small? What size do you buy? So now in most cases, I only buy clothes at the World of Disney in Downtown Disney where I can see them which means I don't spend as much as I used to with Disney. __________________ A former and future Annual Passholder from Indiana that has visited too many times to list here. Proud parent of Jingles The Wonder Dog.

04-15-2003	#5 (permalink)
MickeyMac Cherubic Chocoholic Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 2,233	Can I make a recommendation? Write. Write to Disney and let them know. Our store (small) was recently turned into a test market store, but they are testing toddler clothing right now. It's cute, and very inexpensive, but still, I'm outa that market. Anyways, the District Manager moved to the store and is encouraging customers to write to the corporate office - from what I understand, tehre's a shift in upper management, and they are taking written input very seriously. I've all ready written my concerns to them, and why I'm shopping for adult logo'd merchandise at Walmart and Kmart instead of at the Disney Store. __________________ ... back in the frozen tundra!

		MouseBuzz.com > Mouscellaneous > The Mouse Trap
Disappointed in Disney Store

04-15-2003	#6 (permalink)
tiggerlover1971 Official bouncer of DC Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: 100 acre woods Posts: 4,068	can you give us the address on who to write to because like all of you I used to buy alot of clothes at the disney store now I am lucky to buy something when i walk out of there I got to the character priemere store in sawgrass mostly now because that is discontinued merchandise from the parks and I can actually buy clothing there __________________ Cheryl ^i^ * Postcard Pixie * ^i^ ~ Sharing the Disney magic ~ woohoo only 20 more pounds to go to goal weight

04-16-2003	#7 (permalink)
MickeyMac Cherubic Chocoholic Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 2,233	Sure, I'll see what I can come up with. __________________ ... back in the frozen tundra!

04-16-2003	#8 (permalink)
goofygal1975 Goofy For Disney Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: AL Posts: 1,735	I'll be more than happy to voice my concerns regarding the Disney Stores!! Thanks for looking up the address for us! __________________ goofygal1975.com see my disney pictures and trip reports, and Disney Cruise Info! ~~Heather~~ ~~A Dream is a wish your heart makes~~ All-Star Movies 12/02 All-Star Movies 2/03 All-Star Sports 10/02, 06/03 , 07/03,12/03(MVMCP 12/5/03) Pop Century 2/04, 5/05, 7/05 CBR 12/04, 5/05 Disney Wonder Cruise 5/15/05-5/19/05 WL 8/05 Many trips 2005-2006 ~~Engaged at Disney, CRT 8/19/06~~ Sept 2007 DisneyMoon Dec 2008 AKV May 2009 7 night Disney Cruise

04-16-2003	#9 (permalink)
PiratesFan Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Northern New Jersey Posts: 353	The Disney Store is not what it used to be. I remember that when the first one opened up near me, the store used to cary Disney related jewlery and watches, for both men, women, and kids. They also carried a complete line of movies, plus basic adult Disney T-shirts in a variety of colors. Not anymore though, its strictly movie tie-in merchandise, in the form of kids clothes, toys, and stuffed animals. Nothing for adults. It's a shame.;pirate: __________________ Yo Ho Yo Ho a Pirates life for me!

04-16-2003	#10 (permalink)
ilvminnie House of Mouse Hostess Join Date: May 2002 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 2,443	Yep, I've thought the same thing for awhile now. Every once in awhile I can find some neat stuff, but not like I used to. I do most of my shopping at DisneyStore.com anymore, but I really find the neat stuff when I get to go to WDW. I wish we could have easier access to the stuff that's in the stores there on-line. That would be really nice. __________________ I WISH I WAS IN DISNEYWORLD NOW!!!

04-16-2003	#11 (permalink)
MickeyMac Cherubic Chocoholic Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 2,233	Ack! I have to wait until noon to call... it's in California... __________________ ... back in the frozen tundra!

04-16-2003	#12 (permalink)
MickeyMac Cherubic Chocoholic Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 2,233	OK, I have spent the better part of the day trying to get through to someone at Corportate (for the Store division) If anyone wants to try, it's 800-689-0789. I finally left my name, number, and reason why I called on the answering machine, and called the local Disney Store. She suggested contacting the District Managers. Bring letters in directly to the Store Managers (who seem to be just as frustrated with the lack of product) who will turn them into the District Managers. I'm still not comfortable with this process, even though we are friends with the store manager, and left a message for the DM to call me back and hopefully redirect me to someone with more clout. Anyways, I just wanted to update. If anyone finds out anything different, please let me know. All this for four tee-shirts. Harumph! __________________ ... back in the frozen tundra!

04-16-2003	#13 (permalink)
maelstrom Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Brava Centauri Posts: 193	I remember when going to the Disney Store was a big treat. The closest store was in Danbury, Conn., and I always wanted to go to that mall, just for the Disney store. Eventually all the other malls got one, including the mall in my town. But by that time, they had already started sucking. I was on the lookout for a Tinkerbell watch, and I ended up getting it at JC Penney, because the Disney Store didn't have ANY watches. (the watch I tried to get in the World Of Disney in February was discontinued, yet the display was still up, which annoyed me.) All my Disney Store seems to have anymore is kids clothes and a lot of plushes. I'm small and fit into kids shirts, so that's not really a problem for me. But the lack of watches, jewelry, adult clothing, housewares, etc is really unacceptable. I'd shop online or wait until my next WDW trip to visit the World Of Disney, despite my annoyance over the watch. __________________ Sep. 88 offsite, Feb. 89 offsite, Aug. 89 Hilton , Jun. 90 CBR, Jul. 91 POFQ, Jul. 92 POR, Jan. 93 Dolphin, Jul. 93 offsite, Aug. 94 offsite, Jun. 95 offsite, Aug. 96 Disneyland, Jun. 97 offsite, Aug. 98 Contemp, Jul. 99 Contemp, Jun. 00 Disneyland, Feb. 03 CBR, May 03 Contemp, Dec. 03 Poly, May 04 Contemp, Jan. 05 WL, May 05 POFQ & Contemp, Dec. 05 POR, Jun. 06 WL, May 07 AKL & Poly

04-17-2003	#14 (permalink)
Goofette Mouse Meister Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: 2nd Star To the Right Posts: 1,089	I'm making a run to the Disney Store tomorrow (not the outlet that I worked out), so I'm curious to see what all they have now. After I go there I'll probably drive to the Catalog outlet I worked at over the holidays. They have different things each week, depending on the trucks. I'm hoping to get some good Easter things..I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I'll let you know how ours are in this area since I haven't been to the regular Disney Store in quite a long time. __________________ Keep Our Troops in your thoughts and Prayers

User Name		Remember Me?
Password

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Get to know you, Disney style!	dementia	The Mouse Trap	140	10-21-2006 03:35 PM
Disney May Offer Cell-Phone Service	Park Hopper	The Mouse Trap	5	08-10-2004 08:00 AM
Disney to discontinue Disney Club	mickey	Front Page News	18	10-04-2002 08:55 PM
Once Upon A Toy to open today at Downtown Disney WDW	mickey	Front Page News	12	08-20-2002 09:53 PM

04-17-2003	#15 (permalink)
MickeyMac Cherubic Chocoholic Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 2,233	Goofette, if you can, can you ask for a corporate address to write to? I was so frustrated yesterday, and would really like to put closure on this for me. :cry: __________________ ... back in the frozen tundra!