History of Disney Store in Timeline
The Disney Store is a retail chain established on March 28, 1987, specializing in Disney-branded merchandise, including many exclusive items sold under the Disney Store and Disney Outlet names. It operates as a business unit within the Disney Experiences division of The Walt Disney Company. The stores offer a wide array of products based on Disney's characters and movies, providing immersive shopping experiences for Disney fans.
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March 28, 1987: Disney Store Created
On March 28, 1987, The Disney Store was created as a chain of specialty stores selling only Disney-related items.
June 18, 1988: First Disney Store Outside California Opens
On June 18, 1988, the first Disney Store outside California opened in Bridgewater Commons in Bridgewater, New Jersey.
April 21, 1990: Mickey's Kitchen Opened
From April 21, 1990, Mickey's Kitchen was Disney's first attempt at running a chain of restaurants outside of their resorts. The two locations were paired with a Disney Store.
May 31, 1991: Second Mickey's Kitchen Opens
On May 31, 1991, the second Mickey's Kitchen location opened at the Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, Illinois, paired with a Disney Store.
September 1991: Doug Murphy Hired
In September 1991, Doug Murphy was hired by Disney Store as manager of new business development.
April 1, 1992: Mickey's Kitchen Closed
Mickey's Kitchen, Disney's first attempt at running a chain of restaurants outside of their resorts, closed on April 1, 1992. The two locations were paired with a Disney Store.
1992: First Japanese Location Opens
In 1992, the first Disney Store location opened in Japan. Also, the first Australian store opened and Disney Dollars were available at Disney Stores.
April 1993: Doug Murphy Promoted
In April 1993, Doug Murphy was promoted to head of business development at Disney Store.
October 24, 1994: First Hong Kong Disney Store Opens
On October 24, 1994, Disney Store (Hong Kong) Ltd. opened its first location in a New Territories shopping center.
November 4, 1994: First Walt Disney Gallery Opens
On November 4, 1994, the first Walt Disney Gallery opened outside of the park next to the Disney Store at Main Place Santa Ana in California and was operated by Disney Store.
December 1994: Doug Murphy Appointed VP of Walt Disney Gallery
In December 1994, Doug Murphy was appointed vice president of the Walt Disney Gallery for Disney Store.
May 22, 1996: Flagship Disney Store Opens in New York City
On May 22, 1996, an original flagship Disney Store opened in New York City at the corner of 55th Street and Fifth Avenue.
November 19, 1996: Launch of The Disney Store Online
On November 19, 1996, The Disney Store Online was launched under the Disney Online business unit, marking the beginning of online retail at The Walt Disney Company.
1996: Flagship Location Opens in New York City
In 1996, Disney Store opened its flagship location in New York City.
September 16, 1997: Opening of first ESPN - The Store
On September 16, 1997, the first ESPN—The Store opened at the Glendale Galleria with sportscaster Dick Vitale, marking Disney's expansion into sports-themed retail stores.
1998: Disney purchased Infoseek
In 1998, The Walt Disney Company purchased Infoseek, gaining control of numerous online properties including Disney.com, DisneyStore.com, MrShowbiz.com, Family.com, Movies.com, ESPN.com, NFL.com, NASCAR.com, NHL.com, etc.
1998: Disney Store Opens Next to El Capitan Theatre
In 1998, a Disney Store location opened next to the El Capitan Theatre in its building.
September 1999: Closure of ESPN - The Store chain
In September 1999, all three stores in the ESPN—The Store chain were closed down, ending Disney's venture into sports-themed retail.
1999: Creation of Go.com and move of DisneyStore.com
In 1999, Buena Vista Internet Group was changed to Go.com and spun off as a tracking stock. Also in 1999, the DisneyStore.com business was moved under Disney Direct Marketing, a business entity under Disney Consumer Products.
September 2000: Disney Store Remodels and Closure Announcement
In September 2000, Disney Store remodeled two stores in Costa Mesa and Cherry Hill, N.J, showcasing prototype designs. Disney indicated that this new model would be rolled out to 350 stores and also announced the closure of 100 locations worldwide.
October 2000: Creation of Disney Auctions
In October 2000, Disney Auctions was created through a partnership between The Walt Disney Company and eBay. It featured items such as signs and ride vehicles from Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, as well as movie props and costume pieces.
April 2001: New President Hired
By April 2001, 20 Disney stores were redone in the high-tech style when a new president, Peter Whitford, was hired.
2001: DDM moved under The Disney Stores business
In 2001, Disney Direct Marketing (DDM) was moved directly under the control of The Disney Stores business.
March 2002: Disney Stores Worldwide Announcement
In March 2002, Disney Stores Worldwide announced that the chain would be split into two types of stores, Disney Play and Disney Kids at Home. Closures continued to reach 350 stores by 2005.
2002: Disney at Harrods Partnership Begins
In 2002, Disney and Harrods partnered to operate Disney stores, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, a Disney Store, and Disney Cafe within Harrods.
2002: Oriental Land Company Takes Over Japanese Stores
In 2002, The Oriental Land Company's subsidiary Retail Networks Co., Ltd. owned and operated the Japanese Disney Stores.
2002: Japanese Stores Sold
In 2002, the Japanese Disney Stores were sold to The Oriental Land Company.
March 31, 2003: Australian Locations Closed
On March 31, 2003, all 16 Australian Disney Store locations closed.
2003: Whitford Leaves
In 2003, Peter Whitford left his position as president of Disney Stores.
2003: Australian Disney Stores Close
In 2003, the Disney Stores located in Australia were closed.
November 2004: North American Stores Sold and Licensed
In November 2004, most North American Disney Stores were sold and licensed to The Children's Place.
November 21, 2004: Hoop Retail Stores Owns US and Canada Disney Stores
From November 21, 2004, Disney Stores in the United States and Canada were owned and operated by Hoop Retail Stores, a subsidiary of The Children's Place, LLC.
2004: Children's Place Gets Chicago Flagship Location
In 2004, Children's Place got the Chicago flagship Disney Store location when the company's subsidiary operated the chain.
2004: The Children's Place Takes Over North American Stores
In 2004, The Children's Place's subsidiary Hoop Holdings owned and operated the North America Disney Stores.
2004: Manhattan Flagship Store Converted
In 2004, The Walt Disney Company decided to keep the stores in Europe, along with the flagship store in Manhattan, which was converted into a World of Disney store run by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.
2004: DisneyStore.com changed to DisneyDirect.com
In 2004, following the sale of The Disney Stores to The Children's Place, the DisneyStore.com domain name was changed to DisneyDirect.com.
2004: Airport Disney Stores Shuttered
In the summer of 2004, Disney closed the last of approximately 15 smaller-scale Disney Store locations in airports throughout the United States, with the final closure being the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport location.
March 24, 2005: First Disney Store Outlet Opens
On the weekend of March 24, 2005, Hoop Holdings opened its first Disney Store Outlet location.
June 2, 2005: Disney's Soda Fountain and Studio Store Opens
On June 2, 2005, the Disney's Soda Fountain and Studio Store opened in the El Capitan Building, replacing a Disney Store.
2005: Store Closures Target of 350
By 2005, the Disney Store closures were expected to reach 350.
2005: Disney Corners Established in India
In 2005, DCP has begun working with various Indian retail outlets to establish Disney Corners within the outlets to sell licensed merchandise.
September 2006: Disney Jeans Brand Launched in India
On 26 September 2006, the Disney Jeans brand was launched under license to Indus Clothing, who planned to open 30 Disney Jean stores by the end of 2007.
October 2006: Disney Artist Brand Licensed
In October 2006, DCP licensed the rights to Ravi Jaipuria Corporation for five years to set up 150 Disney Artist brand stores and wholesales under the Disney Artist brand.
October 2006: Royalty Holiday Ends
The "royalty holiday" period ended in October 2006, requiring Hoop Holdings to pay Disney royalties.
2006: Sales Increase and Lease Commenced
Hoops saw progress with its strategy as open stores in 2006 for 11 months saw 15% increase in sales assisted by a better Disney box office results, and the success of the Disney Channel's hit made-for-TV movie High School Musical. Hoops Retail Stores, DBA Disney Store and a subsidiary of The Children's Place, commenced a 13-year lease of the Royal Laundry Complex.
2006: Rebranding to Disney Shopping, Inc.
In 2006, Disney Direct Marketing, Inc. was rebranded as Disney Shopping, Inc. (DSI). The domain changed from DisneyDirect.com to DisneyShopping.com and the Disney Catalog business was shut down.
April 2007: Store Website Launch Planned
A Disney Store website under Hoops would be up and running in April 2007.
June 8, 2007: Licensing Agreement Dispute Settled
On June 8, 2007, Disney Consumer Products and The Children's Place settled a licensing agreement dispute, in which Disney indicated 130 unfixed breaches.
2007: Disney Jean Stores Planned
In 2007, the plan was to open 30 Disney Jean stores.
2007: Year-Round Character Warehouse Opens in Midvale
In early 2007, Asset Management & Sales LLC opened a year-round Disney's Character Warehouse Outlet Store in Midvale, Utah.
March 20, 2008: Hoop Retail in Talks to Sell Disney Store Brand Back
On March 20, 2008, Hoop Retail, The Children's Place subsidiary operating the Disney Stores, announced that they were in talks to sell the Disney Store brand back to The Walt Disney Company. Hoop Retail filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March.
May 1, 2008: Disney Regains Ownership of North American Stores
On May 1, 2008, 231 Disney Stores in North America once again became the property of Disney, operating under the Disney Consumer Products arm. James Fielding was named president of Disney Stores Worldwide.
May 2008: Midvale Character Warehouse Closes
In May 2008, the year-round Character Warehouse store in Midvale, Utah, shut its doors after failing to recover sales after a temporary relocation.
June 30, 2008: Maintenance Deadline for Flagship and Other Locations
At the Chicago flagship Disney store and about 165 other locations, Hoops would get maintenance up to date by June 30, 2008.
2008: Children's Place No Longer Operates Chicago Flagship Location
In 2008, Children's Place no longer operated the Chicago flagship Disney Store location.
2008: The Children's Place Era Ends
In 2008, The Children's Place's subsidiary Hoop Holdings no longer owned and operated the North America Disney Stores.
2008: Domain changed back to DisneyStore.com
In 2008, after the repurchase of the Disney Store business from The Children's Place, the domain was changed back to DisneyStore.com.
November 2009: Massive Re-launching and Re-branding Announced
In November 2009, Disney announced that they were planning a massive "re-launching" and re-branding of all Disney Store locations, spearheaded by Apple's Steve Jobs. The new store look and feel was designed by New York-based design firm Pompei A.D.
2009: New Prototype Stores to Open
18 new prototype stores would be opened by early 2009.
2009: DisneyAuctions.com Shut Down
In 2009, DisneyAuctions.com was completely shut down and the domain now redirects visitors to DisneyStore.com.
January 2010: World of Disney Store in Fifth Avenue New York City Shuttered
In January 2010, the Disney Parks and Resorts-run World of Disney store in Fifth Avenue New York City closed due to high rent.
January 2010: Disney Store to Replace World of Disney
With the shuttering of the Disney Parks and Resorts-run World of Disney store in Fifth Avenue New York City in January 2010, a Disney Store replaced it on Broadway and became the flagship store. It opened late in the year capping off a 20-store opening.
March 31, 2010: Disney Takes Over Japanese Disney Stores
Disney took over Retail Networks Co., Ltd., an Oriental Land Company subsidiary owning the Disney Stores in Japan, beginning on March 31, 2010.
May 2010: First New Concept Stores Open
In May 2010, the first of the new concept Disney Stores opened in Long Island, Madrid, and Southern California.
November 9, 2010: Disney Store Opens in Times Square
On November 9, 2010, the Disney Store opened at 1540 Broadway in Times Square, New York City, becoming the flagship store.
2010: DSI moved back under Disney Store business
In 2010, Disney Shopping, Inc. (DSI) was moved back under the control of the newly reacquired Disney Store business. A complete redesign of the site was launched and the Disneystore.co.uk site was completely rebuilt on the same platform as the US site.
2010: Disney Store Redesign: Imagination Parks
In 2010, Disney started rolling out a themed retail business model and redesign led by Steve Jobs for its stores, named Imagination Parks.
2010: Oriental Land Company Era Ends
In 2010, The Oriental Land Company's subsidiary Retail Networks Co., Ltd. no longer owned and operated the Japanese Disney Stores.
2010: Smaller Disney Store Opened on North State Street
In 2010, a smaller Disney Store opened on 108 North State Street in Chicago.
May 18, 2011: First Store in Ireland Opens
Ireland's first Disney Store opened on May 18, 2011.
June 2011: Disney Announces Disney Baby Stores
In early June 2011, Disney Consumer Products chairman Andy Mooney announced that Disney Stores would open two Disney Baby Stores, one on each coast, and that Glendale had already been chosen as a location.
2011: 40 New Format Stores to Open
40 more of the new Disney Store format were to open in 2011.
2011: MarvelStore.com relaunched
In 2011, MarvelStore.com was relaunched using the same technology as the Disney Store website, along with the launch of new online stores for the French and German markets.
January 2012: Permanent Character Depot Opens in Murfreesboro
In January 2012, Asset Management opened a permanent Character Depot store in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
January 2012: Disney Stores to Expand in China
In January 2012, Disney Stores indicated that the company would open 25 to 40 locations in China over the next three years, with the first store originally scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2012.
January 31, 2012: Prototype Store Rollout Deadline
The Children's Place agreed to have a new prototype store design approved by Disney by the end of June with the prototype to rolled out to 234 existing stores by January 31, 2012.
May 2012: New Executive Vice Presidents Appointed
In May 2012, Molly Adams and Paul Gainer were appointed as executive vice presidents in charge of the global retail operation from their Disney Store senior vice president positions.
September 6, 2012: First Flagship Disney Baby Store Opens
On September 6, 2012, the first flagship Disney Baby Store opened in Glendale, California.
September 21, 2012: Partnership with JCPenney Announced
On September 21, 2012, Disney announced a partnership with JCPenney to open a Disney department in about 520 Penney locations.
October 10, 2012: Disney Popup Shop Set Up in Harrods
On October 10, 2012, a Disney popup shop with a Princess Parlour, Cinderella Slipper salon, special Disney/Pixar corner and Activity Zone was set up in Harrods on the fourth floor.
2012: Disney Departments Open in JCPenney
In 2012, Disney departments opened in about 520 JCPenney locations.
2012: Launch of the 24-hour Disney Junior Cable Channel
The 24-hour Disney Junior cable channel launched in 2012.
October 4, 2013: Disney and JCPenney Partner for Shop-within-Shops
On October 4, 2013, Disney partnered with JCPenney to open 525 "shop-within-shops" inside JCPenney stores, coinciding with the release of Frozen.
November 2013: Ghirardelli Chocolate Company Replaces DeWar
In November 2013, Disney's Soda Fountain and Studio Store replaced DeWar with Ghirardelli Chocolate Company operating the soda fountain half of the shop.
November 25, 2013: Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Opens at Harrods
On November 25, 2013, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique salon was replicated for the first time for any Disney Parks, Experiences and Products experience in Europe at Harrods as a part of Disney at Harrods.
2014: Additional Stores Added
With the success of these Disney shops and its exclusive merchandise in 2014, Penney added 44 additional stores.
May 2015: Disney Store Opens
In May 2015, a Disney Store opened, with customers waiting 3 hours before opening. An hour after opening, the store closed to additional customers.
May 20, 2015: Chinese Flagship Disney Store Opens
On May 20, 2015, the first Chinese flagship Disney Store opened in Shanghai.
2015: More Stores Added
In 2015, JCPenney added 116 more Disney stores for a total of 620. The JCP locations were also promoting the Disney live action Cinderella film.
August 2016: YesterEars Apparel Line Available
In August 2016, a special Disney World vintage apparel line called "YesterEars" was available at the online store for a limited time. These products paid homage to classic park attractions and destinations.
June 1, 2017: Disney at Harrods Closed
On June 1, 2017, Disney at Harrods closed.
2017: Disney Store Website Renamed
In 2017, the Disney Store website was renamed to "shopDisney".
2017: Disney at Harrods Partnership Ends
In 2017, the partnership between Disney and Harrods for the operation of Disney stores, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, a Disney Store and Disney Cafe, within Harrods ended.
August 2018: Bedtime Hotline Operated
As a promotion for its sleep shop launch in August 2018, Disney Store operated, during the month, a bedtime hotline where Mickey Mouse and friends share a short bedtime message.
November 2018: Disney Stores USA Headquarters Moved
In mid-November 2018, the Disney Stores USA headquarters moved out of the Royal Laundry Complex in Pasadena to Grand Central Creative Campus, Glendale, California.
May 26, 2019: Family Rallies to Save West Virginia Store
With the announced closing of the only store in West Virginia in the Huntington Mall on May 26, 2019, family rallied at the store in an organized "cash-mob" event to save the store.
August 2019: Disney and Target Announce Partnership
At the D23 Expo in August 2019, Disney announced a partnership with Target to open 25 "shop-within-shops" inside of Targets on October 4.
August 2019: Partnership with Target Announced
At the D23 Expo in August 2019, Disney announced that it would be partnering with Target to open 25 "shop-within-shops" inside of Targets on October 4.
2019: Disney Departments to Open at Target
In 2019, it was announced Disney departments were opening at Target stores across the United States starting in October prior to the release of Frozen II. Disney Store items also being sold on Target.com.
June 2020: Munich Disney Store Closed
The Disney Store in Munich was permanently closed in June 2020.
October 2020: Target and Disney to Open Another 40 Locations
Target and Disney announced another 40 such locations would be opened by October 2020 and a new Target location near Disney World.
2020: Sites branded ShopDisney
From 2020 to 2023, the Disney online retail sites were branded as ShopDisney.
March 2021: Closure of Montclair Plaza store
In March 2021, the Disney Store at Montclair Plaza, which retained the original "pink & green" Disney Store design, closed as part of a wave of closures.
March 2021: Smaller Disney Store on North State Street Closed
In March 2021, the smaller Disney Store located on 108 North State Street in Chicago closed.
March 2021: Disney Announces Store Closures in North America
In early March 2021, Disney announced plans to close at least 155 Disney Store locations in North America, including the United States and Canada, to shift focus towards e-commerce operations.
May 5, 2021: Disney to close European Disney Store locations
On May 5, 2021, Disney announced that it would close all the Disney Store locations in Europe, except for a few select stores such as the flagship store at Disney Village in Disneyland Paris.
July 14, 2021: Glendale Galleria Disney Store Closing
On June 18, 2021, it was announced that the original Disney Store location in Glendale Galleria would close on July 14, 2021, along with 16 other stores.
July 2021: UBS Realty Sues Disney for Back Rent
In July 2021, UBS Realty sued Disney for $275,000 in back rent for The Shops at Montebello location in Montebello, California.
July 23, 2021: Disney Baby Store Closing in Glendale
On July 23, 2021, it was announced that the first flagship Disney Baby Store in Glendale, California, would close permanently.
August 18, 2021: Most Canadian Disney Stores Closing
On July 23, 2021, Disney announced that most Canadian Disney Store locations, excluding Toronto Eaton Centre, Vaughan Mills, and Scarborough Town Center, would close on or before August 18, 2021.
December 25, 2021: Target and Disney to Open 100 More Locations
Target and Disney announced they will open 100 more locations by December 25, 2021, as most Disney Stores close for good.
2021: Disney Maintained Around 300 Stores Worldwide
As of early 2021, Disney maintained about 300 Disney Stores worldwide.
January 19, 2022: Disney Store in Bellevue, Washington Closing
On December 24, 2021, it was announced that the Disney Store located in Bellevue, Washington would close on January 19, 2022.
2024: ShopDisney Name Ends
In 2024, the shopDisney name was discontinued.
April 12, 2025: Flagship Disney Store in Disneyland Paris Closing
On April 12, 2025, it was announced that the flagship Disney Store at Disney Village in Disneyland Paris would permanently close in fall 2025 and will be replaced by a new store named Disney Wonders.
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