LPWire: Disney Store Set to Unveil First in a Series of Fantasy Themed Retail Environments
Disney Store Set to Unveil First in a Series of Magically Transformed, Fantasy Themed Retail Environments
New Disney Store Features Dazzling
Character Displays, Kid-Friendly Dressing Areas And Theater-Style Seating
Grand Opening Celebration To Be Held In Westfield Trumbull Mall in Trumbull, CT
Special guests and Disney Store executives will
be on hand at Westfield Trumbull Mall this Sunday, August 21 to celebrate the
grand opening of the first in a series of completely remodeled Disney Store
locations designed to vividly capture the fun and fantasy of Disney in greater
detail than ever before.
Dubbed "The Mickey," the new Disney Store prototype is designed to transport
guests into a sparkling, character-rich world of classic Disney magic and
enchantment, with imaginative settings and colorful, eye-popping displays. Plans
call for the renovation of approximately 30 stores in North America by the end
of the year. In addition to Trumbull, CT, over the next several months the
"Mickey" store prototype will debut in such leading regional malls as Mall of
America in Minneapolis, MN, West Edmonton Mall, in Edmonton, AB, Orland Square
in Orland Park, IL, Northridge Fashion Center in Northridge, CA, Staten Island
Mall in Staten Island, NY and Danbury Fair in Danbury, CT.
From the bright red entryway shaped like Mickey's iconic silhouette to the
"Twirl Here" icon on the floor outside the Princess-themed girls' dressing area,
the 5,000 square foot space in Westfield Trumbull Mall in Trumbull, CT is
designed to give children and families an authentic Disney experience.
A stunning, 11-foot high "Sorcerer Mickey" is featured in the store's center,
with an elliptical ceiling and sparkling, lenticular lighting overhead. Kids
take center stage here, with lower product placement for easy access to little
hands and a media wall area with kid-friendly, Donald and Daisy "duckbills" as
seats. Tinkerbell flutters over a fantasy-themed dressing area with decor
inspired by the Disney Princesses and Peter Pan-themed characters.
In each area of the new Disney Store locations - Girl's World, Boy's World,
Plush World and Toy World - shoppers will find authentic Disney Store quality
apparel, with the latest trends, styles and character-themed designs. Toys and
plush lines include items inspired by beloved Disney characters, including
Mickey, Minnie, Disney Princesses, Toy Story, The Incredibles, Tinkerbell, Pooh
and, of course, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto.
The new cash wrap area features a huge, iconic Mickey shape on the back wall,
with gigantic Mickey hands and shoes near the counter shaped to hold smaller
products and souvenirs for last-minute purchases and gift ideas.
"Our goal is to make the Disney Store shopping experience really special and
unique - with classic and contemporary Disney characters, the latest styles and
designs, magical settings, and products that offer authentic Disney Store
quality," said Mario Ciampi, President of Disney Store. "While people can't
visit Disney's theme parks every day, they can have a terrific Disney experience
right at their local mall."
Disney Store worked with the award-winning, St. Louis-based Kiku Obata Company
on the "Mickey" store design. Kiku Obata is known for creating and implementing
memorable and effective retail environments in the U.S. and abroad.
The first remodeled Disney Store grand opening will begin with a ribbon cutting
ceremony at 11 a.m. on Sunday, August 21 at the Westfield Trumbull Mall, 5065
Main Street, Trumbull, CT, 06611. The Radio Disney Party Patrol will be on hand
for music and extra-fun activities from 12:30 until 3:30 p.m. Free balloons will
be distributed, and guests who make a purchase of $30 or more will get free
Mickey Mouse ears for kids as a special thank-you gift.
About Disney Store North America
Disney Store originated the themed retail environment when it opened its first
store in Glendale, California in 1987. Disney Store currently operates over 300
locations in the United States and Canada that offer immediate access to magical
Disney products. Disney Store is operated by a wholly-owned subsidiary of The
Children's Place Retail Stores, Inc., a leading specialty retailer of apparel
and accessories for children.
--Posted August 16, 2005
Source: Disney Store