Disney Store Chicago Dedication

ALL EYES (AND EARS) ON MICHIGAN AVENUE AS THE DISNEY STORE CELEBRATES CHICAGO-STYLE STORE DEDICATION AUGUST 5

CHICAGO, Ill. (July 1999) - After nearly 10 years and 24 stores in the Chicago area, The Disney Store opens its newest store at 717 North Michigan Avenue this summer. The entertainment retailer plans to commemorate the occasion with a Chicago-style store dedication on Thursday, August 5. Headlining the day is none other than Mickey Mouse, donning a hat, shades and a saxophone to greet Chicago area fans, and an unprecedented, one-store, one-day, limited offer of "Blues" Mickey Mini Bean Bag Plush.

Exclusively for the Michigan Avenue location, The Disney Store created "Blues" Mickey plush in a Mini Bean Bag and a larger 13-1/2-inch plush toy to revere the jazz and blues sounds of the Chicago music scene. Both signature plush toys will be unveiled August 5 with only 220 "Blues" Mickey Mini Bean Bag Plush available for purchase - an offer that will stun collectors and have them lining Michigan Avenue well before the 10 a.m. store opening.

Chicago native Anne Osberg, president, Disney Consumer Products Worldwide, and Tom Park, executive vice president, The Disney Store Worldwide, kick off the celebration at 9:45 a.m. with a brief dedication ceremony featuring local musicians and the world debut of "Blues" Mickey. From 10-2 p.m., Mickey will make a celebrity appearance with hugs and photo opportunities.

"We want to tip our hats - Chicago-style - to our Michigan Avenue neighbors and Disney Store guests," said Park. "Jazz and blues provides a cool setting for a great event on August 5. The exclusive plush, as well as our Chicago-specific product - from specialty tees and infant wear to caps and baseballs - gives our guests a chance to take some of the fun home."

PHONE ORDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED