Talk about timing. Just in time for Triple Force Friday and Frozen Fan Fest last week, a Target “run and done” just got a bit more magical. If you are fortunate enough to live in one of 25 select cities across North America, then you are in store for a special shopping experience as Disney Store and Target have officially launch their “shop-in-shop” concept.
All of your familiar friends are there like Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Anna, Elsa and Olaf to Captain America, the Hulk and Iron Man as well as Kylo Ren, BB-8 and Rey. Timed with the global rollout of merchandise from Frozen 2 and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, a Target store in Philadelphia is among the two dozen other Target stores featuring a Disney Store under the big red bulls-eye.
In the first of its kind concept for the Walt Disney Company and Target Corporation, the Disney Store occupies an estimated 750-square-feet of retail space within each of the 25 Target stores. The mini-Disney Stores are centrally located between kids clothing and the existing toy department in Target. Each store is expected to stock more than 450 items, including about 100 products that could previously only be found at Disney Store retail locations.
The “shop-in-shop” boutiques premiered at 25 Target stores nationwide on October 4th with 40 additional locations opening by October 2020. The idea for Disney Store and Target to partner in a new form of retailing was first introduced at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California in August.
Ken Potrock, Disney's president of consumer products commercialization said in a statement, “Now that an enhanced Disney product assortment is available at Target, including new merchandise from Frozen 2 and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, I know the fans are eager to discover and explore everything this collaboration has to offer.” Mark Tritton, Target executive vice president and chief merchandising officer welcomed the partnership saying, “we've brought the magic of Disney to Target, bringing together great merchandise amidst an experience that's truly immersive and unique.”
In a joint statement, Disney and Target said the new retail concept will offer “a welcoming and engaging experience for the entire family with music, interactive displays, photo opportunities and a seating area where families can relax and watch Disney movie clips and play games.” Some of those photo ops include the chance to wear Mickey's magical hat, pose with a light-saber and wear a princess or prince crown.
Many of the items that I saw stocked on store shelves averaged around $20.00 and included plush, holiday-must- haves, Animators Collection Dolls, mugs and toy figure sets to costumes and accessories. There were a few higher end items that costs about $150.00 especially for some of the Star Wars collectibles.
A Target team member said the Disney Store displays are likely to change every six weeks.
If you don't live near one of the 25 Target stores now home to a Disney Store, the partnership also includes a new fun digital experience at Target.com/Disneystore and in the Target app.
Disney says it will continue to maintain a similar arrangement with JC Penney stores and according to Disney officials that deal will thrive although it appears the merchandise selection is more varied at Target than the JC Penney stores.