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Disney Store unveils an engaging ne design and makes it a worthy family destination in Times Square
After a few years of licensing its retail locations out, Burbank, Calif. -based The Walt Disney World Co. re-acquired its stores in May 2008, with the goal of transforming them into interactive retail experiences that would immerse shoppers into the world of Disney. Soon after, the company dove head first into a major redesign and rolled out 19 stores worldwide during 2010, including its imposing 10,000-sq.-ft. Times Square location in New York, which opened in November.
"When guests step into our store, they see we don't just sell Disney stuff - they step into Disney," explains Jon Endicott, director of global store design for Disney Store. "It's a modern reflection of the Disney brand. This store is intended to take us into the next decade and beyond, and is worthy of being part of the Disney company. We want to be able to say, 'There's retail, and there's Disney retail.'"
Disney Store ultimately selected New Yorkbased design firm Pompei A.D. to work with its in-house design team to create a fresh look and feel. Paul Gainer, vice president of Disney Store, North America, says the ultimate goal for the redesigned store was to make it "the best 30 minutes...