The Disney Store
Posted: Thu May 18, 2006 7:48 pm
This isn't really about memorabilia, but more about nostalgia.
Do you remember the first time you visited a Disney Store?
For me, it was 1996 - I was in the north-east of England, at the Gateway Shopping Centre in Gateshead (near Newcastle). I was just browsing this giant centre, when there in front of me was the gaping doors of the Disney Store.
I didn't even know these stores existed! I was just standing there, dying to go in (but also thinking, "would I look a little nerdy walking in there by myself?")
Nevertheless, I headed in and was amazed by all the goodies. I could have stayed there for hours, but I had to be on my way. Over the next two years I returned to the store to experience that little bit of Disney.
Fast forward to Sydney in 1999 (I think) and I was working with Della (but we were not yet going out) and I listened to her talking about the Disney Store opening in Sydney. Once a week, she would head down there with Nicole (another club member) and come back with a new stuffed character. She would talk about how great the store was etc, but I never headed down there - I always had lunch with mates who weren't very interested.
When Della and I started going out in 2000, I joined her and Nicole on their weekly trips - every Wednesday was "Disney Day" - a trip to the store to check out new merchandise and it was fantastic and fun. Over the years, we spent buckets of money at that store, and also began our association with this club, through Nicole's introduction.
I was transferred to Parramatta in 2002, but fortunately the Disney Store was there too - so although by myself, I could still have a Disney Day every Wednesday (and I didn't feel nerdy anymore).
A couple of times a year, the club would have special nights at the Parramatta store after closing, so all the club members would meet at the store and we'd get special offers on goods, have lucky door prize draws and have a great night. These special nights were always well attended, almost like an extra club meeting. (I even won a Pooh bear in a raffle on one night - he is sitting on the shelf in my bedroom)
When they finally announced they were closing in Australia, we were all devastated, our once a week trips became three times a week, as we tried to soak up the last days. We knew all the staff in the Sydney and Parramatta stores (and some were even club members). It was sad to see the shelves empty, never to be refilled.
I was going to rant on about what a poor decision it was to run these stores out of town, but this article ended up recounting fond memories.
Who else out there liked the Disney Stores and would love to see them come back downunder (you don't need one in each town - just a state captial city shop would be great) - I would certainly be there on opening day, and support the store with my wallet
I'd love to see a return of quality merchandise - not the dodgy stuff they sell in Targets...
Your thoughts?
Do you remember the first time you visited a Disney Store?
For me, it was 1996 - I was in the north-east of England, at the Gateway Shopping Centre in Gateshead (near Newcastle). I was just browsing this giant centre, when there in front of me was the gaping doors of the Disney Store.
I didn't even know these stores existed! I was just standing there, dying to go in (but also thinking, "would I look a little nerdy walking in there by myself?")
Nevertheless, I headed in and was amazed by all the goodies. I could have stayed there for hours, but I had to be on my way. Over the next two years I returned to the store to experience that little bit of Disney.
Fast forward to Sydney in 1999 (I think) and I was working with Della (but we were not yet going out) and I listened to her talking about the Disney Store opening in Sydney. Once a week, she would head down there with Nicole (another club member) and come back with a new stuffed character. She would talk about how great the store was etc, but I never headed down there - I always had lunch with mates who weren't very interested.
When Della and I started going out in 2000, I joined her and Nicole on their weekly trips - every Wednesday was "Disney Day" - a trip to the store to check out new merchandise and it was fantastic and fun. Over the years, we spent buckets of money at that store, and also began our association with this club, through Nicole's introduction.
I was transferred to Parramatta in 2002, but fortunately the Disney Store was there too - so although by myself, I could still have a Disney Day every Wednesday (and I didn't feel nerdy anymore).
A couple of times a year, the club would have special nights at the Parramatta store after closing, so all the club members would meet at the store and we'd get special offers on goods, have lucky door prize draws and have a great night. These special nights were always well attended, almost like an extra club meeting. (I even won a Pooh bear in a raffle on one night - he is sitting on the shelf in my bedroom)
When they finally announced they were closing in Australia, we were all devastated, our once a week trips became three times a week, as we tried to soak up the last days. We knew all the staff in the Sydney and Parramatta stores (and some were even club members). It was sad to see the shelves empty, never to be refilled.
I was going to rant on about what a poor decision it was to run these stores out of town, but this article ended up recounting fond memories.
Who else out there liked the Disney Stores and would love to see them come back downunder (you don't need one in each town - just a state captial city shop would be great) - I would certainly be there on opening day, and support the store with my wallet
I'd love to see a return of quality merchandise - not the dodgy stuff they sell in Targets...Your thoughts?
