It's been a year since Greater Manchester said one last goodbye to its much-loved Disney stores.
Disney Stores first opened in 1987 and through the years expanded to sell products from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel. Back in the 1990s, there was a Disney Store at St Ann's Square and despite closing over a decade ago, shoppers could continue to shop at branches at the Trafford Centre and Manchester Arndale until last year.
Lots of great memories were made at the popular shops, from annual traditions to visit to buy Christmas presents for loved ones to venturing inside to feel the magic as a kid. Many will remember how popular Greater Manchester's Disney shops were through the years and seeing its treasure trove of toys, the cuddly toy mountain and queuing for must have toys.
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Even if you didn’t buy anything, it was always a special trip for local kids. And who could forget walking into the shop to the sounds of the Lion King or Moana soundtrack, while being bamboozled with a plethora of Mickey Mouse memorabilia.
One image, courtesy of Manchester Archives and Local History Library, shows the St Ann's Square store back in 1992. During the decade, products linked to the likes of Toy Story or 101 Dalmatians were proving to be a hit.
On November 15, 1996, the Manchester Metro News reported on what popular products the St Ann's store had in time for Christmas. It reads: "K ids will love what's going on at the Disney Store this Christmas.
"Following the video release of the canine classic 101 Dalmatians, an amazing live action version, complete with 101 dogs, is set to hit cinemas this Christmas. Not surprising therefore that St Ann's Square store has gone all spotty again for lots of festive fun. From cuddly toys, to toothbrush holders, back packs to bathrobes, there are 101 gift ideas from which to choose."
What did you love about the Greater Manchester Disney stores? Let us know in the comments section below.
But in 2021, it was reported that all Disney stores in the UK were set to close by September that year, except two flagship stores in London’s Oxford Street and Dublin. And with that, we said goodbye to both the Trafford Centre and Manchester Arndale shop later that year.
Disney confirmed back in March 2021 that it would be 'significantly reducing' its number of stores to focus its retail efforts online. Stephanie Young, president of consumer products games and publishing, said at the time: "While consumer behaviour has shifted toward online shopping, the global pandemic has changed what consumers expect from a retailer.
"Over the past few years, we’ve been focused on meeting consumers where they are already spending their time, such as the expansion of Disney store shop-in-shops around the world. We now plan to create a more flexible, interconnected ecommerce experience that gives consumers easy access to unique, high-quality products across all our franchises."
Manchester's last remaining Disney Store, at Manchester Arndale, confirmed that the shutters would close for the last time on Thursday, September 9. At the time, Disney fans say the news of the closure has "ruined their day," and that the 'magic is dead'.
And local fans said the experience of shopping online could never compare to the colourful, musical experience of the real deal. One user posted on Twitter: "Hey @Disney_UK @shopDisney, we all read the reports of the stores closing. Our Manchester Arndale one is going this week. Poor staff.
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"I get the business decisions etc but you know shopping online is not that same for the kids? The magic of walking in for them is now dead."
Another wrote, alongside a GIF from Disney hit animation Moana and referencing a song from the film, "Why am I crying in the middle of the Arndale? The Disney store had How Far I'll Go playing." Someone else posted: "Stood in line at the Disney store Arndale and I actually feel heartbroken for these cast members creating the magic here in Manchester, they all look so sad."
One wrote: "Fully can't believe Manchester's Disney store is closing down that has ruined my day that."
To find out more about Manchester Archives and Local History Library, click here.
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