Just thought's I'd add quick report.
I was the Metro Centre, Gateshead yesterday and spotted that the Disney Store was all boarded up. The hoarding around it says that it's going through a refurbishment and should be open later in the summer.
This refurb is needed IMO the mickeys on the shop front seemed to be from the early 90's and very unlike the Mickey we see today. Hopefully this will be impressive when the boards come down.
The DIsney Store is also operating from a temporary shop around teh corner (it looks like an old Clintons Cards) They have a fancy sign, but the interior is just white slat board with white shelves.
I don't think the disney store's (by far) don't sell as nice stuff as disneyland paris shops do!
But i would like a disney store to open in bishop auckland lol. x
you from bishop katie, im just down the road in aycliffe.
i remember feeling guily once in metro centre as i had to goo into the warner bros shop and get something and as they are so close to each other i had such shame :oops:
Oh nice, maybe they're starting to roll out the new "concept" stores like in Manchester and Lakeside? The design is a bit like a cousin of the Apple stores rather than the old, cosier Disney Stores (remember when they had little animatronic scenes around the place?), but more colourful, glittery and very, VERY expensive-looking.
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Lakeside
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Manchester
QuoteNew features include a Pixie Arch which welcomes guests to the store and which is made up of fibre optic lights that change colour throughout the day giving a twinkling pixie dust effect. Then, at the centre of the store is the 'Heart of Disney'; a 10 foot tower with a 360 degree wraparound screen showcasing clips from the latest Disney releases as well as details on upcoming events.
In addition to this there are new plasma screens around the store so that guests can 'shop and watch' in style as well as mini-plasma screens embedded into the cash and wrap area ensuring young shoppers are entertained too.
Awesome, if Metro centre is getting the new re-fit then hopefully that means Bluewater (Kent) and the Glades (Bromley) will also get the new re-fit. These shopping centers are run by the same company and usually get the same stores etc. I've wanted the Bromley store to be updated ever since I heard these new re-fits were going to happen over here. I never get a chance to get to Lakeside so it would be a lot better for my local store to get it done too :P
I think the UK Disney stores get some excellent merchandise but I always find them to be too small and I think they should branch out into more clothing ranges for all ages.
Quote from: "Anthony"remember when they had little animatronic scenes around the place?
Cardiff's Disney Store still has all animatronics all around the store, ill have to get some photos :)
Quote from: "Owain"Quote from: "Anthony"remember when they had little animatronic scenes around the place?
Cardiff's Disney Store still has all animatronics all around the store, ill have to get some photos :)
I wish Swansea would get one... I don' get to go to Cardiff therefore I don't get to go to the Disney Store that often either... Now If it was at Swansea I could go once a week... :D. Cardiff also has the little alcoves along the ramp if your heading towards the store from the rear of it!
Quote from: "Captain Pan"I wish Swansea would get one... I don' get to go to Cardiff therefore I don't get to go to the Disney Store that often either... Now If it was at Swansea I could go once a week... :D. Cardiff also has the little alcoves along the ramp if your heading towards the store from the rear of it!
:shock: I thought there was one in swansea ?
Quote from: "Owain"Quote from: "Captain Pan"I wish Swansea would get one... I don' get to go to Cardiff therefore I don't get to go to the Disney Store that often either... Now If it was at Swansea I could go once a week... :D. Cardiff also has the little alcoves along the ramp if your heading towards the store from the rear of it!
:shock: I thought there was one in swansea ?
If they did do you think I would be unemployed? No not something that's been added to Swansea as of yet... but there is the future.
I'm off to Manchester on Wednesday for a job interview, first point of call after I come out of that will be the Disney Store, I haven't been in it yet! I saw a Mickey bag in my local one that I had my eye on, when I went in today they'd sold it! :( I REALLY hope they've got it in the Manchester one as I want it for my trip on Thursday! :wink:
Quote from: "Alpop"Just thought's I'd add quick report.
I was the Metro Centre, Gateshead yesterday and spotted that the Disney Store was all boarded up. The hoarding around it says that it's going through a refurbishment and should be open later in the summer.
This refurb is needed IMO the mickeys on the shop front seemed to be from the early 90's and very unlike the Mickey we see today. Hopefully this will be impressive when the boards come down.
The Disney Store is also operating from a temporary shop around teh corner (it looks like an old Clintons Cards) They have a fancy sign, but the interior is just white slat board with white shelves.
Yeah I was in yesterday, I queried about the original store, which I was told was up for refurbishment, they are taking the warehouse further back, to make the store larger so that they can put more merchandise out. Also the tills will be on the wall where the large screen used to be. It was due for opening again 25th August 2008, but they have already applied for an extension.... :shock: Must be taking longer than originally thought... :roll: But at least it will be open by the end half of the summer at latest.. :D :D/
I really hope it opens before the end of summer! Thats like a mini Disneyland in itself!
I'll see if I can get photos when it opens.
In the Manchester photo is that a special queue for when it opened?
Were getting a new store in Norwich!! hope it looks like those ones in the photo ... will find out on Saturday!!! do mickeymouse ears count as fancy dress? I want a goody bag lol
I never knew they were animatronics in the stores! did they work? coz ours never have
Being my "now" nearest Disney Store, I so hope they do a good job like the new design, I am probably one of the few people who really liked the old style, well was much nicer before they started messing with the place. Including getting rid of statues of characters and replacing them with cheap cutouts, ugh. After the closing of Newcastle's store I just hope this means they are willing to spend money to do out the Metro one finally. Think the last thing it got was a picture on the ceiling of Mickey outside Sleeping beauty's castle from Disneyland :roll: . In a way though I hope they keep the Disney stores rather personalized, so each store is slightly different like they used to be.
My friend Olivia said she's been in the refurbished one, and she said its like Hannah Montanna and HSM land...
I'm going to the metro centre sometime this week, so I'll see if I can get some info on it...I hope Olivia's not right...
I love disney stores, if they're good and sells more than the average stuff. But I agree, it's nothing compared to the ones in the disney parks. But PLEASE build one here in Denmark! [-o< I would truely love that.
I went to the metro centre today, and I see what Olivia meant about HM/HSM world, but it seemed like they were focusing more on WALL-E than anything! Plus, it hasn't re opened yet, they just have a "temporary store".
Its not very big, or decorated very well, but then, why make it all pretty if you'll be moving out soon anyway?
the new norwich store opened today, unfortunatly I'm broke so wont be able to go see what its like :-( roll on pay day
I didn't realise they were re-furbing the Metrocentre store. I tend to shop in Newcastle over the Metrocentre so I haven't been in the Disney shop recently but I had been meaning to go so i'm glad i've found this out :). Can't wait to see what it looks like once it's finished.
Metro Centre newly refurbished store opening Saturday 30th August... :D/ :D/ :D/
Well here's the latest shots of the newly refurbished store at the MetroCentre, and looking at it, it's identical to Clarebelle's Norwich Store for the refit as you will see. I must admit the store is a lot better than the old one, a lot more spacious as well as better lit.. :D/ :D/
Well you know you're here by this shot>>
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Here's the multi-colouring on the facia>>
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The Aurora front right window display>>
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WALL.E front side wall advert>>
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Then staight in to meet WALL.E at the entrance>>
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Long shot looking back towards the entrance>>
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The famous moving cradle globes, I wish I could fit in one since you would get a good tour and view around the whole store, again the walls around the tracking change colour like the front facia aswell>>
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The main back counter, don't worry the shop was quite busy but I was lucky to get the shot just in the till spree interval. Even the CM ducked under the counter for me :lol: :mrgreen: >>
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Yes the famous Goofy statue, which Jen jumped into shot>>
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As with this Aurora, I like the pose here, being able to hold her hand, with Aurora looking down... :D >>
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Lastly the Stardom Sparkley Floor, you would think you where walking on glass at times>>
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Brilliant....... :D/ :D/ :D/ :D
:shock: I WANNA GO THERE NOW!!!
Ooo it looks good. I'll probably go next week, can't wait to have a look around myself :D.
I went to the MC the other day and it wasn't open yet. Must have missed the opening by a couple of days :x
But yeah we'll be there this weekend. It looks great. Thanks for the photos.
Quote from: "Alpop"I went to the MC the other day and it wasn't open yet. Must have missed the opening by a couple of days :x
But yeah we'll be there this weekend. It looks great. Thanks for the photos.
Actually Alpop we were going to go on the Friday evening thinking it might have opened, but I got this gut feeling on Friday morning that I'd better ring them first, to make sure it was, which was just as well since the CM said "No we're opening our new shop tomorrow morning", so as you can guess that was our change of plan. So straight away I put the opening date on the Forum, just incase anyone else was wondering. :wink:
We didn't go for the actual opening on Saturday morning since Vanessa was at work, but she managed to finish at 4pm, so there was plenty of time since it's open till 7pm on Saturdays... :D/ Jen still managed to get a goodie bag from one of the CMs... :D/
Pleased you like the photos... :D
What was in the goodie bags? And can you still get them?
Quote from: "MinniesBestPal"What was in the goodie bags? And can you still get them?
Well MBP, the goodie bags contained some sweeties, a Disney website curly wristband, 4 minature characters as pictured below aswell as a
free Emile plushie worth £8.00, the price tag was still on it :shock: :D
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Unfortunately the goodie bags were only available for the day of opening :(
Really jealous now. I always miss special events.
The Goodie bag was well worth the journey.
Well done
AWW! I wish we had gone! Those statues look so pretty!
Quote from: "MinniesBestPal"AWW! I wish we had gone! Those statues look so pretty!
Well I'd keep a lookout for the next batch of Disney Store refits, if there's any close to you then go... :wink: :D
Mmmm, mentioning the miniature statues, just to let you know the head, arms, waist and feet swivel so you can put them in different poses aswell... :wink: :D
*is jealous*
Minnie Mouse!!! I don't have figures of her, only plushies and cushions...and er notepads and pencils and t shirts and ears and er...lots more... but no plastic figurines like that!
I think I'll survive... BUT FREE STUFF FROM THE DISNEY STORE!!! THEY BARELY EVER DO THAT!!! I'm gonna google for more disney openings!
Quote from: "MinniesBestPal"*is jealous*
Minnie Mouse!!! I don't have figures of her, only plushies and cushions...and er notepads and pencils and t shirts and ears and er...lots more... but no plastic figurines like that!
I think I'll survive... BUT FREE STUFF FROM THE DISNEY STORE!!! THEY BARELY EVER DO THAT!!! I'm gonna google for more disney openings!
Well it's worth giving it ago, you might get to an opening day yet, and yes it is rare that the Disney Stores give anything away free, that is a fact.. :shock: :shock:
Update :!:
Just been to the Disney Store tonight at the Metro Centre and got talking to one of the Management Team who said the Store will be officially opened in October by Mickey and Minnie, they will be cutting the ribbon. No fixed date has been established yet, but she thinks it will be the Saturday of the Great North Run weekend, which would be Saturday 4th October. Watch this space for further confirmations.. :wink: :D
October 4th...ok! *Goes to tell mum and dad*
I'll try and be there.
We went to day and half of the rainbow colour changing entrance was not working. Probably a simple wiring issue. It's a great effect that is done well.
When we push Imogen in to the store the first thing she did was look up and up and up. They've created ridiculously tall stacks of shelves that reach to the ceiling. I spotted a set of shelves full of mugs, which I jokingly pointed to the top set saying "can I have that one?"
Another thing I spotted was how bright the store is. They must have tripled their lighting on the revamp.
I loved it, but again the queue seems to be too close to shelves, which made it awkward to get to the baby clothes. There are also cracks on the top of Goofy's right ear, where it looks like the ears been bashed.
Quote from: "Alpop"I'll try and be there.
We went to day and half of the rainbow colour changing entrance was not working. Probably a simple wiring issue. It's a great effect that is done well.
When we push Imogen in to the store the first thing she did was look up and up and up. They've created ridiculously tall stacks of shelves that reach to the ceiling. I spotted a set of shelves full of mugs, which I jokingly pointed to the top set saying "can I have that one?"
Another thing I spotted was how bright the store is. They must have tripled their lighting on the revamp.
I loved it, but again the queue seems to be too close to shelves, which made it awkward to get to the baby clothes. There are also cracks on the top of Goofy's right ear, where it looks like the ears been bashed.
Yeah the colour on the top left, right hand entrance went out about 15 mins after we left the shop, last night. So they haven't fixed it yet then... :mrgreen:
Some of the shelving is tall, as you say there is one with mugs on, the CM's use those hook grabbers to reach stock that is high up, I've watched them do it the first time I went in. The reason is to display more stock you can look at, it's space saving with going up rather than across, so if you want it and it's out of reach, just ask, which also inturn cuts down on breakages... :wink: Makes the store more spacious, I agree that the shelves need adjusting around the queing area, it does crowd up, especially if someone is looking at the DVD's and someone else wants the babies clothing stand.. :| I reckon they'll probably adjust this in time though... :)
By the way that statue of Goofy you mentioned, it will get changed every few months or so to a different character, and the Aurora in the shop was initially supposed to be for the window display but it was too big to get everthing else in, so they moved it into the store itself.. :wink: :D
I only know this because when we went in last night one of the management team spotted Vanessa in her DLRP jacket, Jen in her Minnie Sweatshirt and me in my Donald jogger top and obviously thought...."Definite Disney Fans", I'll talk to these. She asked what we thought of the new look, I had to mention how much brighter it was, like you already said Alpop, that's when she got talking about the official opening and some of the displays in the store, she was really nice... :wink: :D
They are also supposed to be running with different themes in store every so often aswell, I'll have to keep a watch on this store definitely.. :D/ :D/
Darn it I got a grading the following morning... I would... but... then I haven't got a reason to go to a Disney Store at the Moment... Brothers off to Uni and his is Oct 15th, Sister doesn't care about me and I her (theres something hidden there), and She's the fifth, and then mines even further away 22days later and its a bit early to do Christmas Shopping, slightly!
Had a visit today. It looks so awesome it really does. Part of the lighting on the arch outside still doesn't appear to be working though and the Goofy statue definitely looks battered around the ears. But it's so bright and full of so much merchandise. I think I will try to be there for the grand opening with Mickey and Minnie :) .
Quote from: "Javey74"Quote from: "MinniesBestPal"AWW! I wish we had gone! Those statues look so pretty!
Well I'd keep a lookout for the next batch of Disney Store refits, if there's any close to you then go... :wink: :D
I think they've moved on to The Trafford Centre now. Very impressed how fast they're finally rolling out the new stores. In time for the start of Christmas, I guess?
And now you've seen the swishy new Disney Store design, doesn't the faux-Disney Store in Disney Village with its broken props and 90s design look and feel like a market stall in comparison? :twisted:
Quote from: "Anthony"Quote from: "Javey74"Quote from: "MinniesBestPal"AWW! I wish we had gone! Those statues look so pretty!
Well I'd keep a lookout for the next batch of Disney Store refits, if there's any close to you then go... :wink: :D
I think they've moved on to The Trafford Centre now. Very impressed how fast they're finally rolling out the new stores. In time for the start of Christmas, I guess?
And now you've seen the swishy new Disney Store design, doesn't the faux-Disney Store in Disney Village with its broken props and 90s design look and feel like a market stall in comparison? :twisted:
Well now you come to mention it Anthony, you're right, a big letdown in comparison. The question is, when will they get round to refurbishing this one... :roll:
Quote from: "Javey74"Well now you come to mention it Anthony, you're right, a big letdown in comparison. The question is, when will they get round to refurbishing this one... :roll:
Just to contradict myself, I'm guessing they won't. They're obviously still waiting for the World of Disney to be built, and the fact that that project has been pushed back for 5 years now is why the main DV store looks so old. It's not technically a Disney Store as we know them in the UK anyway.
Moved this topic into World of Disney rather than Blue Lagoon.
:!: :!: :!: Important Alert :!: :!: :!:
For those heading to the MetroCentre for the 4th October for the official opening...DON'T. :(
The date has been changed, since they've just realised that it coincided with the Childrens Great North Run on the same day. I've been told that it looks as though they are now having and official opening weekend on the 1st and 2nd of November. But they gave me their telephone number and was told to ring them to confirm it for sure by the end of October. So I'll keep you posted on this thread. :wink: :D
In a way I'm relieved. We are going to the in laws Scarborough flat on the 4th, which would have caused a cufuffle.
Particularly as I've been postponing going for ages.
I was at the Metro Centre late September and it had the new look, it even had the Pixie Arc. . . :|
Confirmation as last... :D/ :D/ :D/ :D/
Quote from: "Disney Store"MetroCentre Grand Opening 1st & 2nd November.
Join us in our Official Grand Opening!!!
Saturday 1st November>>
*Some very special guests will be opening the store [Mickey & Minnie]. Be here for 10am*
*Members of the High School Musical Pep Rally team will be here to keep you entertained*
Sunday 2nd November>>
*Disney Store 'Be A Star' - dress up like your favourite characters*
*Plus Canon will be in store to capture your magical moment, also they'll be giving away the studio photos for free :D/ :D/ :D/
The Store is also donating 10% of Saturdays sales to Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity
I was just thinking about bumping this post last night to see if it was still happening.
Sounds good.
I'll be there.
MetroCentre Grand Opening Weekend... :wink: :D
Well I was there for the opening, and as you can see this was the view at 9.30am, even though it didn't start till 10am, though by 10am it was 7 rows deep. So I didn't get the best of views>>
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Up went the shutters to reveal the CMs and some of the Management. Mickey and Mickey were still tucked away at this point>>
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Then there was the host, whoever she was, didn't catch her name, but she does look familiar, then we had the HSM Wildcats and the HSM Cheerleaders parading in front of the store, none of which I could get decent shots of. However I did manage to get a shot of the CMs in their Disney lineup>>
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Then came the shakey camera over the head shots, where possible of Mickey and Minnie... :roll:
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The host is pictured here left of Minnie, anyone know her... :?:
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Then came the time to look around the store itself, though rather slowly. I would not want the job of the inshop security that day... :lol: :lol: :mrgreen:
Further down from the Disney Store they had a stage ready and prepared for some fun with the HSM rebels. I managed a few shots of the stage, but I didn't hang about for the show which lasted 45 minutes which consisted of dancing and singing with audience participation, after which Mickey and Minnie had there photo opportunities with the public.
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I'm not a particular fan of HSM, so we decided to look around a few other shops while this was taking place, then on the way back I hoped to get a few shots on stage of the HSM Cheerleaders, but just as I walked up to the stage they were going off.. :roll:
But I did manage to watch the skills from a couple of Wild Cats, again if anyone knows who the woman is in the background, please let me know... :mrgreen:
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Not a bad opening on the whole.. :wink: :mrgreen:
I don't know who the woman is but she sure looks jazzy and like shes having a good time :)
Great photographs, looks like the opening was really quite impressive :D
Awwwh thanks Laura.. :D
Actually Jen was very concerned when she actually saw Mickey and Minnie, she said, "but Dad, what about the people in DLRP right now, they will not get to meet Mickey and Minnie with them being here", after all it was the CM in the store on a previous visit that said that they were flying in from Paris...I said that most people go to DLRP for more than one day. She said "Yes, but what about daytrippers"....Eeeeee I don't know, Kids! :lol: :lol: :mrgreen:
Aww I'd have been extremely concerned too!
But it was done during one of their breaks I think, as they have special times to meet and greet in the park :D
Nice one Laura =D>
I'll have to tell Jen, though she's fast asleep at present.. :wink: :D
Its the true, plus around this time of year they work in conjunction with Santa to make more wishes come true. And we all know Disney magic can go along way, but when you add a sprinkle of Santa's Christmas magic, very special wishes come true. :)
This was someones wish being fulfilled.
I stood off to the left hand side. Not realising that it was all gonna happen on the right hand door!!! I looked around for familiar faces, but as I don't know any off the board, I didn't see any.
The host said "come on Newcastle you can do better than that, I've heard your party people (or similar)"..... I'm sure Gateshead liked that.
I thought that instead of creating a separate topic I'll post pics from the new Bluewater (kent, owned by the same peeps as Metro Centre) store.
Its basically the same as the Metro centre one but bigger, defo wider. Did you have stuff in plastic balls moving round the room which hung from a conveyor belt on the ceiling?
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Soz for lack of quality in the images, I took them on my phone.
Its also empty in some of the pics cause I had to wait several hours after the shops closed to see a film.
Yes peep, I must admit the plastic balls on conveyor tracks were the first thing I noticed about the revamp at the Metro Centre Store.. :mrgreen:
They were full of Winnie The Pooh characters, though I was in last Friday and they have quite a few with Stitch in now. :)
Thanks for posting the photos from the BlueWater Store, it does look to have a very wide front on that particular store, widest I've seen anyway... :shock: :o :mrgreen:
Thanks for the pictures Peep, they're very interesting. Bluewater is probably one of the closest Disney Stores to me, but I haven't seen the revamped version of it yet, perhaps I'll go and see it soon... :)