Apple's Steve Jobs, who joined the Disney board when he acquired Pixar back in 2006, has been advising Disney to 'dream bigger' in its plans to turn its retail stores into miniature interactive theme parks.
Disney is planning to pump around $340 million into a complete refit of its 340 US and European stores, in addition to opening a new flagship store on New York's Times Square.
The company is considering rebranding its stores as 'Imagination Parks', with the New York Times reporting that "the chain's traditional approach of displaying row after row of toys and apparel geared to Disney franchises will be given a high-tech makeover and incorporated into a new array of recreational activities".
Shops become Imagination Parks
Disney is planning to spend around $1 million per store refit, with President of Disney Stores Worldwide Jim Fielding keen to turn the shopping experience into something much more exciting and memorable for children and 'big kids' everywhere.
Apple CEO Steve Jobs has been advising Disney to 'dream bigger' - a classic 'Jobsian' quote!
The first new-look 'Imagination Parks' are set to open May 2010 in Southern California, Long Island and Madrid, where kids will be able to watch their favourite movie clips as well as being able to take part in karaoke contests or live chats with Disney Channel stars. Embedded computer chips in packaging will also activate hidden features in the stores such as 'magic mirrors'.
Jobs offers retail advice
Jobs provided Disney with access to proprietary information on his hugely successful Apple Stores.
Disney is set to focus heavily on interactivity in which, for example, parents might be able to book a virtual Disney Cruise to keep them entertained while their offspring play (and, crucially, encourage mom and pop to spend spend spend!).
"It's truly spectacular — beyond our imagination... These are going to be true destinations," said Bruce Tobin, VP of America's largest mall owners Simon Property Group.
Via nytimes.com
Your comments (2) Click to add a new comment
chipotle
October 13th 2009
2. @goinglikesixty, are you serious? Do you understand how profitable Apple Stores are? That they consistently have among the highest revenue per square foot of all retailers in the areas they're located in? The model isn't directly translatable to Disney, to be sure, but Apple stores are about creating experiences -- which is the core of the original business model for Disney parks.
Of course, I suppose I'm feeding the troll: the "board members should just vote 'present' and 'yes' on CEO compensation increases and not offer opinions" opening line is such profoundly bad advice I can't presume you're even intending to be taken seriously.
Alert a moderator
goinglikesixty
October 13th 2009
1. Board members should just vote "present" and "yes" on CEO compensation increases and not offer opinions.
What does Steve Jobs know about retail? Apple stores aren't retail. I don't know what they are, but they are not retail in the sense of a Disney store.
Sell DIS, based on this alone. If Jobs can control DIS in this manner, it is not a good sign.
Alert a moderator
Tell us what you think
You need to Log in or register to post comments