Over the last year, Disney has shifted its business strategies in a handful of ways.
Disney Store
Last year, Disney CEO Bob Chapek shared that The Walt Disney Company would be shifting much of its business strategies onto direct-to-consumer segments, like streaming services. Now, another shift in business is taking place and it’s resulting in major closures.
According to CNBC, Disney will be closing at least 20% of Disney Stores before the end of this year in an attempt to direct the company’s focus onto e-commerce business. It’s expected that a minimum of 60 Disney Store locations in North America will shut their doors, as consumer focus shifts to online shopping.
Inside a Disney Store
It was noted that consumer behavior suggests an increased interest in e-commerce. Stephanie Young, president of consumer products, games, and publishing shared, “While consumer behavior has shifted toward online shopping, the global pandemic has changed what consumers expect from a retailer.”
Disney Store
Currently, the company anticipates closing one-fifth of Disney Store locations, and then determining if any further closures need to take place. European stores, in particular, can expect to see significant reductions.
Disney Store
As a result of the closure of these stores, there will be a number of layoffs — although Disney has not yet shared how many employees will be affected. Additionally, the company has not revealed which exact locations will be closing their doors. Financial details related to these closures have also not been disclosed.
Disney Store!
Improvements are expected to come to the shopDisney website as product assortment is increased to expand its offerings. At this time, other Disney shopping locations, including Disney Parks stores, third-party retailers, and stores with partnerships, like Target, will not be impacted.
Disney Store detail on Mickey Plush
More details are expected to be released by the Walt Disney Company related to this shift in business, so be sure to check back with us for more Disney news.
Is Disney+ the Future of the Company?
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun!
Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today!
With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs!
With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet.
Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today! Your order will include a FREE instant download of the 2020 Edition of the Guide!
Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today!
Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. 
Do you prefer shopping in Disney stores or on sites like shopDisney? Tell us in the comments!
The post NEWS: 20% of Disney Stores Closing as Company Shifts Focus to E-commerce first appeared on the disney food blog.