The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) and Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) have announced a partnership that will see the companies collaborate on several projects over the next few years. The first project, new Disney-focused digital experience at Target.com/Disneystore, launched last weekend. The other projects involve the creation of specialized retail locations.
The companies have unveiled plans to create 25 Disney stores inside of Target stores that will open Oct. 4 of this year. The Disney shops will be located near Target’s kids clothing and toy departments and comprise an average of 750 square feet. The companies said in a joint statement that the mini-stores will offer “a welcoming and engaging shopping experience for the entire family, with music, interactive displays, photo opportunities and a seating area where families can relax and watch Disney movie clips.”
According to the news release, the in-store shops will carry more than 450 items, including more than 100 products previously only available at Disney retail locations. Those items will include merchandise featuring Marvel, Star Wars, Disney Princess, Disney Junior characters, classic Disney plush, apparel, home products, and holiday-specific items. Bob Chapek, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, commented, “Our fans are always telling us that they want more Disney. We believe that by extending our Disney footprint to Target stores we’re going to be able to give our guests that opportunity.
In addition to the 25 stores opening this October, another 40 locations are expected to open by October 2020. The locations of the additional stores haven’t been revealed yet. Target is also planning to open a new Target store at the western entrance of the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida at Flamingo Crossings Town Center in 2021.
In a statement, Target CEO Brian Cornell said, “We know there’s a very strong overlap between both Disney fans and Target shoppers so we’re looking forward to reaching Disney fans when and where they want to shop. It’s an opportunity for us to bring our brands together and delight our guests for years to come.”
