Disney to close 60 North American stores in 2021

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LOS ANGELES, March 4, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – Disney announced Wednesday that it
will close at least 60 of its North American stores this year in order to
focus on its online sales activities.

The closures are only a first step, with the world’s number one
entertainment company emphasizing in a statement that it intends to
“significantly reduce its brick-and-mortar footprint” in order to focus on e-
commerce.

“While consumer behavior has shifted toward online shopping, the global
pandemic has changed what consumers expect from a retailer,” said Stephanie
Young, Disney’s head of consumer products, games and publishing, in the
statement.

Disney hopes next year to develop its “shopDisney” sales platform, and
expand its integration with mobile apps dedicated to its theme parks and with
its social media presence.

The changes will be accompanied by the creation of new products of
different Disney-owned brands, such as adult clothing, “streetwear,” home
goods and collectible items, the statement said.

Disney did not specify which store locations will close, nor how many jobs
will be cut due to the closures.

There are about 300 Disney stores worldwide.