# Retail Amusement Parks Disney Stores Will be Getting a Funtastic Makeover By Katherinev123 | Published 2009-10-13 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/disney-stores References: [nytimes](http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/13/business/media/13disney.html?partner=rss&emc=rss) & [bbc](http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/technology/2009/10/steve_jobs_and_tinkerbell.html) Despite the unfriendly economy, the [Walt Disney Company](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/walt-disney) is planning to spend exorbitant amounts on turning its 340 Disney stores into places akin to amusement parks as well as opening new stores including a possible flagship location in Times Square. In collaboaration with Steve Jobs and a retail team at Apple, Walt Disney is considering rebranding the Disney stores to ‘Imagination Park.’ The chain’s typical toy and apparel displays will give way to a hi-tech makeover that includes new recreational activities like theatres to watch film clips, sing karaoke, and chat live with [Disney Channel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miniso-jakarta) stars. According to The New York Times, the goal is to make children excited to visit and possibly stay longer, which could boost sales. Says Jim Fielding, the President of [Disney Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/disney-1), “The world does not need another place to sell Disney merchandise—this only works if it’s an experience.” ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.3/10 - Popularity: 38% | Activity: 52% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [Retail](https://www.trendhunter.com/retail) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Amusement Park Retail:** Creating immersive retail experiences similar to amusement parks to enhance customer engagement and drive sales. - **Hi-tech Store Makeovers:** Transforming traditional retail spaces with technology-driven innovations to attract and entertain customers. - **Interactive Customer Experiences:** Introducing interactive and engaging activities within stores to provide unique experiences and increase customer satisfaction. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Retail:** Bringing immersive and interactive elements into retail spaces to revolutionize the shopping experience and increase customer loyalty. - **Amusement Park:** Expanding the concept of amusement parks into retail stores to create a unique destination for families to spend time together and shop. - **Entertainment:** Leveraging entertainment elements within retail environments to attract customers, boost sales, and strengthen brand loyalty. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Whimsical Store Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miniso-jakarta.md) - [In-Airport Toy Retailers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toys-r-us-airport.md) - [Exclusive Subscription-Based Merchandise](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/disney-1.md) - [Cozy Cartoon-Themed Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pleasing-3.md) - [Back-To-School Disney-Inspired Fashion Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/forever-21-x-disney.md) - [Co-Branded Metaverse Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/disneyland-game-rush.md) - [Inclusivity-Focused Media Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reimagine-tomorrow.md) - [Festive Theme Park Tumblers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-x-disney-collection.md) - [Fairy Tale-Inspired Residential Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/storyliving-community.md)