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# Virtual Department Stores
shopDisney is Being Touted as a "Virtual Disney Department Store"

By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2018-08-04 | Business
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-department-store
References: [retailgazette](https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2018/08/disney-launches-new-ecommerce-website-shopdisney/) & [shopdisney](https://www.shopdisney.co.uk/)

In UK, an all-new shopDisney direct-to-consumer website has been launched and touted as a "virtual department store."

On the Disney store site, users are able to browse for a variety of products from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel that span everything from fashion and accessories to toys, home goods and stationery. The site also serves as a destination for consumers to get their hands on co-branded and collectible products created in collaboration with LEGO, Swarovski and more. Soon, fans will be able to shop the creations from even more partnerships, such as the Disney x Cath Kidston collection.

As Disney Stores Europe managing director Graham Burridge describes, "we are now giving fans what they want, a virtual Disney department store offering the broadest range of Disney product out there."

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 5.4/10
- Popularity: 71% | Activity: 83% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: Europe

## 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

- **Direct-to-consumer Shopping:** The rise of virtual department stores like shopDisney provides an opportunity for businesses to directly connect with consumers and offer a wide range of products.
- **Co-branding Partnerships:** Collaborations between well-known brands like Disney, LEGO, and Swarovski create unique and collectible products, showcasing the potential for disruptive innovation through strategic partnerships.
- **Expanded Product Offerings:** Virtual department stores catering to various interests, such as fashion, accessories, toys, and home goods, demonstrate the potential for businesses to diversify their product offerings and reach a broader consumer base.

### Sectors Adopting This

- **Retail:** Virtual department stores like shopDisney disrupt the traditional retail industry by providing a convenient and extensive shopping experience online.
- **Entertainment:** The collaboration of Disney with other brands to create co-branded products in a virtual department store setting opens up opportunities for disruptive innovation within the entertainment industry.
- **E-commerce:** The launch of shopDisney's direct-to-consumer website showcases the potential for disruptive innovation in the e-commerce industry, offering consumers a seamless online shopping experience with a vast range of products and collaborations.

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