Disney confirm store in Metrocentre will permanently shut

The store, which is in the Platinum Mall and has been a well-known destination for shoppers for decades, is set to close later this month.

The Northern Echo understands that Disney bosses have proposed the last day of trade will be September 19, marking an end to the retailer’s presence in the North East.

Read more: When you can see Disney Magic as it sails from North Shields this week

It follows on from reports earlier this year that Disney would close at least 60 stores in the US, and almost all in the UK, as the pandemic has changed “consumer behaviours.”

In June, Disney closed its only other store in the North East – The Bridges in Sunderland as centre bosses confirmed it had closed in line with Disney’s strategy to move online.

But confirming the fate of the Metrocentre store on Monday, Disney said that they were now working towards the “proposed” last day of trade of next Sunday.

Disney did not release any further information, but it had previously said consumer behaviours had shifted towards online due to the Covid pandemic.

Stephanie Young, president, Consumer Products Games and Publishing at Disney, said: “While consumer behavior has shifted toward online shopping, the global pandemic has changed what consumers expect from a retailer.

“Over the past few years, we’ve been focused on meeting consumers where they are already spending their time, such as the expansion of Disney store shop-in-shops around the world.

"We now plan to create a more flexible, interconnected e-commerce experience that gives consumers easy access to unique, high-quality products across all our franchises.”

Picture: SOUTH WALES ARGUS

On Monday, Disney’s store in Cardiff was also confirmed as those set to permanently close as signs went up in its St David’s Centre store.

News of the planned Disney shop closures earlier this year prompted hundreds to sign a petition to keep the stores open.

Sam Cummins, who had described the move as a "crime," said children would miss out on the magical world of Disney, especially as the UK does not yet have its own Disney Park.

The Northern Echo has approached Metrocentre for comment

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