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Throwback photos show what shopping at the Disney Store was like in its heyday

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Throwback photos show what shopping at the Disney Store was like in its heyday

  • The Disney Store was a staple of shopping malls after its first location opened in 1987.

  • Throwback photos of the store show mountains of stuffed animals, giant crowds, and holiday sales.

  • The images also show how the store changed about 10 years before most locations shuttered.

Years after Disneyland and Walt Disney World became the ultimate vacation destinations, the Disney Store became the shopping-mall equivalent of the beloved theme parks.

The official Disney fan club, D23, says the first Disney Store opened at the Glendale Galleria in Glendale, California, on March 28, 1987.

It was the first store to sell Disney merchandise outside the theme parks and the Orlando International Airport, D23 says, and employees were trained to hold the friendly, magical standards those at Walt Disney World and Disneyland set.

Throwback photos of the retailer show the Disney Store in its heyday, years before most locations — aside from outlet stores and a mega location in New York City — went out of business in 2021.

The Disney Store was a staple of shopping malls between 1987 and 2021.

A Disney Store opens in the South Coast Plaza mall in Costa Mesa, California.

A Disney Store opens at the South Coast Plaza mall in Costa Mesa, California.Robert Lachman/Getty Images

It closed most of its locations in 2021, citing a switch to e-commerce operations over brick-and-mortar stores.

Shoppers visit a closing Disney Store in Miami, Florida, in 2021.Shoppers visit a closing Disney Store in Miami, Florida, in 2021.

Shoppers visit a closing Disney Store in Miami in 2021.Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Only a larger shop in New York City, the World of Disney in Orlando, and 20 Disney outlets filled with discounted theme-park merchandise remain nationwide.

The World of Disney store at Disney Springs in Florida.The World of Disney store at Disney Springs in Florida.

The World of Disney store in Orlando.Amanda Krause/Insider

Some stores had cartoon-inspired exteriors, while others were more upscale. But every entrance featured an intricate Disney design.

Outside a Disney Store located in Chicago, Illinois, on March 15, 2004.Outside a Disney Store located in Chicago, Illinois, on March 15, 2004.

Outside a Disney Store in Chicago in 2004.Tim Boyle/Getty Images

Mosaic and tile floors depicting classic Disney characters greeted shoppers as they entered.

A Minnie Mouse tile display outside a Disney Store in Chicago, Illinois, on March 15, 2004.A Minnie Mouse tile display outside a Disney Store in Chicago, Illinois, on March 15, 2004.

A Minnie Mouse tile floor outside a Disney Store in Chicago in 2004.Tim Boyle/Getty Images

Inside the stores, statues of Disney characters were in every corner and even hung from the ceiling.

Inside a Disney Store at the Mall of America in 1999.Inside a Disney Store at the Mall of America in 1999.

Inside a Disney Store at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, in 1999.Carolyn Schaefer/Getty Images

But fans might remember the mountains of stuffed animals and massive TV screens that played Disney movie scenes the most.

People shop inside a New York City Disney Store on June 18, 1997.People shop inside a New York City Disney Store on June 18, 1997.

People shop inside a New York City Disney Store in 1997.Reuters

Disney often used these round displays to promote merchandise from new movies. In 1996, that was the live-action version of ‘101 Dalmatians.’

A young shopper at a Disney Store in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on November 26, 1996.A young shopper at a Disney Store in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on November 26, 1996.

A young shopper at a Disney Store in Minneapolis in 1996.Star Tribune/Getty Images

If you wanted a sweet treat while shopping, multiple kinds of Mickey Mouse lollipops were available.

Candy at a Disney Store in New York City on October 4, 2004.Candy at a Disney Store in New York City on October 4, 2004.

Candy at a Disney Store in New York City in 2004.Trish Lease/Stringer/Getty Images

It was normal to see shoppers gather outside Disney Stores on Black Friday to score major deals.

Shoppers outside the Disney Store in the Lakewood Center mall in California on Black Friday 2006.Shoppers outside the Disney Store in the Lakewood Center mall in California on Black Friday 2006.

Shoppers outside the Disney Store in the Lakewood Center mall in Lakewood, California on Black Friday in 2006.Robert Gauthier/Getty Images

And the stores would always be decked out for the holidays with themed music and festive character displays.

A Christmas display at a Disney Store in New York City on November 25, 2001.A Christmas display at a Disney Store in New York City on November 25, 2001.

A Christmas window display at a Disney Store in New York City in 2001.George De Sota/Getty Images

Sales were a big part of the Disney Store business. Many happened after holidays such as Christmas, but there were also year-round discounts.

A Disney Store at the Golf-Mill Mall in Niles, Illinois, on December 26, 2001.A Disney Store at the Golf-Mill Mall in Niles, Illinois, on December 26, 2001.

A Disney Store at the Golf-Mill Shopping Center in Niles, Illinois, in 2001.Tim Boyle/Getty Images

During those sales, shoppers would stock up on Disney clothes, toys, and other merchandise.

Shoppers at the Disney Store in Glendale, California, on November 23, 2007.Shoppers at the Disney Store in Glendale, California, on November 23, 2007.

Shoppers at the Disney Store in Glendale, California, in 2007.Phil McCarten/Getty Images

Princess dolls, costumes, and action-figure sets were other big draws when discounted.

Inside a Disney Store at the Lakewood Mall in California on November 24, 2006.Inside a Disney Store at the Lakewood Mall in California on November 24, 2006.

Inside a Disney Store at the Lakewood Mall in Lakewood, California, in 2006.MediaNews Group/Orange County Register/Getty Images

Occasionally, you could find Disney Channel stars at Disney Stores for promotional appearances and meet-and-greets.

Hilary Duff at a Disney Store in New York City on May 3, 2003.Hilary Duff at a Disney Store in New York City on May 3, 2003.

Hilary Duff at a Disney Store in New York City in 2003.Jim Spellman/Getty Images

Around 2010, most Disney Stores were renovated with new decor and shopping features, including activity areas for children with coloring stations and big TVs.

Inside a Disney Store in New York City's Times Square on November 9, 2010.Inside a Disney Store in New York City's Times Square on November 9, 2010.

Inside a Disney Store in New York City’s Times Square in 2010.Mario Tama/Getty Images

The updated store designs also included walk-through castles, light-up wall displays, and, most notably, the removal of character statues.

Inside a Disney Store in Orlando, Florida, on August 24, 2011.Inside a Disney Store in Orlando, Florida, on August 24, 2011.

Inside a Disney Store in Orlando in 2011.Gerardo Mora/Stringer/Getty Images

The modern design remained until the Disney Store, as most fans knew it, closed in 2021.

Inside a Disney Store in Miami, Florida, on May 18, 2013.Inside a Disney Store in Miami, Florida, on May 18, 2013.

Inside a Disney Store in Miami in 2013.Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images

Read more: I shopped at one of the last Disney stores in the country, and it was full of discounted theme-park merch.

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