Seriously.
Birmingham and Central Alabama residents have been without a Disney retail location
. That three year deficit of Disney magic has been depressing. Lease agreements aside, it was a sad day when Disney closed their doors at the Riverchase Galleria.
To wipe away the tears Alabama residents can head to Atlanta or Nashville to get their fix or shop online. However there is something magical about walking through the doors of a Disney store.
I did just that yesterday in Nashville at the Opry Mills Mall. The kids were with me and were so excited to see all of their favorite Disney characters on toys, shoes, backpacks, jackets, plates, bowls, lunch boxes, jewelry, blankets and more. It's a reminder of the fun we had in Disney World during our summer 2011 trip.
To encourage Disney to return to Birmingham I'm presenting some points aimed at turning their retail development team's attention to the Magic City:
1. Shops of Grand River -- This high traffic, well-maintained and family friendly shopping center will fit well with the Disney Store's sales philosophy. However I would entertain any location, perhaps even a return to the Galleria if a settlement could be reached.
2. If
can have a Disney Store - shouldn't Birmingham, AL have one too? OK, not a real argument but seriously a 3 hour drive to the closest store is a bit much, isn't it?
3. There is a large Disney subculture in Birmingham, AL. When I say subculture I mean group of Mickey lovers who are passionate about the mouse. There are numerous topical Disney websites based in Birmingham, Disney focused travel agencies, stores that specialize in Disney monogrammed or applique clothing and more.
4.
, it left because of a leasing agreement. I'm confident the Disney Store would be supported and profitable if they can find a great deal on a lease.
5. The residents of the seven county Birmingham-Hoover metro area need some Disney magic in 2013. Something to look forward to on the retail scene. While clothing stores and new grocery stores are great and competition is good, a fun magical place to buy unique toys or gifts for the Disney loving tikes in our homes would be awesome.
Today I chatted with the Shops of Grand River and asked if they had considered or are considering a Disney Outlet store?
Here's what Christine Szalay, OSGR VP & General Manager, had to say,
"
2013 will be an exciting year for shoppers at The Outlet Shops of Grand River. Our business strategy is to continue to focus on bringing the best outlets in each category. This past year we opened several new stores including LOFT Outlet, Fossil, Motherhood Maternity, Charming Charlie, Johnson & Murphy and more. This year there are a number of new, and highly anticipated, stores set to open – two of which will be announced in the coming weeks."
So tell me what you think? Am I crazy? Do I just have Disney on the brain and need to move on?
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