MUMBAI: Disney Store has opened the doors of its flagship store in the popular Lujiazui area of Pudong, Shanghai, China.
The landmark store is the largest retail space of any Disney Store in the world featuring 5000 square meters of immersive shopping experiences and innovative product, and also features an outdoor plaza.
"We couldn't be more delighted to open our first Disney Store in China, in Shanghai. Disney Store plays a critical role in how millions around the world experience our brand and allows kids, young adults and families to have a uniquely fun and immersive experience while shopping for their favorite Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars products," said The Walt Disney Company, Asia-Pacific president Paul Candland.
The Chinese characters representing the specific date and time chosen to open its doors to the public – 20 May at 1:14 p.m., represents highly popular social media code among young people as a time to openly express love and long-term commitment to each other.
In a momentous week for The Walt Disney Company in China, the opening of the Disney Store in Shanghai comes one day after the topping of the Enchanted Storybook Castle at Shanghai Disney Resort, which is due to open next year.
"We want to thank the people of Shanghai for welcoming us to the City and could think of no better way than to open the store on 20 May at 1314 hours," said Candland.
With an estimated 40 million tourists visiting the Lujiazui area each year, the Disney Store, with its product range and entertaining, immersive and innovative design elements, is looking to become a meeting point among locals contributing to Shanghai's reputation as a family, business, cultural, entertainment and tourism destination.
"We welcome the first Disney Store in China to Shanghai's Pudong District and are excited about the unique role it will play to bring a new energy to Lujiazui. The Disney store is a stunning new landmark of retail, tourism and culture in China," added Pudong government deputy governor Jian Danian.
The interior of the Shanghai Store was designed using Disney's award-winning, innovative format, featuring elements unique to the area that will surprise and delight Guests and bring to life the most popular characters from across Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars.
The store has numerous design features unique to Shanghai which include: a Disney Magic Kingdom Castle; a Marvel area with hand-sculpted statues of Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, and an 8-foot-tall Hulk; a character balloon area with one-of-a kind sculpted hot-air balloons featuring Disney characters; unique Mickey Mouse-shaped roof sculpted with over 8,000 LED lights visible from key tourism vantage points such as the Pearl Tower; and a landscaped plaza amongst others.
Additionally, to mark the opening of its first Store in the country, The Walt Disney Company in China has announced a $100,000 (RMB620 000) charitable donation to the Shanghai Charity Foundation (Pudong Chapter) to support programs that benefit kids and families in the Pudong District, where the store is located.
"Disney is proud to support our local community and do what we can to help bring happiness and magic to kids and families in need," said The Walt Disney Company in China chairman Stanley Cheung.
