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LOS ANGELES, Oct. 13 -- Walt Disney Co. said it would overhaul its 340 European and U.S. stores to include entertainment designed to keep customers shopping longer.
The company is considering a turnaround that includes pumping about $1 million into each store in part to have children eager to visit, play and linger in the same location as the retail outlet that sells toys, games, plush animals and other retail items.
"The world does not need another place to sell Disney merchandise -- this only works if it's an experience," said Jim Fielding, president of Disney Stores Worldwide, The New York Times reported Tuesday.
Disney said it would begin the bold retail step -- pushing forward while many stores are retrenching -- in Southern California, Long Island and Madrid. It is also hoping to create a flagship store in Times Square in New York City, the newspaper said.
Disney plans to outfit stores with theaters for kids to select video clips to watch and install systems for kids to teleconference with Disney stars.
"It's time to take risks," Mr. Fielding said he told them. "When consumers are ready to spend again, we will be ready."
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