The Disney store in Leeds’ White Rose Shopping Centre has closed for good in a move that is sure to sadden many parents and children who’ve visited over the years.
Following previously leaked suggestions that the brand would close stores to focus on online shopping instead, it has now been confirmed that the White Rose branch shut its doors for the final time on Sunday.
Many loyal customers have been left disappointed by the closure, which follows reports circulating on social media that suggested Disney planned to close all its UK stores except the flagship Oxford Street shop in London.
So upset at Disney’s loyal fans, that a petition has even been started to try and keep the stores open. So far, it has been signed by more than 15,000 people.
“Disney is planning to close all their UK Disney stores except for their flagship store in Oxford Street and go fully online,” it reads.
“The stores will all be closed by September 2021. This means all of the magical Disney stores that have been on our high streets for many years will soon disappear.
“Not everyone is fortunate enough to live near the Oxford Street store and the UK doesn’t have its own Disney Park. The closest being Disney Land Paris.
“These stores are our gateway to the magical world of Disney. It allows the people of the UK to experience the Disney magic first hand!
“We can’t let these magical places disappear. It would be a crime not only to ourselves but to all the children who can’t experience this magic.”
Elsewhere, people have been sharing their memories of the Disney store in a more positive way – with former employee Callum Martin taking to Facebook to remember the good times he enjoyed as part of the team:
“I’ve been lucky enough to work for Disney for four years, in Aberdeen, Leeds and Orlando, and the memories I’ve made will last a lifetime,” he said.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure working with the most incredible, unforgettable and caring people you could ever meet. I owe it to every one of you I’ve met over the years for making me the person I am today.
“It’s been an absolute blast, and while it’s heartbreaking to see our store and most other stores closing, I know I’ll look back on my time at Disney with nothing but amazing memories.”
If you would like to sign the petition, you can do so here.
