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.
News
Jacob Elordi says the sexiest thing about Yorkshire is ‘rocks and sheep’
As women around the world swoon over Jacob Elordi, he's too busy loving rocks and sheep.
In case you haven't been on social media over the past week and managed to avoid the influx of paparazzi images, the hotly anticipated 'Wuthering Heights' adaptation is out soon and with that comes heaps of red carpets, screenings and glamorous premieres.
Famously set against the brooding hills of Yorkshire, Wuthering Heights by our very own Emily Brontë follows the tumultuous love story of Heathcliff and Cathy.
Played in the upcoming film by Australian heartthrobs Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie.
During the recent London premiere where Elordi was seen wearing a rather dashing green three piece, the stars were asked what they thought the 'sexiest' thing about Yorkshire is by HitsRadioUK.
A valid question to which Jacob replies "rocks and sheep". I mean, he's got a fair point.
Margot Robbie went into a little more detail, she said "Sunrise and sunset in Yorkshire is a pretty dramatic experience. The sky is literally like red and orange. I honestly couldn't believe it when I was out there. The landscape is stunning."
Why thank you Margot, we absolutely agree. She continues to shower us with compliments stating that the "People are lovely. Pubs are great. I love it"
It seems like Margot has got Yorkshire pretty bang on there, and if she ever needs any pub recommendations then we'll absolutely help her out.
Jacob on the other hand, we know rocks and sheep are sexy but...have you ever met us?
Hopefully he fell in love with our county enough to come back, as we wouldn't mind bumping into him on a hike up the Yorkshire moors.
Popular Leeds gaming bar announces immediate shock closure after going into liquidation
Clementine Hall
Point Blank in Leeds city centre have suddenly closed after going into liquidation.
The popular gaming bar hasn't been open all that long, and was marketed as the country's first simulated shooting range bar.
Despite being a popular attraction since opening last year, the bar has closed immediately, unable to honour any future bookings.
Point Blank confirmed late this Tuesday 3 February that it had sadly entered liquidation, describing the move as “completely unforeseen and beyond our control.”
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Up until just a few days ago, the Point Blank branch in Leeds had been promoting events including happy hours, shooting experiences, and even a Superbowl event scheduled for next Sunday 8 February.
A statement on their website reads: "It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Point Blank Shooting has entered liquidation.
"This situation was completely unforeseen and beyond our control. Due to our Manchester landlord entering administration, our lease was lost as part of that process. This had a serious knock-on effect across the wider business, leaving us with no other option.
"After seven incredible years of trading, this is a devastating moment for everyone involved at Point Blank.
"If you currently have a booking with us, we are working closely with the relevant parties to gain clarity and provide answers. We kindly ask for your patience while this process is ongoing.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years — hopefully this is a see you later, not a goodbye."
Georgina Pellant -
7th September 2021 
