Manchester's last remaining Disney Store has just days of trading left, with the Manchester Arndale shop to close for good this week.
The magical toy shop in the shopping centre has confirmed that the shutters will close for the last time on Thursday, September 9.
Disney fans say the news of the closure has 'ruined their day', and that the 'magic is dead'.
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Disney confirmed back in March that it would be 'significantly reducing' its number of stores to focus its retail efforts online.
Stephanie Young, president of consumer products games and publishing, said at the time: "While consumer behaviour has shifted toward online shopping, the global pandemic has changed what consumers expect from a retailer.
"Over the past few years, we’ve been focused on meeting consumers where they are already spending their time, such as the expansion of Disney store shop-in-shops around the world.
"We now plan to create a more flexible, interconnected ecommerce experience that gives consumers easy access to unique, high-quality products across all our franchises."
But local fans say the experience of shopping online could never compare to the colourful, musical experience of the real deal.
Do you have fond memories of the Disney Store? Share them in the comments below.
One user posted on Twitter: "Hey @Disney_UK @shopDisney, we all read the reports of the stores closing.
"Our Manchester Arndale one is going this week. Poor staff.
"I get the business decisions etc but you know shopping online is not that same for the kids?
"The magic of walking in for them is now dead."
Another wrote, alongside a GIF from Disney hit animation Moana and referencing a song from the film, "Why am I crying in the middle of the Arndale? The Disney store had How Far I'll Go playing."
Someone else posted: "Stood in line at the Disney store Arndale and I actually feel heartbroken for these cast members creating the magic here in Manchester, they all look so sad."
One wrote: "Fully can't believe Manchester's Disney store is closing down that has ruined my day that."
At one stage there was a Disney Store at St Ann's Square, but that closed down more than a decade ago, and the Trafford Centre branch closed earlier this summer.
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