International Disney Stores Thrive, While US Stumbles

As Disney Store putters along with only Times Square, a handful of outlets, and the Target sections in the US, newer efforts in Korea and the Philippines are showing signs of growth.

Character Warehouse shuttering 1 of 3 stores

As reported by various outlets, the Disney Character Warehouse store is closing at Sawgrass Mills, in Sunrise Florida. For those unfamiliar with the concept, it’s basically a liquidation store for whatever doesn’t sell at Walt Disney World itself.

WDW News Today says that Disney opted to not renew its lease, according to social media. Cast say that resellers and live shoppers, as well as a three hour distance from the park all were factors in the closure. The store closes April 15. It’s unknown if the two Orlando locations will be affected.

Half off in South Korea

In South Korea, the Hyundai Department Store chain has Disney Stores in many of its locations. At the Trade Centre branch, to celebrate the Korean school year’s graduation and admission, there’s a sale of up to 50% off regular prices, according to Maeil Business Newspaper.

Pop-up store elaborate in Philippines

Most of the time, pop-up Disney Stores tend to either be units in the hallways of malls, or a lightly refreshed unit in the mall. They don’t tend to look like a proper, permanent store.

While it’s no “pipe rail” or “Imagination Park,” the new pop-up store at Greenhills Mall in San Juan City, Metro Manila means business. See Instagram for a quick tour, complete with a Daily Opening Ceremony lock and key.

The location opened February 13, and there’s no announced end date. This follows a smaller temporary location at Greenhills from November 15, 2024 to February 28, 2025 and then from November 14 to December 31, 2025, extended to January 5.

Locations in the middle of the mall were set up previously at The Podium (March 26 to April 30, 2025), SM Aura Premier (May 6 to June 30), SM City Clark (August 1-27), SM Makati (October 1 to 31), SM City La Union (October 18 to November 30), SM Megamall (November 3 to 30), SM City Baguio (January 10 to February 20, 2026), SM City Dasmariñas (December 8, 2025 to January 31, 2026).

The previous iteration at Greenhills, typical of the pop-up store format.

Permanent locations are at SM Mall of Asia and SM North EDSA.