I could see deals and discounts through the store’s windows. Amanda Krause/Insider I recently visited one of Disney’s last retail shops — an outlet store — in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Inside, I found discounted clothes, stuffed animals, theme-park souvenirs, and more.
I bought four items, which would have cost almost $78 at full price, for $55. As a lifelong Disney fan, I was pretty upset to see most of the company’s retail stores close in the spring of 2021. Disney Stores faced difficulties as result of the pandemic, according to the company.
Ben Margot/APRead more: The Disney Store closed dozens of locations in 2021. Laid-off employees say they feel heartbroken, betrayed, and confused. But then I discovered that a few Disney Outlet stores — similar to official, discount-merchandise shops located near Disney World — still exist across the country.
I couldn’t wait to visit. I took this selfie while visiting the Disney Character Warehouse in Florida last year. Amanda Krause/InsiderRead more: I shopped for Disney World souvenirs at a discount store 20 minutes away from Magic Kingdom and saved more than $70So last week, I hopped in my car and drove to the Disney Outlet store in Elizabeth, New Jersey, which is approximately a 40-minute drive from where I live.
There are 21 other Disney Outlets in the US, including ones in California and Texas. The Elizabeth location is the only full Disney store in New Jersey. Google MapsThe store is located inside The Mills at Jersey Gardens mall, which is also home to outlet shops for brands like Coach and Adidas.
An entrance to The Mills at Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Amanda Krause/InsiderThe mall seemed pretty huge and daunting when I first walked in, but directories led me exactly where I wanted to go. A section of The Mills at Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Amanda Krause/InsiderWhen I reached the Disney store, I was greeted with a glowing entrance sign and a sale poster promising “fabulous clearance. “I could see deals and discounts through the store’s windows. Amanda Krause/InsiderInside, the location looked exactly like the modern Disney stores that were recently closed.
What you see when you enter the Disney Outlet in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Amanda Krause/InsiderThere were some major differences though, like clearance prices on most items. One Disneyland shirt I found was more than 50% off, with its original $34 price tag replaced by a $12.
99 clearance sticker. This shirt was available in multiple sizes when I visited. Amanda Krause/InsiderThe selection was also better, in my opinion.
There was regular Disney Store merchandise, some of which you can buy online, and items straight from Disney theme parks. I found these “Tangled” and “Toy Story” toys not far from this Hollywood Studios shirt. Amanda Krause/InsiderFor young Disney fans, you could buy everything from pajamas to princess costumes.
A kids section of the Disney Outlet in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Amanda Krause/InsiderAdults, especially those who are fans of Marvel and the Muppets, could choose between lots of clothing options. Some of the jackets I saw cost less than $20 each.
Amanda Krause/InsiderSeasonal items, like Halloween costumes and Christmas decorations, are seemingly available year-round. Halloween costumes (left) and Christmas decorations (right) at the Disney Outlet. Amanda Krause/InsiderI saw a few Disney fans gathering around walls of mugs, and was tempted to buy one myself.
The mugs featured nods to classic characters and rides. Amanda Krause/InsiderBut then I was distracted by shelves of plush toys, which brought me back to my childhood. There were classic characters like Mickey Mouse and more obscure ones like Baymax.
Amanda Krause/InsiderWhen I visited, I noticed a 40% off sale on children’s bathing suits, and discounted toys including princess dolls. A section of the Disney Outlet in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Amanda Krause/InsiderI also found lots of home decor, including wine glasses, trinket trays, and decorative notebooks.
Everything I picked up in this section had a sale sticker on it. Amanda Krause/InsiderFor theme-park lovers, there were plenty of pins, Minnie Mouse ears, and Loungefly bags. To my surprise, these were discounted too.
Though the selection was small, I loved looking through these designer Disney items. Amanda Krause/InsiderI was surprised to find some newer merchandise, like the popular nuiMO dolls and accessories. I found an Eeyore one on sale for $6.
98, despite originally retailing for $19. 99. NuiMOs fans could choose between plenty of accessories for their dolls.
Amanda Krause/InsiderI was also thrilled to find popular Disney jewelry. Though it wasn’t all on clearance, some pieces were on sale for 30% off. Some jewelry was created by Disney, while other pieces were designed by BaubleBar.
Amanda Krause/InsiderBut what really shocked me were the highly-discounted items, like $5 theme-park sweaters and $3 limited-edition candles. I couldn’t believe how inexpensive some of the merchandise was. Amanda Krause/InsiderThere is one frustrating aspect of shopping at a Disney Outlet: limited quantities of merchandise.
I found shirts I liked that weren’t available in my size, and cute collectibles that were a bit damaged. This shirt was only available in sizes large and extra large. Amanda Krause/InsiderI bought four items — a “Luca” plush, Mickey Mouse shirt, castle necklace, and reusable bag — for $55.
At full price, the items would have cost almost $78. I left with four items: a necklace, shirt, plush toy, and reusable bag (not pictured). Amanda Krause/InsiderI loved shopping at the Disney Outlet, and would happily drive 40 minutes to visit again.
The store had tons of merchandise, steep discounts, and the Disney magic that fans know and love. I definitely plan to visit the Disney Outlet again. Amanda Krause/InsiderRead the original article on Insider.
From: insider
URL: https://www.insider.com/what-its-like-to-shop-at-the-disney-outlet-photos-2022-7