Kansas City metro’s only Disney Store is closing. Here’s the company’s reason

The Disney Store in Oak Park Mall will be closing later this month as part of a national downsizing that will shutter at least 60 stores.

The Overland Park location opened in mid-1990, chock-full of Mickey, Donald and Cinderella themed T-shirts, toys, costumes, figurines and collectibles. Today it also features some of the latest Disney stars, including Raya, Marvel and “Star Wars” heroes.

The Glendale, California-based company is reducing its brick-and-mortar footprint to focus on its ecommerce business, the company said in a statement. It also plans “new and elevated merchandise” from its brands, including adult apparel, artist collaborations, streetwear, premium home products and collectibles.

Officials with Disney would not confirm specific store closings. But a notice on its website says the Oak Park Mall location will close on or before March 23, and a manager confirmed the closing. She said the store is having a 30% off sale.

The Disney Store has a large, high-profile spot in the mall’s center court, first level. Officials with CBL Properties, owner of Oak Park Mall, confirmed the closing.

Oak Park Mall recently lost such exclusive retailers as American Girl and Microsoft. And Nordstrom, a major anchor tenant, has announced it will move to the Country Club Plaza, but amid the pandemic, the opening has been pushed back to fall 2023. Meanwhile, CBL Properties filed for bankruptcy last fall. The mall has about a dozen empty storefronts.

Oak Park has sought to diversify its tenant mix by adding businesses such as The Culture House Stage & Studio, which offers dance, theater and art classes.

This story was originally published March 10, 2021 at 3:36 PM.