Disney to shut Hull Princes Quay store, but hopes for a fairytale ending
HULL'S retail industry has been dealt another blow after a leading retailer announced the closure of its store.
The Disney Store in Princes Quay shopping centre has been earmarked for closure in March.
The closure of one of the shopping centre's flagship stores means more than 12 jobs could be lost at the firm.
A spokesman for The Disney Store said: "Following the expiration of our lease and negotiations with our landlord, Disney Store can confirm we intend to close our Hull store in March 2013.
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"We will continue to trade as normal until that time. After that, we look forward to welcoming our guests online.
"Disney Store is focused on creating magical experiences for guests of all ages and offering exclusive Disney branded merchandise both in our stores and online."
Tony Wilkes, Princes Quay centre manager, said the future of the centre looks very positive despite the loss of The Disney Store.
He said: "We will be disappointed to see The Disney Store close next year. However, we understand this decision has been made by the retailer to support its long-term strategy.
"I have been very pleased to see how shopping in the city has evolved. At the same time Princes Quay has also developed and grown.
"Next year, we will be announcing a number of great national names coming to Princes Quay and have exciting plans in progress.
"I believe the overall improved retail offering that we're now seeing is beneficial to all shopping centres in the city as more people come to the area to spend."
The news of the closure and yet more job losses across the city has been met with disappointment but business leaders insist Hull's economy is still moving forward.
Hannah Crookes, external affairs manager at Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, said: "It is with regret that we have heard the news that The Disney Store in Hull will be closing, meaning there will be further job losses in the city.
"Our sympathies go out to the people directly affected.
"Despite this, however, Hull city centre is remaining buoyant, with figures in November showing the percentage of vacant units is below the UK's national average.
"We are seeing new retailers coming into the city centre and we are confident we will see further stores come into the city, or other businesses, that could offer new opportunities and diversity for the centre of Hull."
Hull East MP Karl Turner said the loss of another international business is a further sign of a struggling economy.
He said: "As we have seen over the past few months, the failing economy is having a huge effect on businesses not only in Hull but across the country.
"The Disney Store offers luxury items and, unfortunately, it seems there just isn't the market for that at this moment.
Despite this, we will continue to do all we can to save jobs and keep businesses in Hull."
Comments
by isaacjb
Tuesday, January 01 2013, 2:47PM
“This sucks, it was a big part of my childhood :(”
by Pete898
Thursday, December 27 2012, 9:55AM
“Someone mentioned the rent/rates/service charge for a 24ft X 24ft space was just short of £100K a year!!....yee gads. Last time I was at PQ was about three years ago....just a load of overpriced tat then and I can see why now. As for Saint Stephens its the biggest and coldest wind tunnel Ive ever been in!!!!!!. I wont visit the main city centre on principal now because of parking charges and anti car attitudes that make a lot of the walk only zones totally dead...I mean who wants to walk in these care free zones if you have to haul your purchases big distances to outer central area car parks. Bring cars back in with a ten mile per hour limit and puts loads of new parking space in as well as scrub parking charges....wont happen though so I along with buckets loads of lost customer will just shop at the supermarket with its touching distance free parking.......simples”
by Che_Gevalia
Monday, December 17 2012, 12:26PM
“The problem lies in the high rents being charged. Just like the private housing sector, a bunch of greedy landlords and greedy agents who just love those fees have pushed up the prices beyond anything sensible.
Take Unit G42, 71 sq m of space, about the size of a one bedroom apartment, currently going for £62,750 rent pa, rates set at £29,661 pa, and a £6,000 pa service charge.
Does that sound like value for money?”
by SantiagoSam
Monday, December 17 2012, 6:27AM
“Mickey Mouse shop anyway.”
by BigJohn
Monday, December 17 2012, 6:06AM
“Always sad to see a business closing down and folk losing their jobs. But, if I had had to choose one to go, I'd have picked Disney.”
by MimiTheDJ
Sunday, December 16 2012, 6:58PM
“Two scottish chaps in PrinnyKey, one says "Doesn't old Walt have a shop in here?"
The other said "He used to, but now Walt Disney"”
by bazza_12
Sunday, December 16 2012, 5:53PM
“reduce the prices.. then the shop will shift it's stock”
by LittleHobbit
Sunday, December 16 2012, 2:07PM
“I do agree with ChildOfThe80s about Clas Ohlson, would be nice to have one here, but there is still half of the double unit on Ferensway that was originally C&A if they should choose to move into that.”
by Strangley
Sunday, December 16 2012, 12:24PM
“Given the mark up that must exist on all their "Made in China" tat. It's odd that they could not turn a profit. Sounds like PQ might have been trying to turn the screw in a buyer's market, & have had their bluff called”
by ChildOfThe80s
Sunday, December 16 2012, 8:16AM
“If these new names are nationally renown and include Apple, Clas Ohlson, Pret a Manger and Yo! Sushi, I will be very impressed. Having said that, Clas Ohlson should have been the tenant in the new Poundland store. That would have give Hull a far better first impression to visitors. I am sorry but having the world's largest Poundland bang opposite the main gateway to our city sends out the wrong image and is frankly embarrassing.”