Last Disney Store In Area To Close, But Target Launches Rescue

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — The last Disney Store in the Hudson Valley is slated to be among 60 outlets to be shuttered in the latest round of store closures, but on Monday, Target said it plans to open Disney Stores inside 160 of its locations.

The Minneapolis-based retailer said its partnership with Disney will grow in the lead-up to the holiday shopping season. Target stores already have an exclusive agreement in place to sell Top Toys from popular Disney brands, including Star Wars and Raya and the Last Dragon. But by the end of the year, Target will also expand to over 160 Disney Store shop-in-a-shop locations at Target outlets across the country.

SEE ALSO: Disney Shutters Lower Hudson Valley Store

Target VP Nik Nayar said that although the news that Disney is closing more stores is indicative of challenges brick and mortar retailers are facing, the toy business is booming at the sixth largest retailer in the U.S.

“Target continues to be a top toy destination for all families, and we’re pleased to offer unique experiences and a curated toy assortment that brings joy to parents and children of all ages,” Nayar said. “We’re seeing more guests shop for toys at Target than ever before and whether it’s Bullseye’s Top Toys or finding joy with one of the 1,300 plus exclusive toys and games, guests are choosing Target for our inspiring, easy and affordable gift-giving experience.”

Disney announced in March it would close 60 Disney stores in North America, including nearly all of its locations in the Hudson Valley. Nearly 40 stores were included in the first round of closings, among them, the store at the Palisades Center mall in West Nyack.

SEE ALSO: Toys 'R' Us Coming Back To The Hudson Valley

Now, the company says the final Disney Store in the Hudson Valley, located at the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, will close in September. Stores in the Danbury Fair Mall and in Paramus will also be closed permanently.

Target has not yet confirmed which, if any, of its outlets in the Hudson Valley will be getting new shop-in-a-shop Disney Stores.