A message from Kay Murfin, Senior Vice President – Store Operations
Dear Fellow Cast Member:
As you know, The Walt Disney Company has been considering various strategic options for Disney Store during the past year. In the spirit of keeping you informed I wanted to personally update you on the status of the Company’s position.
This morning, The Children’s Place Retail Stores, Inc. announced that it is in discussions with The Walt Disney Company to acquire and operate Disney Store in the United States and Canada under a long-term license arrangement.
The Children’s Place is a growing specialty retailer with 700 stores in the United States and Canada.
As we have gotten to know the company, we have come to appreciate its knowledge of retailing and its appreciation of the Disney brand and culture in the Disney Store organization.
While the announcement is a formal one, we all need to consider three very important things:
- A final deal has not been made, nor are we certain that these discussions will result in an agreement or completion of the transaction.
- If Disney Store is ultimately sold to The Children’s Place, the buyer currently anticipates that the field organization will remain intact.
- And most importantly, we continue to represent The Walt Disney Company and are its brand ambassadors in this community. During this process, we must all continue our commitment to providing our Guest an exceptional shopping experience.
Remember, even if another company buys Disney Store, the Disney name will still be above the door. And the special experience that represents to our Guests will also remain the same.
While it is premature to provide you with a timeline, I will continue to share information as the situation develops as appropriate. Regardless of these developments, day-to-day operations of the Stores will not change. And as I said above, your dedication and professionalism are critical at this time.
Because of this announcement, there will be heightened press activity. If a member of the press approaches you, notify your Store Manager. Store Manager should refer press inquiries directly to Gary Foster, vice president of Corporate Communications at (***) ***-****.
This information should also not be discussed with Guests or other mall employees.
Over the past year, we have grown and strengthened as a team, achieving phenomenal results in the face of challenging times. I want to take this opportunity to say how proud I am of each of you.
Kay
Special thanks to Sapsorrow for sharing this particular document with JimHillMedia.com