THE hugely popular Disney shop in the Metrocentre could be set to close following reports the retailer is shutting down the majority of its UK stores.

The store, which is in the Platinum Mall and has been well-known destination for shoppers for decades, could close for good by September this year.

The Northern Echo understands that Disney is to close at least 60 stores in the US, and almost all in the UK, as the pandemic has changed "consumer behaviours."

Read more: Harrods to open H Beauty and champagne bar in Gateshead's Metrocentre

It last month permanently shuttered its store in The Bridges in Sunderland as centre bosses confirmed it had closed in line with Disney’s strategy to move online.

The Northern Echo:

Disney is yet to officially confirm the closure but has issued a statement saying it is "significantly" reducing its bricks and mortar footprint.

Stephanie Young, president, Consumer Products Games and Publishing at Disney, said: “While consumer behavior has shifted toward online shopping, the global pandemic has changed what consumers expect from a retailer.

“Over the past few years, we’ve been focused on meeting consumers where they are already spending their time, such as the expansion of Disney store shop-in-shops around the world.

"We now plan to create a more flexible, interconnected e-commerce experience that gives consumers easy access to unique, high-quality products across all our franchises.”

According to the Southern Daily Echo, only Disney's flagship store in Oxford Street in London will remain once the retail estate is gradually wound down.

News of the potential closures has since prompted hundreds to sign a petition to keep the stores open.

Sam Cummins, who had described the move as a "crime," said children would miss out on the magical world of Disney, especially as the UK does not yet have its own Disney Park.

The potential closure comes as the luxury brand Harrods earlier this week confirmed it would open a brand new store and champagne bar in 2022.

Centre bosses said the Harrods-owned, H Beauty store would open in a large 30,000 sq ft unit in the 'Town Square.'

They made the announcement as they said a number of other retailers including JD Sports and H&M would move into large units.

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