Steve Jobs helping overhaul Disney retail

The New York Times has posted about a new project that our own Mr. Jobs has taken on: he's now helping out Disney Stores with their retail business. You have to hand it to Disney, no matter what you think of the Mouse House -- when they have a problem with part of the business, they bring in the experts. First they have Pixar's John Lasseter come in and take over animation (and they're about to release what looks like the best 2D movie in ages), and now they've got Steve Jobs himself sprucing up their retail spaces. Sounds like they're making the store more interactive (walking by some displays with certain products will create an audiovisual reaction), and taking some of the tech as well (employees will be able to check out items on mobile units, and control certain displays in the store with iPhones).

They also borrowed another page from Jobs' playbook: they've apparently created a prototype store (just like Apple did way back when), not only to test out what everything might look like, but to give a charge to executives and investors who get a tour. Sounds interesting, but then again, it makes sense. What else is an Apple Store, but a toy shop for big kids?

[via MacUser]

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Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/13/business/media/13disney.ht…

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The New York Times has posted about a new project that our own Mr. Jobs has taken on: he's now helping out Disney Stores with their retail...

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Mambo

Also, John Lasseter used to work at Disney in the Bad old Days when the Pixar was still an imaging computer. Would be interesting to hear his views on being owned by the Mouse again.

October 14 2009 at 12:44 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

McCreary

I have to agree that the Disney web sites are horrible. To big to much flash and horrible to load with slow connections. The stores could be so much better both brick and morter and online. A5 What do you think Apple is besides a company that produces a product (one that I happen to like but that is beside the point). Rob there is good programing on Disney, if you don't like what is on change the channel to another Disney (I have 3) or just watch PBS.

October 13 2009 at 1:37 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Rob47

Now how about not polluting children's minds with Hannah Montana and High School Musical. And make some quality programming.

October 13 2009 at 1:04 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

JohnnyCaraveo

Sounds interesting, I just got back from Disney Land California and the stores are looking good, but they could be great!

October 13 2009 at 12:06 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Dave

I must agree with you there. The Disney website is awful. Much needed overhaul is needed. Too many links make the user experience less fun and enjoyable.

October 13 2009 at 11:33 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Chris Rowe

Now they just need to get Apple web deisgners/developers to redo the Disney site and cut back on the Flash overuse and all will be well.

October 13 2009 at 11:27 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Tourian A5

So, Mr. Jobs. Have you forgotten what the point was? When did this consumeristic world become more attractive than doing something meaninful?

Sometimes I think Apple has lost itself in the lust of shinny products and forgotten it's roots... so much for fixing up the world.

October 13 2009 at 11:21 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply