THERE will be emotional scenes as Disney waves goodbye to the region with the closure of its Metrocentre store this weekend.
Customers will have the chance to say one last goodbye as the store in the Platinum Mall is set to close its doors for good on Sunday, September 19.
It comes as The Northern Echo exclusively revealed the store would shut with hundreds taking to social media to share their disappointment.
Read more: Disney confirm store in Metrocentre will permanently shut
The store has been an icon and destination for thousands of children across the North East and has remained in its original location for decades.
Earlier this week, signs could be seen going up informing customers of the recently confirmed news and thanked customers for being 'their guest' over the years.
The closure is part of Disney's plan to move online, with reports of at least 60 in the US and all existing in the UK, except one in London, being permanently shuttered.
Earlier this year, Disney stores in both York and Sunderland were cleared of stock as the firm confirmed they would be closing for good.
Disney had previously said consumer behaviours had shifted towards online due to the Covid pandemic.
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.”
But following confirmation that the store would close in the Metrocentre, Disney faced backlash from upset customers, who shared their children's disappointment.
On social media, Tom Heath said: "Great, just had our little girl 12 weeks ago, I'll never have the joy of taking her there to pick her first dolly...thanks Disney, daughter's crying."
Lauren Stobbs said: "Such a shame, I love going here and have taken my kids since being little."
Another paid tribute to the store staff.
Connor Grimwood said: "It's sadly going to be missed for those who like shopping there including me.
"What I am going to miss the most is the atmosphere in the store and every staff member in the place that makes you welcome when you enter the store."
News of the planned Disney shop closures earlier this year 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.
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