It's safe to say that most of us recognize the Disney logo even before we learn how to read. Naturally, the Disney Store has ensured its consumers have known its comforting facade from a very early age. Sooner or later, though, all kids grow up.
Disney is more than aware that many of its older audience members were once die-hard fans as kids, and the company wields nostalgia like a magic wand to keep customers coming back for more—however, a recent ad even through this longtime Mouseketeer for a loop.
Is Disney selling toys to adults?
Every Disney fan worth their salt has had at least one favorite plush friend near and dear to their heart as a kid (says the writer with the oversized Stitch on his trunk). So it makes sense that Disney wants to push more plush at its stores and on its website.
Disney is pure nostalgia by its very nature, and kids will always love its movies and characters. That's all perfectly fine, but a recent ad on the Disney Store on Facebook (found here) is undeniably targeted adults, encouraging them to relive childhood memories with its new Winnie the Pooh line. If the comments are to be believed, it's been a moderate success.
For the record, there is no age limit on Disney, and the infamous "Disney Adults" have been around longer than pop culture has been rolling its eyes at them. However, it's remarkable when Disney cuts through the fat and targets them directly in its advertising.
Although the brand was founded on a love for families and children, the absolute intoxication caused by Disney's trademarked magic doesn't go away so easily; that's likely why they also sell adult-branded merch and apparel.
In this writer's opinion, the choice to market plush to adults isn't exactly the worst idea. Given recent reports show that adults buy more toys and plush than younger consumers, it's simply a good business decision on Disney's part.
In the simplest terms, Disney is simply playing to one of its biggest audiences. After all, it's the grownups in the room that plan Disney vacations and buy tickets to the Disney Parks. This definitely won't be the last time we see something like this from the House of Mouse.
Have you shopped at the Disney Store lately?