New Store Features Dazzling Character Displays, Kid-Friendly Dressing Areas And Theater-Style Seating; Grand Opening Celebration To Be Held In Westfield Trumbull Mall in Trumbull, CT

Glendale, CA – August 16, 2005 – Special guests and Disney Store executives will be on hand at Westfield Trumbull Mall this Sunday, August 21 to celebrate the grand opening of the first in a series of completely remodeled Disney Store locations designed to vividly capture the fun and fantasy of Disney in greater detail than ever before.

Dubbed “The Mickey,” the new Disney Store prototype is designed to transport guests into a sparkling, character-rich world of classic Disney magic and enchantment, with imaginative settings and colorful, eye-popping displays. Plans call for the renovation of approximately 30 stores in North America by the end of the year. In addition to Trumbull, CT, over the next several months the “Mickey” store prototype will debut in such leading regional malls as Mall of America in Minneapolis, MN, West Edmonton Mall, in Edmonton, AB, Orland Square in Orland Park, IL, Northridge Fashion Center in Northridge, CA, Staten Island Mall in Staten Island, NY and Danbury Fair in Danbury, CT.

From the bright red entryway shaped like Mickey's iconic silhouette to the “Twirl Here” icon on the floor outside the Princess-themed girls' dressing area, the 5,000 square foot space in Westfield Trumbull Mall in Trumbull, CT is designed to give children and families an authentic Disney experience.

A stunning, 11-foot high “Sorcerer Mickey” is featured in the store's center, with an elliptical ceiling and sparkling, lenticular lighting overhead. Kids take center stage here, with lower product placement for easy access to little hands and a media wall area with kid-friendly, Donald and Daisy “duckbills” as seats. Tinkerbell flutters over a fantasy-themed dressing area with décor inspired by the Disney Princesses and Peter Pan-themed characters.

In each area of the new Disney Store locations – Girl's World, Boy's World, Plush World and Toy World – shoppers will find authentic Disney Store quality apparel, with the latest trends, styles and character-themed designs. Toys and plush lines include items inspired by beloved Disney characters, - more - Disney Store Celebrates Grand Opening, Trumbull, CT, Page 2 including Mickey, Minnie, Disney Princesses, Toy Story, The Incredibles, Tinkerbell, Pooh and, of course, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto.

The new cash wrap area features a huge, iconic Mickey shape on the back wall, with gigantic Mickey hands and shoes near the counter shaped to hold smaller products and souveniers for last-minute purchases and gift ideas.

“Our goal is to make the Disney Store shopping experience really special and unique – with classic and contemporary Disney characters, the latest styles and designs, magical settings, and products that offer authentic Disney Store quality,” said Mario Ciampi, President of Disney Store. “While people can't visit Disney's theme parks every day, they can have a terrific Disney experience right at their local mall.”

Disney Store worked with the award-winning, St. Louis-based Kiku Obata Company on the “Mickey” store design. Kiku Obata is known for creating and implementing memorable and effective retail environments in the U.S. and abroad.

The first remodeled Disney Store grand opening will begin with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. on Sunday, August 21 at the Westfield Trumbull Mall, 5065 Main Street, Trumbull, CT, 06611. The Radio Disney Party Patrol will be on hand for music and extra-fun activities from 12:30 until 3:30 p.m. Free balloons will be distributed, and guests who make a purchase of $30 or more will get free Mickey Mouse ears for kids as a special thank-you gift.

About Disney Store North America

Disney Store originated the themed retail environment when it opened its first store in Glendale, California in 1987. Disney Store currently operates over 300 locations in the United States and Canada that offer immediate access to magical Disney products. Disney Store is operated by a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Children's Place Retail Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLCE), a leading specialty retailer of apparel and accessories for children.