The Walt Disney Company 2003 Annual Report
 IntroductionKey BusinessesFinancialsSite Map
 mickey mouse icon
CONSUMER PRODUCTS

Cable Networks Introduction
Classic Properties
Movie Merchandising
Disney Princess
Movie Merchandising
New Entertainment Properties
Kim Possible
W.i.t.c.h.
Disney Publishing
Disney Toys
Disney Softline
Disney Hardlines
Buena Vista Games
Baby Einstein
Disney Direct Marketing
Disney Store


DISNEY TOYS

From the first Mickey Mouse plush to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs figurines to Nite Brite Nemo from Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo, Disney toys have been bringing magic to playtime for children and families all over the world since 1930.

In 2003, Disney remained the largest single licensing brand in the toy business through its relationships with the big three toy companies – Mattel, Hasbro and Tomy – as well as the expansion of Disney Princess toys into new categories and the impressive retail performance of Power Rangers’ Ninja Storm and Winnie the Pooh.

Innovation drives Disney Consumer Products, and Disney Toys is at the forefront of innovation. In the 2002 holiday season, Disney’s three best-selling toy concepts were designed in collaboration with Disney toys – The Little Princess large doll, Magic Rattle Pooh and Radio Disney Pop Dreamers.

DISNEY SOFTLINES

Disney Softlines utilizes the extensive vault of Disney content to create distinct apparel, shoes and accessories for the young and young at heart.

Achieving more than $2 billion annually in global retail sales, Disney Softlines continues to set trends in the fashion industry, most recently through the launch at leading retailers of a clothing line inspired by vintage Mickey Mouse and Disney Princess artwork. The softlines business also saw success with a clothing initiative inspired by Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire at Kohl’s that sold out nationwide.

Disney Softlines is a leader in forging direct-to-retail relationships with global retailers, resulting in customized Disney products for individual retailers’ target consumers.

Moving into 2004, the “retro” Disney character initiative will be a key focus as Softlines continues to open Disney’s rich vault of content to create trend-setting merchandise for adults and children.

DISNEY HARDLINES

Whether it’s art, electronics, fast-moving consumer goods, home décor, personal care or stationery, the expansion of Disney Hardlines has played a significant role in Disney Consumer Products’ business since 2000.

Disney Hardlines further establishes Disney Consumer Products as an “active licensor” by working in concert with licensees, playing an integral role in the development and marketing of a diverse array of high quality, innovative products that touch consumers’ lives each day.

In summer 2003, Disney Hardlines brought to market Disney-branded video and audio products combining Disney’s unparalleled entertainment content and leading technology. Inspired by Mickey Mouse and the Disney Princesses, the products include a 13-inch color television, DVD player, digital radio, CD boombox, personal CD player and clock radio. A Karaoke microphone was also introduced for the 2003 holiday season. The items join the Motorola/Disney FRS two-way radio and 2.4 GHz cordless phone that debuted in fall 2002, kicking off Disney’s consumer electronics initiative.

In 2004, consumers can expect to see more Disney Electronics in the United States, as well as an increased presence in Europe.


The successful line of Disney dolls includes Cinderella and Tinker Bell.
The successful line of Disney dolls includes Cinderella and Tinker Bell.

Disney Consumer Products extends the Disney theatrical experience through a wide range of merchandise, including sleeping bags and apparel based on Lilo & Stitch.
Disney Consumer Products extends the Disney theatrical experience through a wide range of merchandise, including sleeping bags and apparel based on Lilo & Stitch.
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