Well, the brand and company of Disney is safe...it's actually some troubles with 'The Disney Store'.  It's being reported that Disney will be closing 98 stores throughout the US.  There have been some downsizing over the past 5+ years, but this is the largest store closing plan the company has implemented.  The exact locations have not been disclosed for now, nor has the time-table.

Disney doesn't actually 'operate' the stand alone retail stores (The Disney Store).  Hoop Retail Stores which is a division of 'The Children's Place', operates the US stores and is currently in bankruptcy proceedings (per USAToday.com).  Disney also reports that sales have fallen three out of the last four quarters.

While this could be another sign of the sluggish economy, I'm wondering if these Disney Stores are just not popular any longer.  You can find anything on the internet now, and many of the same stuffed animals sold there can be found elsewhere.  Add to that Disney is only cranking out Pixar movies lately and you might just have the recipe of an aging specialty store brand.