Selfridges in major link with Disney for Christmas

Selfridges on Tuesday revealed a major link-up with Disney that will launch on 6 November in time for the festive season. The two companies said it’s an “unprecedented festive collaboration to excite and enchant visitors from around the world”.

Called ‘A Most Magical Christmas’, it’s “inspired by timeless Disney stories and characters, bringing a sense of nostalgia and playfulness to a series of extraordinary and unforgettable in-store and online experiences”.

As a taster, the Selfridges Christmas Shop is now open with an edit of Disney decorations with items such as iridescent and mirrored Mickey Mouse motifs, perennial princesses and Tinker Bell – all in bauble form. From 22 September, visitors will be able to shop a dedicated Disney Store destination as well as a Harry Lambert for Zara x Disney residency in The Corner Shop.

Selfridges is one of the most in-demand destinations in the run-up to Christmas with its festive windows and wider theme always high up the must-see list. But it tries to take a very different approach every year.

And clearly this year will be all about family fun and getting kids involved, in contrast to some of the more offbeat concepts it has presented in some years.

But its link-up with Disney isn’t exactly new as the retailer stressed its history with the brand dating back to the 1950s, when Disney Alice in Wonderland and the Mad Hatter featured above the main entrance. This was followed by Peter Pan and then Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck in the 1960s and 1970s. 

The importance and complexity of major department stores’ festive concepts was underlined by the retailer saying the Disney link-up has been two years in the making. And we’re told it’s “founded in a shared creative dialogue and a mutual appreciation of each brand’s distinct craft and heritage”.

Selfridges Group CEO André Maeder promised “a Christmas like no other” and added: “With a shared history of imagination and creativity it’s been a joy to dream up something this unique and special, working with some of the world’s best storytellers.”

So we have to assume both businesses will be pulling out all the stops to make it memorable, although there are no clues yet as to what we’ll get.

Tasia Filippatos, global president Disney Consumer Products, did say: “We believe in the enduring power of storytelling to inspire joy, wonder, and connection — especially during the holiday season. Our collaboration with Selfridges allows us to share the magic of Disney through imaginative window displays, festive experiences, and unique products — all inspired by the stories that have captured hearts for generations.”