Disney resumed operating its North American Disney Stores in 2008.
The change followed a period when The Children’s Place operated the U.S. and Canadian stores under an agreement that began in 2004. Disney’s return restored direct control over the retail business in those markets.
Direct operation allowed Disney to align store presentation, merchandise selection and retail strategy more closely with its broader parks, films and consumer-products businesses. Disney Stores elsewhere could have different ownership or operating arrangements, so the region matters.
The 2008 date is not the founding date of the chain. The first Disney Store opened in 1987, and the North American operating transition happened decades later. Keeping those milestones separate avoids a common timeline error.