The first Disney Store outside the United States opened in London in 1990.
Disney expanded its specialty retail chain internationally after establishing stores in the United States. The London location marked an important step in bringing Disney toys, clothing, home goods and character products to European shoppers.
The Disney Store concept was designed as an immersive retail experience rather than an ordinary shop. Stores typically used character displays, bright interiors and themed merchandise to create a small Disney environment.
Paris, Tokyo and other international locations followed, but they were not the first overseas Disney Store. The key distinction is between the first store outside the United States and later flagship or resort locations in other countries.