The Walt Disney Company China plans to build the world’s largest Disney store in Shanghai.

Slated to open in early 2015, the 5000 sqm store will be located in Lujiazui and include a themed outdoor plaza area.

The store will allow families to interact with their favourite characters and stories from across Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars brands.

“China’s flagship Disney Store will feature the largest and most diverse collection of Disney products by local and international designers,” said Stanley Cheung, EVP and MD, The Walt Disney Company, Greater China.

“Disney has combined the retail concept with storytelling, fun and innovation and will provide families with a uniquely immersive entertainment destination featuring our best-loved stories and characters,” he added.

The plaza will feature Disney-themed landscaping, a first for any Disney store property in the world, and will have the capacity to host outdoor events providing a destination hub for family entertainment. It will also be an important site where fans can track the progress of Shanghai Disney Resort which is targeted to open at the end of 2015.

The surrounding area commands foot traffic of over 40 million visitors a year.

The Disney store made its debut in 1987 and now spans 340 locations around the world. The Shanghai store will be the first in mainland China.