GLENDALE, Calif. -- June 7, 2006 -- Disney Store has become a major pit stop for fans of Cars, the high-octane, animated Disney--Pixar summer feature directed by John Lasseter. In stores now, Disney Store introduces exclusive Cars merchandise, including character-inspired toys, apparel and fun accessories, with new items arriving almost every week.

Disney Store designers capitalized on the ever-growing popularity of auto racing when creating Cars character-themed apparel. "We paid close attention to making the fashions character-correct as well as trend-right," says Doug Braunstein, Vice President of Trend and Softlines Design and Art for Disney Store North America. "All of our Cars apparel is based on authentic racing styles with bright, bold colors, patches and details that accentuate the personalities of the characters."

The apparel assortment includes fashion tees, woven shirts, jackets, shorts and baseball caps (SRP $7.50 - $49.50). Guests can choose from the slick, bold stylings of Lightning McQueen, the vintage, distressed, "auto shop" look of Tow Mater or a metallic-printed, embroidered tee inspired by the flashy Ramone.

Kids and collectors will enjoy exclusive Disney Store Cars action figures. Each has moving eyes, speaks three phrases and possesses a unique moving function: Lightning McQueen does wheelies, Mater wobbles, Ramone hops, Sally zig zags, Doc Hudson sputters and speeds and Tractor rolls back (SRP $12.50). The Lightning McQueen remote control car is an exact replica of the lead character featured in the film, right down to the decals. It has moving eyes and mouth, speaks three phrases, and does side wheelies (SRP $49.50).

"There is nothing more inspirational than working on the Toys and Hardlines product for a Disney--Pixar film," says David Harrison, Vice President, Product Design - Hardlines for Disney Store North America. "Disney--Pixar's stories and characters are so captivating, it really encourages us to raise the bar with our design and execution."

Great for kids' rooms, Cars plush items include a jumbo 36-inch Lightning McQueen plush (SRP $99.50), and 16-inch Lightning McQueen and Mater plush (SRP $16.50). Collect the entire set of mini-bean bag plush toys including Lightning McQueen, Mater, Sally, Doc Hudson, Luigi and Guido (SRP $6.50).

"Cars fans can find the biggest variety of Cars merchandise right at their local mall," said Amy Hauk, Senior Vice President, General Merchandise Manager, Disney Store North America. "Disney Store will unveil new Cars items every week, from remote control cars to cool racing jackets, so guests can find something new every time they visit."

Zoom into your local mall or shopping center to find these great Cars items available only at Disney Store. For store locations in the U.S. and Canada, call 800-757-5933.

About Disney Store North America

Disney Store originated the themed retail environment when it opened its first store in Glendale, California in 1987. Disney Store currently operates over 300 locations in the United States and Canada that offer immediate access to magical Disney products. Disney Store North America is owned, and under license operated, by a subsidiary of The Children's Place Retail Stores, Inc. a leading specialty retailer of apparel and accessories for children.