At a time when most retailers are cutting back expenditure, the Walt Disney Company is putting into action aggressive plans to overall its shopping mall - under the guidance of the Apple retailing team led by CEO Steve Jobs.

Jobs, who has a notable share in Disney, is bringing part of the Apple charm to the small company's retail stores - in an endeavor to attract more customers by offering them a unique shopping experience.

The revamping effort from Disney includes a grand and pricey top-to-bottom refurbishing of its 340 stores in the US and Europe. Further, the company also intends opening new stores, including a prospective flagship in Times Square.

The next five years will witness Disney redecorate and reorganize its stores and install interactive technology - all at the cost of an estimated $1 million.

The revamped Disney Stores, which might likely be re-branded Imagination Park, will essentially become welcoming entertainment hubs. The conventional display arrangement of the chain of stores - which comprise rows of toys and apparel - will give way to high-tech Disney franchises, with the recreational activities amalgamated with the standard sales.

Noting that the new look stores will be unveiled in May in Southern California, Madrid, and Long Island, Jim Fielding, president of Disney Stores Worldwide, said: "The world does not need another place to sell Disney merchandise - this only works if it's an experience!"