The Trading Post, originally known as the Frontier Trading Post, was a merchandise shop in Disneyland’s Frontierland, operating from July 17, 1955, to September 1987. Located just past the Frontierland bridge from Main Street, U.S.A., it was one of the first stops for guests entering the land, offering Western-themed souvenirs like Davy Crockett coonskin caps and toy rifles. Sponsored by Disney, it evolved over time, with its space later becoming Westward Ho Trading Co. and eventually Pioneer Mercantile (1987–present), which shifted to broader merchandise including candy and apparel. The original concept emphasized authentic Old West goods, distinct from the current store’s more varied offerings.
Below are 10 fun facts about the original concept and location of the Frontier Trading Post (1955–1987) at Disneyland:
- Prime Frontierland Location: Positioned immediately to the right after crossing the Frontierland bridge from Main Street, U.S.A., the shop was a gateway to the land, drawing guests with its rustic log-cabin exterior.
- Davy Crockett Craze: In 1955, it capitalized on the Davy Crockett TV series popularity, selling coonskin caps ($1.50–$2), toy flintlock rifles, and frontier badges, making it a hub for Western merchandise.
- Western-Themed Facade: The shop featured weathered wood, swinging saloon doors, and a sign with bold, hand-painted lettering, evoking an 1800s trading post near the Rivers of America.
- Authentic Goods Focus: The original inventory included leather belts, bolo ties, and pewter sheriff stars, designed to immerse guests in Frontierland’s Old West narrative, unlike later generic souvenirs.
- Live Craft Displays: Early on, cast members occasionally demonstrated leather stamping or rope tricks outside, showcasing frontier crafts to attract shoppers entering from the Central Plaza.
- Compact Layout: The shop’s small, open interior used wooden shelves and barrels for displays, with a single counter for purchases, optimized for quick sales in Frontierland’s busy thoroughfare. The Frontier Trading Post’s original concept, as detailed in and, centered on immersive Old West merchandise, distinct from Pioneer Mercantile’s modern, broader offerings. Its layout and inventory evolved due to changing guest preferences and Frontierland’s retail consolidation, as seen in the shift to Westward Ho Trading Co. No evidence suggests a direct link to other “Trading Post” names (e.g., Star Wars Trading Post,), which are unrelated.
- Frito Company Synergy: Near Casa de Fritos, it sold Fritos-branded trinkets like tin cups, reflecting Frontierland’s Frito sponsorship, though primarily focused on Disney merchandise.
- Toy Weapon Popularity: Toy tomahawks and bows with rubber-tipped arrows were top sellers, tied to Frontierland attractions like the Indian Village, priced at 50¢–$1 in the 1950s.
- Seasonal Merchandise: For events like Frontierland’s Halloween hoedowns, the shop offered themed items, such as glow-in-the-dark bandit masks, aligning with the land’s festive atmosphere.
- Evolution to Pioneer Mercantile: By 1987, the Frontier Trading Post closed, rebranded as Westward Ho Trading Co., and later became Pioneer Mercantile, shifting to candies and apparel, moving away from the original Western craft focus.
