Disney's Mooney sees challenging days for retail

LOS ANGELES, Oct 30 (Reuters) - Andy Mooney, chairman of Walt Disney Co's (DIS.N) Consumer Products division, said on Thursday he expects the company's market share to grow despite a challenging holiday season for retailers.

"I'm actually pretty optimistic about the holiday season in the sense that... parents are going to buy toys for their kids come this holiday," Mooney told Reuters in an interview. "In terms of the things they're likely to give up, I would expect us to be pretty far down the list."

Mooney said the retail industry and sales "will certainly be challenged for this season and the rest of 2009."

He was "pretty confident Disney will gain share" because in tough times, consumers focus on "value brands." (Reporting by Gina Keating)