Consumer Stock Review: Disney Goes To PYONGYANG, Penney’s Goes ALTERNATIVE

Disney’s (NYSE:DIS) ESPN will air more political ads this fall on several of its shows and also live sporting broadcasts, as part of a general pattern in which cable networks are more and more bringing in political dollars, as they promise reach of demographics which are easy to target. Meanwhile back in North Korea, several Disney characters that include Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh, turned up in a video concert in Pyongyang that was attended by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. It’s not the first time that Disney characters have broken through the 38th Parallel into the secret country, as they have been at times imported from China (by The Dear Leader?), but such an in-your-face performance at the highest level comes as a surprise.

Don’t Miss: Are Apple and Google LAUGHING at This Nokia Product?

Western retailers cut back their orders for products from China for this year’s rapidly approaching ‘holiday season’, which serves as an early sign that giants such as Wal-Mart (NYSE:WMT) and Target (NYSE:TGT) are forecasting a moderate season. The retailers typically order the large portion of their imported products in summer, in order to have them ready for shelves by late October.

Another part of historic retailer J.C. Penney’s (NYSE:JCP) remake, is targeting the estimated 16 million gay and lesbian consumers who are usually not acknowledged in mainstream advertising campaigns. Penney’s has recruited Ellen DeGeneres as its spokesperson, and has also taken the brave step of featuring same-sex couples in recent mailers. However, this segment of the population is estimated by some to earn almost double the income of the national average, and JCP wants to win them over. Should Abercrombie & Fitch (NYSE:ANF) be worried?

Don’t Miss: Here’s Why Alcoa Reads CAUTION.

Want news like this in real-time so you can get an edge? Click here for Wall St. Cheat Sheet Pro.