Disney Concept Stores Ready to Flourish in China; Apple Store Riots Force iPhone Retraction in China Stores

The happiest place on earth has just expanded its global domination once again, proving the company's truly unstoppable force. The Walt Disney Company DIS made public its plans to sprinkle interactive concept stores throughout the world, many in the United States. Disney is set to reveal its first store in Shanghai, China by fall 2012. It appears that China is looking to get its Mickey, Minnie and Donald Duck fix, as Disney also announced that it will be constructing 25 to 40 stores over the next three years. This news comes hot on the heels of Disney opening a theme park in Shanghai less than a year ago. According to Reuters.com, Disney President Jim Fielding said, "China is very important to overall Disney company plans, obviously with the launch of the Shanghai Disneyland Park. So, it is probably the newest country that is getting the most focus." Another company that almost monopolizes its chosen industry, Apple Inc., AAPL is seeing far less luck in its already-up-and-running Chinese stores. Riots, inclusive of egg-throwing and police intervention have prevented stores from being able to offer the iPhone 4s. Such a scuffle was foreshadowed by Chinese consumers going crazy over the iPad and iPhones of the past, so Apple knew what it was in for and delayed the release. Unfortunately, the result remained the same. Independent.co.uk printed a statement from an Apple spokesperson: “Unfortunately we were unable to open our store at Sanlitun due to the large crowd and to ensure the safety of our customers and employees, the iPhone will not be available in our retail stores in Beijing and Shanghai for the time being.” It appears that the country is currently offering two very different experiences for these two major retailers. DIS closed today at $39.02, AAPL at $429.11.