
Group 1 - The core concept of the article revolves around the emerging "doll culture" among younger generations, particularly the post-00s and post-10s, who engage in a unique subculture of "raising dolls" instead of children, creating a complete industry chain from design to resale [1] - The popularity of the Labubu series from Pop Mart has significantly impacted the market, with the recent release selling out globally and achieving a price premium of up to 20 times, contributing to Pop Mart's market valuation exceeding HKD 230 billion [1][2] - The "doll circle" has evolved into a vibrant consumer sector, attracting various participants, including IP creators, custom factories, and individual sellers, leading to a diverse range of profit opportunities [6][8] Group 2 - Different types of dolls, such as cotton dolls, BJD dolls, and MJD dolls, cater to various player preferences, with BJD dolls being considered luxury items with prices ranging from hundreds to millions of yuan [2][3] - The market for dolls has shifted towards online purchasing, with players often needing to act quickly to secure desired items due to limited availability and "hunger marketing" strategies employed by manufacturers [3][4] - The profitability of doll factories has been affected by increased competition, leading to a decline in profit margins, with some factories reporting a drop in gross margins from around 70% to significantly lower levels [7][8] Group 3 - The "doll culture" serves as a form of emotional support and companionship for many players, with some expressing that the experience of "raising dolls" is akin to caring for pets or children [5] - The industry is witnessing a trend where manufacturers are pivoting towards high-priced, personalized dolls to meet the unique aesthetic demands of the younger consumer base [8][11] - The overall market for trendy toys in China is projected to reach CNY 110.1 billion by 2026, with the "doll circle" expected to contribute over 30% of this market, indicating a growing trend in doll ownership among consumers [11]