金价爆了，金店老板却不开心：买的人少了

Core Insights - The rising gold prices have led to a cautious consumer sentiment, resulting in decreased sales in gold shops despite high foot traffic during the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays [2][4][5] - There is a notable shift in consumer preference towards investment gold products and gold recycling services, as traditional gold jewelry sales decline [3][6][7] Group 1: Consumer Behavior - During the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival, the Shenzhen Shui Bei gold market experienced high foot traffic, with approximately 150,000 visitors in eight days, yet sales were lower than expected [4] - Consumers are increasingly hesitant to purchase gold due to fears of buying at high prices, leading to a more pronounced wait-and-see attitude [2][4] - The overall gold consumption in China decreased by 3.54% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, with gold jewelry consumption dropping by 26% [3] Group 2: Market Trends - The demand for gold bars and coins has increased, with sales of these investment products rising by 23.69% year-on-year [3] - Gold recycling has become more popular, with many merchants reporting a 50% increase in recycling business since last year [5] - New technologies, such as "smart gold stores," are being introduced to streamline the gold recycling process, enhancing efficiency and accuracy [6] Group 3: Product Innovations - Merchants in the Shui Bei market are innovating their product offerings, focusing on lower-cost investment gold and small-weight products that appeal to younger consumers [7][9] - The price advantage of Shui Bei gold compared to branded stores is significant, with a difference of over 100 yuan per gram [7] - The "old for new" model is gaining traction, allowing consumers to exchange old gold for new designs at minimal additional costs [7]