为什么金价上涨，金店却全部倒闭了？说实话，金店老板是全国最不希望金子涨价的一批人

Core Viewpoint - The rising gold prices are leading to a significant decline in the number of gold shops, which is contrary to the expected increase in business during a price surge [1][3]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - Gold shop owners are facing severe challenges as rising gold prices reduce their profit margins significantly, with profits dropping by two-thirds due to increased costs and reduced sales volume [3][5]. - The monthly operational costs for gold shops have become unsustainable, with expenses exceeding 70,000 yuan, leading to continuous losses [5][6]. - National data indicates an 11% year-on-year decline in gold consumption for 2024, marking the second consecutive quarter of decrease [6]. Group 2: Industry Trends - The rapid expansion of gold shops during the pandemic, fueled by low rents and easy bank loans, has resulted in a cash flow crisis as gold prices surged [8]. - The number of registered gold retail outlets is projected to drop from approximately 60,000 in 2023 to less than 40,000 by early 2025, indicating a significant contraction in the industry [8][10]. - Surviving gold shops are adapting by shifting focus to custom jewelry, recycling, and refurbishing old gold items, as traditional gold sales decline [10]. Group 3: Consumer Behavior - Younger consumers are increasingly avoiding gold jewelry purchases, with an 18% decrease in the proportion of 20 to 35-year-olds buying gold items by mid-2025, favoring alternative luxury and silver products instead [10][12]. - The perception of gold is shifting from a consumer good to an investment, with individuals viewing gold purchases more as financial investments rather than personal consumption [10][12]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The fear among gold shop owners is that further increases in gold prices will lead to even fewer purchases, drawing parallels to the peak of the real estate market where prices became unaffordable [12]. - The situation reflects a broader "liquidity crisis" in the market, where money is tied up in appreciating assets, stifling the vitality of physical retail businesses [12].