【时代风口】 “它”经济：千亿消费市场新赛道

Core Insights - The "pet economy" has emerged as a significant consumer sector in China, projected to reach a market size of 300.2 billion yuan in 2024, with a year-on-year growth of 7.5% [1][2] - The emotional connection between pets and their owners drives diverse consumer demands, as pets are increasingly viewed as family members and emotional companions [1][4] Group 1: Market Growth and Trends - The number of urban pets (dogs and cats) in China is expected to exceed 120 million by 2024, reflecting a growth rate of 2.1% [1] - The "pet economy" encompasses a full industry chain, including food, medical care, and equipment, driven by the emotional value pets provide [1][2] - The trend of "humanization" of pets is evident, with many young couples shifting their parenting investments from children to pets, leading to a rise in premium pet products and services [2] Group 2: Industry Dynamics - The growth of the pet population has led to a complete industry chain, attracting significant investment and resulting in a more specialized and professional market [2] - The pet economy is considered to be resilient and anti-cyclical, as consumers are unlikely to reduce spending on pets even during economic downturns [2] Group 3: Challenges and Concerns - The rapid growth of the pet economy has led to potential issues, including the creation of consumer bubbles driven by marketing tactics that promote unnecessary products [3] - Conflicts in public spaces due to pet ownership, such as issues related to leash laws and cleanliness, have become more common [3] - The lack of standardized regulations in the pet industry, particularly in medical and grooming services, raises concerns about service quality and safety [3] Group 4: Future Outlook - The pet economy represents a new form of emotional consumption, reflecting modern lifestyles and the need for emotional connections [4] - There is a call for improved legislation and industry regulation, as well as promoting responsible pet ownership to ensure a sustainable future for the pet economy [4]