【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, driven by changing family structures and consumption concepts, with a market size projected to reach 300.2 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a 7.5% year-on-year growth [1][2] - The emotional bond between pets and owners is a key driver of this economic growth, 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, with a year-on-year increase of 2.1% [1] - The "pet economy" encompasses a full industry chain, including food, medical care, and equipment, reflecting a shift towards "humanization" of pets, where spending on pets parallels that of children [2] - The industry has attracted significant investment, leading to a more complete and specialized supply chain, from food development to medical and funeral services [2] Group 2: Emotional and Social Factors - The rise of single-person households and empty-nesters has created a demand for emotional companionship, with pets fulfilling this role [1][2] - The "pet economy" is characterized by strong anti-cyclical properties, as consumers are less likely to reduce spending on pets during economic downturns due to the emotional bonds formed [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 prioritize profit over genuine pet needs [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 care industry, particularly in medical and grooming services, raises concerns about service quality and safety [3] Group 4: Future Directions - The "pet economy" represents a new form of emotional consumption, reflecting modern lifestyles and the need for responsible pet ownership [4] - There is a call for improved legislation and industry regulation, as well as public education on responsible pet care, to ensure the sustainable growth of the "pet economy" [4]