经济聚焦丨从三家小商品经营商看义乌市场跃迁

Core Insights - The new global trade center in Yiwu, Zhejiang, known as the sixth-generation market, officially opened in October 2023, marking a significant evolution from its origins as a small commodity market in the early 1980s [1][2]. Group 1: Market Evolution - The first small commodity market in Yiwu opened in September 1982, featuring 705 stalls and over 2,200 types of goods [2]. - The second-generation market, New Road Market, was established in December 1984, transitioning from a "road market" to a "market-based" model [2]. - The third-generation market, Yiwu Small Commodity Market, opened in September 1986, followed by the fourth-generation Huangyuan Market in 1992, which was the first large indoor market with over 15,000 stalls [2][3]. Group 2: Business Transformation - The fifth-generation market, Yiwu International Trade City, opened in October 2002, marking a shift towards modern shopping mall-style markets and international trade [3]. - Business owners like Zhang Chunhua and her daughter Zhang Qiaomei have adapted to changing market conditions, with the latter focusing on smaller plush toys and utilizing social media for marketing [3][4]. - Chen Jiajia, a telescope business owner, transitioned from OEM to building her own brand, "Aiboru," which now exports to over 100 countries, increasing foreign trade share from 50% to 70% [5][6]. Group 3: Technological Integration - The sixth-generation market features a comprehensive digital upgrade, including AI applications for design, marketing, and sales, enhancing operational efficiency for merchants [6][7]. - Merchants like Huang Zixuan are leveraging AI technology for product design and customer engagement, significantly reducing production costs and improving efficiency [7][8]. - Over 3,700 new merchants in the global trade center are adopting AI to reshape their business models, indicating a trend towards technology-driven commerce [8].