Sou Hu Cai Jing·2026-01-10 02:30Core Insights - The report highlights the rise of Chinese潮玩 (trendy toys) brands in the global market, driven by emotional consumption trends and innovative cultural export models [1][17] - Chinese潮玩 companies are successfully penetrating mature markets in Europe and North America, as well as emerging markets in Southeast Asia, leveraging unique IP operations and efficient supply chains [1][3] Group 1: U.S. Market Dynamics - The U.S. economy is experiencing a "K-shaped" recovery, where high-income consumers show resilience while low-income groups face pressure from inflation and employment fluctuations [2][21] - The "healing economy" trend is gaining traction, with潮玩 products like blind boxes and plush toys providing emotional value and social engagement, leading to increased demand [2][21] - Chinese潮玩 brands, such as Pop Mart, differentiate themselves by offering original IPs and innovative product formats, achieving a price range of $20 to $40, appealing to various income levels [2][21] Group 2: Southeast Asia Market Opportunities - Southeast Asia is viewed as a blue ocean market for潮玩, characterized by a young population, high internet penetration, and strong consumer upgrade intentions [3][4] - The success of Pop Mart's LABUBU toy in Thailand, following a social media endorsement by local celebrity Lisa, exemplifies the alignment of潮玩 with local youth culture [3][4] - Despite challenges such as fluctuating external tariffs and internal political complexities, Chinese brands are advancing into this market with localized designs and a multi-channel approach [3][4] Group 3: Company Strategies and Differentiation - Pop Mart focuses on building a comprehensive IP ecosystem, from creation to sales, aiming to transform short-term trends into long-lasting IPs through various media [4][5] - Miniso leverages its global retail network and supply chain efficiency to act as a high-efficiency IP monetization platform, enhancing store performance through strategic IP collaborations [4][5] - TOP TOY, as a rising player, benefits from synergies with Miniso, focusing on product development while utilizing Miniso's sales channels for rapid market expansion [5][6] Group 4: Cultural and Economic Shift - The success of Chinese潮玩 brands signifies a shift from "Made in China" to "Emotional Brands from China," emphasizing universal emotional connections rather than relying solely on traditional cultural narratives [6][17] - Chinese companies are combining mature supply chains with innovative business models and original designs, transitioning from traditional manufacturing roles to becoming key players in the global潮玩 industry [6][17]