Core Viewpoint - The report from Kaiyuan Securities emphasizes the importance of focusing on leading companies that align with the theme of "emotional consumption" as consumer recovery takes center stage, highlighting four key investment lines [1] Group 1: Investment Lines - Gold and Jewelry: Attention should be given to gold and jewelry brands that possess differentiated product capabilities and deep consumer insights [1] - Offline Retail: Retail enterprises (supermarkets, department stores, chains) that actively adapt and explore trends should be monitored [1] - Cosmetics: High-quality domestic beauty brands that are deeply engaged in high-growth niche markets and continuously evolving their capabilities are of interest [1] - Medical Aesthetics: Companies with differentiated product lines in the medical aesthetics sector should be focused on [1]

Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Positive" (maintained) [1] Core Viewpoints - The report highlights that the retail sector is experiencing steady growth, with a year-on-year increase of 4.6% in retail sales from January to August 2025, amounting to 3,239.06 billion [3][4] - In August 2025, retail sales reached 396.68 billion, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 3.4%, slightly below the expected 3.8% [3][4] - The report emphasizes a strong performance in optional consumption categories, particularly gold and jewelry, which saw a year-on-year increase of 16.8% in August [4][6] Summary by Sections Retail Sales Performance - The total retail sales for January to August 2025 were 3,239.06 billion, with August sales at 396.68 billion, showing a year-on-year increase of 3.4% [3][4] - Essential goods like grain and oil showed resilience, while optional categories like gold and jewelry performed exceptionally well [4] Online vs. Offline Channels - Online retail sales from January to August 2025 reached 999.28 billion, growing by 9.6%, with physical goods online sales at 809.64 billion, up by 6.4% [5] - Offline retail growth has shown a marginal slowdown across various formats, with supermarkets and convenience stores growing by 4.9% and 6.6% respectively [5] Investment Recommendations - The report suggests focusing on high-quality companies in the "emotional consumption" theme, particularly in four main areas: 1. Gold and jewelry brands with differentiated product offerings [6] 2. Retail enterprises adapting to market trends [6] 3. High-quality domestic beauty brands [6] 4. Medical beauty product manufacturers with unique pipelines [6]

Core Insights - The traditional rural market has evolved into a vibrant space attracting young consumers through unique offerings and experiences [1][5] - Markets are not just places for transactions but also cultural hubs that foster emotional connections between consumers and products [1][5] Group 1: Consumer Behavior - Young consumers are increasingly drawn to markets for emotional engagement rather than just purchasing goods, seeking resonance, community, and a sense of life [6] - The market experience allows consumers to discover unique items, enjoy the atmosphere, and connect with others, filling the emotional void left by digital interactions [5][6] Group 2: Market Dynamics - The rise of non-standard commerce emphasizes personalized shopping experiences, where consumers prioritize self-expression over standardized products [1][6] - Markets serve as platforms for independent designers and niche artists to showcase creativity, catering to specific consumer needs that are often overlooked [1][6] Group 3: Innovation and Experience - Combining online and offline experiences enhances consumer interaction, allowing them to explore product stories and cultural significance [2] - Markets are increasingly integrating technology to provide innovative experiences, such as robot demonstrations and interactive activities, appealing to a tech-savvy audience [6][7] Group 4: Cultural Integration - Deepening regional cultural elements in market offerings can help differentiate them in a competitive landscape, transforming markets into cultural and experiential hubs [6][7] - Thematic markets that focus on specific cultural or artistic elements can create immersive experiences, enhancing consumer engagement and satisfaction [7]

Core Insights - The traditional rural market has evolved into a vibrant space attracting young consumers with unique products and experiences [1][5] - Emotional consumption has transformed products into emotional carriers, creating a deeper connection between consumers and their shopping experiences [1][5] - The market serves as a platform for personalized shopping, allowing consumers to express their individuality through unique and creative offerings [1][6] Group 1: Market Dynamics - Young consumers are increasingly drawn to markets for their cultural charm and emotional engagement rather than just for purchasing goods [1][6] - The integration of online and offline experiences enhances consumer interaction, allowing them to explore product stories and engage with like-minded individuals [2][6] - The market atmosphere fosters genuine social connections, filling the emotional void left by digital interactions [5][6] Group 2: Consumer Behavior - The core demand of consumers has shifted from merely buying products to seeking resonance, community, and a sense of life [6][7] - There is a growing preference for unique, non-standardized products that cater to individual expression and specific needs [1][6] - Consumers are increasingly valuing experiences and emotional fulfillment over traditional purchasing motivations [5][6] Group 3: Innovation and Cultural Integration - Markets are encouraged to delve into local culture and innovate their offerings to stand out in a competitive landscape [6][7] - The incorporation of technology and interactive experiences can enhance consumer engagement and satisfaction [6][7] - Thematic markets that highlight cultural elements and immersive experiences can create a richer consumer experience [7]

Media Sector - The media sector is experiencing active performance, with significant gains in the gaming sector, particularly for companies like Xinghui Entertainment and Perfect World [1] - As of September 13, 2025, the cumulative box office for films has surpassed 40 billion yuan, occurring 76 days earlier than the previous year [1] - The upcoming release of 10 films scheduled for the National Day holiday in 2025 is expected to further boost the sector [1] - The EA SPORTS FC PRO Championship Cup and FC PRO World Challenge took place in Shanghai, contributing to the media sector's positive momentum [1] Gaming Sector - The gaming sector is witnessing strong demand across various platforms, including PC, mobile, and console games, driven by consumer needs for stress relief and social interaction [1] - The current valuation of the gaming sector remains attractive, with expectations of sustained high prosperity and a longer-than-expected cycle of growth [1] Lithium Battery Industry - The lithium battery supply chain is showing active performance, with notable increases in stocks such as CATL, BYD, and Ganfeng Lithium [2] - Recent policy support includes the "Automobile Industry Stabilization Growth Work Plan (2025-2026)," aiming for approximately 32.3 million vehicle sales in 2025, a 3% year-on-year increase [2] - The plan also targets 15.5 million sales of new energy vehicles in 2025, reflecting a 20% year-on-year growth [2] Energy Storage Sector - The National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration have issued a new action plan for large-scale energy storage construction from 2025 to 2027 [3] - A notification has been released to improve pricing mechanisms to promote the local consumption of renewable energy [3] - The World Energy Storage Conference will be held from September 16 to 18, showcasing innovative achievements in the energy storage industry [3]

Core Insights - Recent surge in gold prices has led to a shift in consumer behavior towards alternative materials like platinum and gold-plated silver, particularly among younger consumers [3][4][6] - The price of gold in Shenzhen's Shui Bei market has increased significantly, with a rise from 782 RMB per gram to 837 RMB per gram in just a few weeks, reflecting a broader trend in the gold market [4][6] - The emergence of "pain gold" and imitation luxury items indicates a changing consumer demographic, with younger buyers seeking emotional value in their purchases [10][17] Price Trends - As of September 14, the London spot gold price reached $3642.63 per ounce, marking a nearly 40% increase for the year, with a rapid rise of about 10% since August 20 [4] - The Shui Bei market has seen gold prices rise by 55 RMB per gram in a short period, indicating heightened market activity and consumer interest [4][6] Consumer Behavior - Many consumers are adopting a wait-and-see approach due to rising gold prices, leading to decreased transaction volumes despite increased foot traffic in stores [6][18] - The popularity of "gold substitutes" like gold-plated silver has surged, with many traditional gold retailers pivoting to these products to attract price-sensitive customers [7][9] Product Innovations - The market is witnessing a rise in "pain gold" products, which are small-weight gold items linked to popular culture, appealing particularly to younger demographics [10][12] - Imitation luxury items, such as replicas of high-end brands, are becoming more common, with many retailers discreetly offering these products to meet consumer demand [16][18] Market Dynamics - The increase in gold prices is causing some jewelry businesses to slow down expansion or even close, while others are successfully leveraging craftsmanship and marketing to attract consumers [18] - The ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and economic factors are likely to sustain high gold prices, with emerging markets continuing to purchase gold as a risk diversification strategy [18]

Core Viewpoint - The recent surge in gold prices has led to a shift in consumer behavior, with a rise in demand for alternative gold products such as platinum and gold-plated silver, particularly among younger consumers [3][5][19] Group 1: Gold Price Surge - As of September 14, the London spot gold price reached $3642.63 per ounce, marking a nearly 40% increase for the year, with a rapid rise of about 10% since August 20 [3][4] - In Shenzhen's Shui Bei market, the price of gold rose from 782 RMB per gram to 837 RMB per gram, an increase of 55 RMB per gram within a month [4][5] Group 2: Shift in Consumer Preferences - The high gold prices have created a cautious consumer sentiment, leading to a decline in transaction volumes despite increased foot traffic in stores [5][19] - The emergence of "alternative gold" products, such as gold-plated silver, has been noted, with many traditional gold shops pivoting to this market due to the competitive landscape [5][19] - The popularity of "pain gold" products, which are small-weight gold items linked to pop culture, has surged among younger consumers, reflecting a significant change in the consumer demographic [9][18] Group 3: Market Dynamics - The market is witnessing a rise in small-weight gold products priced at a flat rate, which allows for higher profit margins for retailers [11][14] - The trend of imitation luxury items, such as replicas of high-end brands, is also gaining traction, although these products are often sold discreetly due to legal risks [17][19] - The World Gold Council's report indicates that gold ownership among consumers aged 18 to 24 has increased from 37% in 2019 to 62% currently, highlighting a growing interest in gold among younger demographics [18]

Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Positive" (maintained) [1] Core Views - The report highlights the launch of the "Gaode Street Ranking," which aims to reconstruct the trust framework in offline services through real navigation and travel behavior data [23][27] - The report emphasizes the importance of emotional consumption themes and suggests focusing on high-quality companies in high-growth sectors [6][29] Summary by Sections Retail Market Review - The retail industry index closed at 2396.85 points, up 0.85% for the week, underperforming the Shanghai Composite Index, which rose by 1.52% [12][20] - Among retail sub-sectors, the supermarket sector had the highest weekly increase of 4.78%, while the watch and jewelry sector led with a year-to-date increase of 35.68% [14][18] Industry Dynamics - The launch of the "Gaode Street Ranking" is positioned as a significant step for Alibaba to transition from a navigation platform to a comprehensive local service platform, enhancing user experience and trust [23][27] - The ranking system incorporates real user behavior and credit filtering to provide authentic feedback, potentially disrupting the existing "to-store" business landscape dominated by Meituan and Dianping [27][29] Investment Recommendations - Investment Theme 1: Focus on differentiated gold and jewelry brands with deep consumer insights, recommending companies like Laopu Gold and Chaohongji [6][31] - Investment Theme 2: Highlight retail enterprises that adapt to trends and actively explore changes, recommending Yonghui Supermarket and Aiyingshi [6][29] - Investment Theme 3: Emphasize high-quality domestic beauty brands with differentiated capabilities, recommending brands like Maogeping and Pola [6][30] - Investment Theme 4: Focus on differentiated medical beauty product manufacturers, recommending Aimeike and Kedi-B [6][30] Company Performance Highlights - Laopu Gold reported a revenue of 12.354 billion yuan in H1 2025, a year-on-year increase of 250.9%, with a net profit of 2.268 billion yuan, up 285.8% [38][39] - Chaohongji achieved a revenue of 4.102 billion yuan in H1 2025, a 19.5% increase, with a net profit of 331 million yuan, up 44.3% [41][42] - Maogeping reported a revenue of 2.588 billion yuan in H1 2025, a 31.3% increase, with a net profit of 670 million yuan, up 36.1% [31][34]

Core Insights - The rise in gold prices has led to a shift in consumer behavior, particularly among younger demographics, who are increasingly opting for alternative products like "platinum substitutes" and "gold-plated silver" due to their affordability [1][4][15] Price Trends - As of September 14, the London spot gold price reached $3642.63 per ounce, marking a nearly 40% increase for the year, with a rapid rise of about 10% since August 20 [2] - In the Shenzhen market, the price of gold surged from 782 RMB per gram to 837 RMB per gram within a month, reflecting a 55 RMB increase per gram [2][4] Consumer Behavior - Many consumers are adopting a wait-and-see approach due to high gold prices, with some postponing purchases of traditional gold items [4][15] - The emergence of "platinum substitutes" and "gold-plated silver" products has been noted, with an increase in the number of stores offering these alternatives in the market [4][15] Product Innovations - New product categories such as "pain gold" and designer imitations are gaining popularity, particularly among younger consumers [8][14] - "Pain gold" refers to gold jewelry linked with popular culture, such as anime and gaming, appealing to younger audiences [8][12] - Imitation products of luxury brands are also becoming a common sales strategy, with many merchants discreetly offering these items [14][15] Market Dynamics - The increase in gold prices has led to a decline in sales volume for traditional gold products, despite an increase in foot traffic in stores [4][15] - The market is witnessing a significant change in consumer demographics, with a higher ownership rate of gold jewelry among younger consumers aged 18 to 24 [15] Legal and Regulatory Considerations - The rise of "pain gold" and imitation products raises potential legal risks related to intellectual property and copyright issues [16] - Authorities are planning to conduct special enforcement actions to combat infringement, particularly targeting products that violate brand rights [16]

Core Insights - The article highlights the transformation of Zhongmu New District into a vibrant commercial hub within the Zhengzhou metropolitan area, focusing on unique shopping experiences and innovative business strategies [1][3][4]. Group 1: Commercial Development - Zhongmu New District has developed a distinctive commercial economy by analyzing consumer trends and creating immersive shopping environments, establishing itself as a benchmark for commercial street development in Henan Province [1][3]. - The district has adopted a "first-store economy" strategy, promoting flagship stores to combat market homogenization, resulting in over 100 flagship stores at the Shanshan Outlets [3][4]. - The successful implementation of a brand scarcity strategy has shifted Zhongmu from a "brand follower" to a "brand originator," creating a solid commercial moat that attracts consumer power from across the province [3][4]. Group 2: Experience-Driven Consumption - The integration of "commercial + cultural tourism" has become a key strategy for attracting visitors and extending their stay, enhancing the overall shopping experience [4][7]. - Zhongmu's Shanshan Outlets have transformed shopping into a park-like experience, blending retail with leisure and entertainment, thus appealing to a broader audience [5][7]. - The district has introduced various events and activities, such as music festivals and sports events, to shift from merely selling products to offering experiences, effectively creating a "micro-vacation destination" [7][8]. Group 3: Emotional Consumption Trends - The rise of emotional consumption is evident, with Zhongmu's Shanshan Outlets focusing on personalized services that foster deep emotional connections with consumers [8][10]. - The establishment of a three-dimensional service system catering to women, pets, and families reflects the district's commitment to enhancing customer loyalty and lifetime value [8][10]. - The emphasis on detailed services, such as free amenities and special gifts for specific demographics, has significantly improved customer satisfaction and loyalty, transforming one-time shoppers into long-term patrons [10].