Core Insights - Emotional consumption has become a significant factor influencing the decision-making of the younger generation in China, as highlighted in the 2024 report by the China Consumers Association [1] Group 1: Emotional Consumption Trends - The shift from material experiences to emotional maintenance is emerging as a new consumption hotspot, with young consumers seeking joy and social fulfillment through products like blind boxes and trendy toys, leading to a market growth from 6.3 billion yuan in 2015 to approximately 60 billion yuan in 2023 [3] - Young consumers are increasingly prioritizing emotional value and personal expression in their spending, as evidenced by the Shanghai Youth Research Center's report indicating a transition in cultural tourism consumption towards these values [3][4] Group 2: Consumer Behavior Insights - A survey from the 2024 China Consumption Trend Insight Report reveals that 64.6% of respondents aged 18-65 value spiritual consumption more, with 48.9% seeking dedicated time for relaxation each week [4] - Emotional consumption is characterized by deep emotional resonance rather than impulsive buying, reflecting the younger generation's desire for identity expression and social recognition through their purchases [5][6] Group 3: The Impact of Fast-Paced Society - In a fast-paced environment, young consumers create a sense of ritual through "self-pleasing consumption," turning mundane purchases into immediate emotional rewards, which includes tangible goods and virtual companionship [8] - The rise of emotional consumption indicates a pressing need for spiritual fulfillment among the younger generation, although it may lead to a cycle of consumption and emptiness if not approached with moderation [8]

Core Insights - The China Consumer Association reported a significant increase in consumer complaints in the first half of 2025, with a total of 995,971 complaints received, marking a year-on-year growth of 27.23% [1] - The association highlighted key complaint areas, including traps targeting elderly consumers, private domain marketing issues, emotional consumption, online agricultural product purchases, jade live-streaming scams, and concert-related complaints [1][4] Group 1: Elderly Consumer Traps - Elderly consumer traps have become a major complaint area, with various deceptive practices identified, such as internet-induced traps, offline sales fraud, and false advertising in live-streaming [2][3] - Specific cases illustrate the issue, such as a consumer's parents being misled into purchasing an overpriced water purifier under false pretenses of health benefits [3] Group 2: Private Domain Marketing Issues - The rise of private domain marketing has led to numerous complaints, characterized by false advertising and inadequate after-sales service [4][5] - Issues include misleading promotions on social media, evasion of platform regulations, and challenges in consumer rights protection due to lack of transaction records [5] Group 3: Emotional Consumption - Emotional consumption is rapidly growing but reveals problems such as poor product quality and inducement to consume [7][8] - The association recommends establishing industry standards for emotional consumption services to ensure consumer protection and service quality [8] Group 4: Other Complaint Areas - Complaints related to high-temperature air conditioning demand, online agricultural product disputes, and increasing issues in jade-related purchases have been noted [4] - The concert industry has also seen a rise in complaints, particularly regarding refund issues [4]

Core Insights - The China Consumer Association reported a significant increase in consumer complaints in the first half of 2025, with a total of 995,971 complaints received, marking a year-on-year growth of 27.23% [1] - The main complaint issues include traps targeting elderly consumers, private domain marketing chaos, emotional consumption, online agricultural product purchases, jade live streaming, and concert-related complaints [1][4] Group 1: Elderly Consumer Traps - Elderly consumer traps have become a major complaint issue, with various deceptive practices identified, including internet-induced traps, offline sales fraud, and false advertising in live streams [2][3] - Specific cases highlight how elderly individuals are misled into purchasing overpriced products under false pretenses, such as health benefits and free gifts [3] Group 2: Private Domain Marketing Issues - The rise of private domain marketing has led to numerous complaints, characterized by false advertising and lack of after-sales service [4][5] - Issues include misleading promotions on social media, evasion of platform regulations, and difficulties in consumer rights protection due to lack of transaction records [5] Group 3: Emotional Consumption Concerns - Emotional consumption is rapidly growing but reveals problems such as poor product quality and inducement to consume [7] - Recommendations include establishing industry standards for emotional consumption services to ensure consumer protection and quality assurance [8] Group 4: Other Notable Complaints - Complaints related to high temperatures driving air conditioning sales, agricultural product online purchase disputes, and increasing issues in jade-related transactions have been noted [4] - Concert-related complaints have also surged, particularly regarding refund issues [4]

Core Insights - The rise of new consumption in China is driven by changing consumer preferences, focusing on quality, experience, and personalization, moving beyond traditional consumption models [1][7] - Emotional value in consumption has gained importance, with consumers increasingly purchasing for self-pleasure and individual expression [2][3] - The market for emotional consumption is expanding significantly, with the "Guzi economy" projected to reach 168.9 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a 40.6% year-on-year growth [2] Industry Trends - The new consumption landscape is characterized by a shift from mass consumption to personalized consumption, with consumers willing to pay for quality and unique experiences [7][8] - The "Z generation" is driving this trend, emphasizing the importance of emotional value and quality-price ratio in their purchasing decisions [7] - The market for trendy toys, including blind boxes and collectibles, has become a hot investment area, showcasing strong IP operation capabilities and innovative business models [4][8] Company Performance - Pop Mart, a leader in the trendy toy sector, reported a revenue increase of 165% to 170% year-on-year for Q1 2025, with domestic revenue up 95% to 100% and overseas revenue soaring by 475% to 480% [4] - Lao Pu Gold, a major player in the gold jewelry market, achieved a sales performance of approximately 9.8 billion yuan in 2024, marking a 166% increase, and a net profit of about 1.47 billion yuan, up 254% [5] - Mixue Ice City, a popular tea brand, saw its stock price rise by 43.21% on its debut, reflecting its strong market presence with 46,479 stores globally and a retail revenue of 58.3 billion yuan in 2024 [6] Market Outlook - The new consumption sector is expected to continue growing, with significant opportunities in emotional consumption, the silver economy, and AI-driven consumer experiences [8] - The Chinese market is on track to become the largest consumer market globally, supported by rising incomes and enhanced consumer demand [8]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rise of the "emotional economy," where consumers are increasingly spending on products and services that provide emotional satisfaction and psychological compensation, particularly in response to societal pressures and anxieties [4][9]. Group 1: Emotional Consumption Trends - Emotional consumption, defined as the behavior of consumers seeking emotional satisfaction through purchases, has seen a compound annual growth rate of 12% since 2013, with projections indicating the market will exceed 2 trillion yuan by 2025 [5]. - A survey revealed that 64.6% of respondents aged 18-65 prioritize spiritual consumption, with 48.9% seeking dedicated time for relaxation each week [5]. - The current emotional economy is characterized by a demand for low-cost, quick-acting emotional relief products, which include everything from blind boxes to virtual companionship services [4][5]. Group 2: Psychological and Sociological Perspectives - From a psychological perspective, emotional consumption is linked to anxiety and loneliness, with consumers using it as a strategy for emotional management [12]. - Sociologically, emotional consumption products serve as symbols of social capital, helping individuals construct idealized identities in a digital context [12]. - The economic perspective categorizes emotional consumption as an "escape experience," where consumers seek temporary relief from real-life pressures [13]. Group 3: Market Dynamics and Consumer Behavior - The emotional economy is rapidly growing, with brands like LABUBU experiencing explosive growth due to their ability to resonate with consumers' feelings of imperfection and anxiety [17]. - Consumers are increasingly motivated by identity performance and social currency, with purchases serving as a means to express individuality and align with current trends [18][20]. - The article highlights a shift in consumer behavior where emotional value is quantified, leading to a transactional view of relationships and experiences [25][26]. Group 4: Challenges and Reflections - The article raises concerns about the implications of emotional consumption, questioning whether it leads to genuine emotional fulfillment or merely masks deeper issues [24][27]. - It suggests that while consumers seek immediate emotional gratification, there is a risk of emotional emptiness and a decline in meaningful connections [27]. - The narrative around love and relationships is evolving, with emotional value becoming a key factor in personal connections, potentially leading to superficial interactions [25][26].

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the retail industry is "Positive" (maintained) [1] Core Views - The report highlights the strong performance of domestic brands in the skincare and cosmetics sectors on platforms like Douyin, with significant market share gains [5][25][28] - The report emphasizes the importance of emotional consumption trends driving growth in various retail segments, particularly in jewelry, cosmetics, and offline retail [30][31] Summary by Sections Retail Market Overview - The retail industry index decreased by 2.22% during the week of July 28 to August 1, 2025, underperforming the Shanghai Composite Index by 1.28 percentage points [7][14] - The professional chain segment showed the largest increase among retail sub-sectors, while the jewelry sector led the year-to-date performance with a 25.38% increase [17][20] Key Industry Dynamics - In July, Douyin's skincare brand Han Shu ranked first, with domestic brands occupying 15 out of the top 20 spots in the skincare category [25][28] - The cosmetics sector also saw domestic brands excel, with 19 out of the top 20 positions in the makeup category, driven by cushion products and other high-demand items [28][29] Investment Recommendations - Investment focus areas include: - **Jewelry**: Recommend brands with differentiated product offerings like Laopuhuang and Chaohongji [30][33] - **Offline Retail**: Highlight companies like Yonghui Supermarket and Aiyingshi that are adapting to consumer trends [30][31] - **Cosmetics**: Emphasize domestic brands with strong market positions such as Maogeping and Pola [31][32] - **Medical Aesthetics**: Focus on companies with unique product lines like Aimeike and Kedi-B [31][32] Company-Specific Insights - **Laopuhuang**: Achieved revenue of 8.506 billion yuan (+167.5%) and a net profit of 1.473 billion yuan (+253.9%) in FY2024, with strong growth expected in H1 2025 [32] - **Yonghui Supermarket**: Reported a revenue of 17.479 billion yuan (-19.3%) and a net profit of 148 million yuan (-80.0%) in Q1 2025, with ongoing transformation efforts [32] - **Maogeping**: Recorded a revenue of 3.885 billion yuan (+34.6%) and a net profit of 881 million yuan (+33.0%) in FY2024, indicating strong brand momentum [32]

Core Viewpoint - The rapid development of AI has transformed it from a mere tool into an "accompaniment" that provides emotional value, leading to a reflection on whether this algorithmic understanding and companionship is genuine or merely a calculated psychological feeding [2][3][4]. Group 1: Emotional Value of AI - AI is increasingly taking on roles of emotional companionship, providing comfort and understanding during times of loneliness, anxiety, or confusion [3][4]. - The ability of AI to provide emotional value relies on two key aspects: the training models and the operational platform logic [4][5]. - AI's emotional insights are enhanced through user interaction analysis, allowing it to deliver tailored emotional responses [5][6]. Group 2: Dependency and Passive Acceptance - The interaction with AI creates a high-response relationship, leading to a sense of being spoiled and potentially resulting in emotional addiction [9][10]. - AI's involvement in knowledge production and decision-making can lead to a passive acceptance of its capabilities, diminishing human critical thinking and creativity [11][12]. - As AI takes over more cognitive tasks, individuals may lose their motivation to think independently, leading to a decline in their problem-solving abilities [11][15]. Group 3: Social Degradation - The rise of virtual connections through AI can lead to a breakdown of real human relationships, as individuals may prefer the conflict-free interactions with AI over the complexities of human relationships [12][13]. - AI interactions create a one-sided projection of self, eliminating the necessary social friction that fosters self-reflection and personal growth [13][14]. - The reliance on AI for emotional support can obscure the importance of real human connections, leading to a loss of social skills and the ability to navigate interpersonal conflicts [12][14]. Group 4: Reversal of Tool and Humanity - AI, originally designed to empower humans, risks reversing the power dynamic, making humans dependent on AI for emotional and cognitive functions [15][16]. - The danger lies not in AI's capabilities but in the human tendency to become complacent and reliant on AI, leading to a decline in self-actualization and personal growth [15][16]. Group 5: Re-establishing Boundaries - There is a need to redefine the perception of AI as a tool rather than a source of wisdom, emphasizing its role in enhancing human capabilities without replacing them [17][18]. - It is crucial to maintain human cognitive functions and not outsource thinking to AI, especially in creative and critical areas [19][20]. - Establishing regulatory boundaries around the use of emotional data is essential to prevent manipulation and dependency on AI [22][23].

Core Viewpoint - The beer industry is adapting to an emotion-driven consumption era, aiming to connect with each generation of young adults through cultural experiences and events [2][12]. Group 1: Cultural Engagement and Consumer Trends - The upcoming Tomorrowland music festival in Shanghai, initiated by Budweiser, highlights the brand's commitment to engaging with young consumers through cultural events [4][5]. - A McKinsey report indicates that 64% of consumers prioritize emotional consumption, with younger consumers placing even greater emphasis on the emotional value of products [8]. - Brands must create deeper cultural connections and experiential systems rather than relying solely on price competition to resonate with consumers [9]. Group 2: Budweiser's Strategic Approach - Budweiser's strategy focuses on "Megabrands & mega platforms," targeting global young adults' favorite IPs to foster connections [12][15]. - The brand's involvement in Tomorrowland is not just sponsorship but a key part of creating a "beer + scene + culture + social" experience [14]. - Budweiser has successfully established its flagship brands, such as Harbin Beer and Budweiser, with a 40% market share in the premium segment, according to Euromonitor [16]. Group 3: Market Performance and Innovations - Harbin Beer has seen a 70% sales increase in the young consumer segment due to its innovative zero-sugar products linked to NBA events [18]. - The "flagship brand + super platform" strategy has proven effective, allowing Budweiser to enhance its market presence and consumer engagement [19][23]. - The brand's partnerships with major cultural events like the FIFA World Cup and Tomorrowland are essential for amplifying its market influence and connecting with consumers [21][23].

Core Viewpoint - The cultural, sports, and entertainment industry is experiencing rapid growth driven by increasing consumer demand and emotional consumption, particularly among the younger generation [1][3][6]. Group 1: Industry Growth - In Jiangsu Province, the revenue of the cultural, sports, and entertainment industry increased by 20.7% year-on-year in May [1]. - In Henan Province, the revenue growth reached 23.9% from January to May, surpassing the overall service industry growth by 16.4 percentage points [1]. - In Sichuan Province, the revenue growth was 18.7% from January to May, showing a recovery of 2.8 percentage points compared to the previous month [1]. - In Anhui Province, the revenue grew by 16.5% from January to May, with film production and entertainment sectors growing by 74.8% and 23.6% respectively [2]. - In Guizhou Province, the revenue increased by 21.2% during the same period [2]. Group 2: Emotional Consumption Trends - Emotional consumption is on the rise, with the Z generation leading the trend, focusing on personal experiences and willing to spend on self-pleasure [3]. - Emotional consumption spans various age groups, including middle-aged and elderly consumers attending concerts, indicating a broadening market [3]. - The "Su Super" league has created emotional connections with local culture, enhancing community engagement and making football a part of everyday life [3]. Group 3: New Consumption Scenarios - The "Su Super" league generated service revenue of 37.96 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 42.7% across tourism, dining, and accommodation sectors [4]. - Concerts have become significant outlets for emotional expression, with nearly 50% of attendees being over 40 years old, reflecting a nostalgic connection to music [4]. - Micro-short dramas are emerging as popular "emotional fast-moving consumer goods," catering to consumers' need for quick emotional relief [4][5]. - New tourism concepts like "wo nang drift" are gaining popularity by appealing to younger consumers' desire for fun and emotional value [6]. Group 4: Industry Development and Opportunities - The micro-short drama industry in Henan has seen a revenue increase of 89.0%, significantly outpacing the overall cultural and entertainment sector [5]. - The integration of culture and emotional value is becoming a key trend in driving consumption growth, with various new consumption scenarios emerging [6].

Group 1 - The central government emphasizes boosting consumption and breaking the "involution" to promote domestic circulation and achieve economic goals for the year [1] - The focus on domestic demand policies is highlighted as a stable direction to counter external uncertainties, with significant results from consumption-boosting policies in the first half of the year [1] - The expansion of government subsidies for home appliances from 8 categories to 12, including 3C products, indicates a potential for further subsidy expansion in the second half of the year [1] Group 2 - The estimated consumption subsidies of 138 billion for "trade-in" programs are expected to increase retail sales growth by 1.3 percentage points in the second half of the year [1] - The overall retail sales growth is projected to moderate from 5% in the first half to 4.3% in the second half, with an annual growth rate of 4.6% [1] - Investment opportunities in the consumer sector for 2025 include domestic brands and high-growth emotional consumption sectors, as well as the burgeoning silver economy and AI+ consumption [2]