Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rise and challenges of the "all-female economy" in China, highlighting its initial popularity driven by feminist discussions and the subsequent wave of business closures that reveal underlying issues in this business model [3][4]. Group 1: Rise of the "All-Female Economy" - The "all-female economy" gained rapid popularity, particularly in major cities, as it aligns with the growing feminist discourse [6][8]. - Popular services in the "all-female" sector include traditional businesses, event spaces, and entertainment, accounting for 40%, 18%, and 16.4% respectively [7]. - The "all-female economy" can be categorized into two main types: creating exclusive spaces for women and providing female-centric services [8][19]. Group 2: Business Models and Consumer Experience - "All-female" gyms offer a private environment, addressing women's concerns about being judged or harassed in mixed-gender gyms [9][12]. - "All-female" bars aim to create a safe space for women, focusing on female-centric activities and community building [13][15]. - The emergence of "all-female" accommodations and bookstores caters to the increasing number of solo female travelers, providing safety and a supportive atmosphere [16][19]. Group 3: Commercial Viability and Criticism - As of May 2025, the "all-female" term has garnered over 16.91 million views on social media, indicating a significant flow of interest in feminist topics [26]. - Despite the initial success, many businesses labeled as "all-female" face criticism for failing to deliver genuine female-friendly services, leading to a perception of "hanging a sheep's head while selling dog meat" [29][30]. - Issues such as inadequate facilities, male staff presence, and high prices have led to dissatisfaction among female customers, questioning the authenticity of the "all-female" experience [31][32][35]. Group 4: Sustainability and Future Outlook - The closure of a female-focused bookstore after only 198 days highlights the challenges of sustaining the "all-female economy" amid high operational costs and limited customer base [37][40]. - The article suggests that the "all-female model" may not be a viable long-term solution for women's empowerment, as it often excludes a significant portion of the population and fails to meet consumer expectations [41][44]. - The ongoing debate about whether the "all-female model" represents progress or retreat for women continues, with calls for more inclusive approaches to address women's needs in society [44].

Core Viewpoint - The "female economy" in China, characterized by businesses exclusively catering to women, is facing challenges and potential decline despite its initial popularity driven by feminist discussions and consumer interest [2][5][6]. Group 1: Definition and Rise of "Female Economy" - The "female economy" refers to business models where both employees and customers are exclusively female, including establishments like all-female bookstores, bars, and fitness centers [4]. - This concept gained traction alongside the rise of feminist discussions, becoming a significant consumer trend and a source of revenue for various platforms [5][8]. Group 2: Types of "Female Economy" - The "female economy" can be categorized into two main types: those creating exclusive spaces for women and those providing specialized services tailored to female needs [11][24]. - Examples include all-female gyms that address safety concerns and provide a comfortable environment for women, as well as all-female bars that aim to create a safe social space [12][18]. Group 3: Market Performance and Consumer Sentiment - As of May 2025, the term "female" on social media platforms has garnered over 16.91 million views, indicating a significant interest in feminist topics [35]. - However, many consumers have expressed dissatisfaction with the actual services provided by businesses claiming to be "female-friendly," leading to accusations of false advertising and unmet expectations [39][40]. Group 4: Challenges and Criticism - The "female economy" is experiencing a wave of business closures, with some establishments failing to deliver on their promises of safety and comfort for women [6][56]. - Criticism has emerged regarding the high prices of services in "female" establishments, which often exceed those of mixed-gender venues, raising questions about their sustainability and true value to consumers [62][63]. Group 5: Future Outlook - The ongoing debate about whether the "female economy" represents progress or retreat for women suggests that the current model may need reevaluation to align better with consumer expectations and market realities [66].

Core Viewpoint - The rise of "female economy" is reshaping the consumer market as women increasingly express their needs and preferences, leading to the emergence of female-centric spaces in traditionally male-dominated industries like fitness, home decoration, and nightlife [2][3]. Summary by Sections Market Overview - The Chinese fitness market is projected to reach 675 billion yuan in 2023, with expectations to grow to 756 billion yuan by 2025, highlighting a significant shift in consumer demographics where women are becoming the primary consumers [2]. Female Participation in Fitness - Female consumers account for 55.41% of the fitness market, with a growing trend of women engaging in fitness activities, as evidenced by the increasing percentage of female users in personal training services [3][4]. Challenges Faced by Women in Traditional Gyms - Many women experience "gym anxiety" due to the male-dominated environment, with 46.6% reporting comments on their appearance, predominantly from men, which contributes to feelings of discomfort and exclusion [5][6]. Emergence of Female-Only Gyms - The demand for female-only gyms is rising as women seek spaces that cater to their specific needs, including equipment and classes designed for them, while also escaping the male gaze [7][9]. Business Models and Market Dynamics - Female gyms are categorized into two types: those serving only female clients and those with an all-female staff. However, achieving an all-female staff poses challenges due to the gender imbalance in fitness trainers [9][10]. Pricing and Consumer Behavior - Many female gyms adopt a premium pricing strategy, with personal training sessions costing 220-360 yuan, which is 10%-20% higher than regular gyms. This pricing strategy aims to attract a higher-end clientele but may deter some potential customers [13][14]. Industry Challenges - The fitness industry faces high closure rates, with 14.07% of gyms and 13.71% of studios closing in 2023. This reflects broader issues within the industry, including high operational costs and reliance on prepayment models [15][16]. Future Outlook - There is potential for growth in the female fitness market, but sustainable business models and a deeper understanding of female consumers' needs are essential for long-term success [16][21].