Core Insights - The article discusses the evolving consumer trends observed at the China International Import Expo (CIIE), highlighting a shift towards self-pleasure and emotional value in purchasing decisions, particularly in luxury goods and lifestyle products [5][10]. Group 1: Consumer Trends - The motivation for purchasing luxury goods has shifted from showcasing status to seeking personal happiness, with "self-pleasure" and "emotional value" becoming key drivers in consumer decision-making [5]. - The rise of the "pet economy" is evident, with a dedicated pet-themed exhibition area at CIIE, reflecting the growing demand for pet-related products and services [9]. - The trend of "active health management" is emerging, with consumers increasingly seeking products that offer tangible health benefits rather than just marketing concepts [10]. Group 2: Company Innovations - Bulgari introduced "Connected Jewelry," allowing consumers to trace the origins and quality of gemstones, enhancing trust and experience [6]. - Pop Mart showcased immersive experiences with popular IPs, indicating a global trend towards emotional value in consumer products [7]. - LEGO created a "City Walk" experience at CIIE, emphasizing play as a universal language and appealing to both local and international audiences [8]. Group 3: Health and Wellness - Inne, a German nutrition brand, reported significant growth in children's nutritional products, indicating a shift towards proactive health management among consumers [10]. - The introduction of innovative health products, such as liquid calcium, reflects the changing focus from traditional supplements to more comprehensive health solutions [10]. - The demand for high-quality, personalized healthcare solutions is increasing, particularly among the aging population, as seen in the offerings from Edward Lifesciences [13][14]. Group 4: Aging Population - The CIIE highlighted the "silver economy," showcasing products designed for the elderly, including safety and wellness solutions [12]. - Companies are increasingly focusing on the unique healthcare needs of older adults, with innovations aimed at improving their quality of life [14]. - The introduction of AI-driven interactive robots for elderly care reflects the growing emphasis on emotional support and safety monitoring for seniors [14].

Group 1: Consumer Trends - The core consumer motivation has shifted from showcasing wealth to seeking personal happiness, with "self-pleasure" and emotional value becoming key drivers in purchasing decisions [2][3] - The pet economy is thriving, with the establishment of a dedicated pet-themed exhibition area at the expo, reflecting the growing demand for pet-related products and services [5] - The trend of "self-pleasure" and emotional value is also evident in the rise of immersive experiences and personalized products, as seen with brands like LEGO and Brother [4][6] Group 2: Health and Wellness - Consumers are increasingly proactive about health management, moving from passive responses to active engagement, as demonstrated by the success of innovative health products at the expo [7][8] - The demand for high-quality, effective health products is rising, with a notable increase in inquiries about clinical efficacy at the expo [7] - The introduction of new health products, such as liquid calcium for both mothers and infants, indicates a shift towards comprehensive health solutions [7] Group 3: Aging Population - The expo highlighted the "silver economy," showcasing products and services tailored for the aging population, including rehabilitation aids and home safety solutions [9][10] - Companies are focusing on personalized treatment options for age-related health issues, particularly in the field of cardiac care, to meet the unique needs of Chinese patients [10][11] - Innovations like interactive robots aimed at providing companionship and safety for the elderly reflect the growing attention to emotional and practical needs in the aging demographic [11]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolution of five significant consumer symbols over the past century, illustrating how they reflect economic cycles and the interplay of technological breakthroughs, business models, and cultural recognition, termed as the "innovation multiplier effect" [4][6]. Economic Cycles and Consumer Symbols - Economic cycles are characterized by the periodic adjustment of social resource allocation efficiency, driven by different factors such as technological revolutions, capital changes, and supply-demand dynamics [6]. - The article identifies three main economic cycles: - Kondratiev cycle (long-term, 50-60 years) driven by technological and institutional changes - Juglar cycle (medium-term, 7-11 years) focused on fixed asset updates - Kitchin cycle (short-term, 3-5 years) related to inventory adjustments [6]. - The current historical moment is marked by the resonance of these three cycles, leading to the emergence of unique consumer symbols [6]. Five Major Consumer Symbols 1. **Lipstick (1920-1930s)**: - Represents the "comfort economics" during the recession, with lipstick sales increasing by 50% despite a 25% unemployment rate in 1929 [9][12]. - The production cost of lipstick decreased by 80% due to advancements in synthetic dye technology, making it an affordable luxury [12]. 2. **Ford Model T (1908-1927)**: - Symbolizes industrial recovery and economies of scale, with production time reduced from 728 hours to 12.5 hours through assembly line techniques [13][14]. - By 1921, the Model T accounted for 56.6% of global automobile production, contributing 15% to the GDP growth of the 1920s [14]. 3. **Nike Air Jordan (1984-2020s)**: - Represents cultural dominance during the globalization boom, with Nike leveraging strategic sponsorships to gain market share in the NBA [15][19]. - Nike's focus on cultural empowerment through targeted sponsorships allowed it to become the leading sports brand [19]. 4. **iPhone (2007-present)**: - Acts as a technological revolutionary symbol, with the tech industry market cap increasing by 433% from 2009 to 2018, largely driven by Apple [20][21]. - The introduction of the iPhone 4 marked a significant shift in smartphone penetration and redefined market standards for consumer electronics [21]. 5. **Lululemon (2000-present)**: - Embodies the rise of self-care consumerism in the post-pandemic era, with a CAGR of 25% in revenue and net profit, positioning it as the second-largest sportswear company after Nike [22][25]. - Lululemon's success is attributed to its innovative product offerings and deep understanding of its target market, leading to high customer loyalty and profitability [22][24]. Insights from Consumer Symbols - Each consumer symbol reflects the historical context and market dynamics of its time, demonstrating how they adapt to economic cycles [26]. - The article emphasizes that while consumer symbols may experience peaks and troughs, their resilience often stems from meeting specific market demands, as seen with Lululemon and lipstick during economic downturns [26]. - The enduring pursuit of a better life remains a constant driver of economic innovation, regardless of the cyclical nature of the economy [26].