Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emerging trend of combining dining with performance in the restaurant industry, highlighting how this "borderline economy" is being rapidly adopted to attract younger consumers and drive foot traffic in a challenging market environment [4][10]. Group 1: Dining and Performance Integration - The integration of dining and performance is becoming a popular trend, with restaurants like Haidilao introducing themed night venues featuring DJs and interactive performances to enhance customer experience [6][8]. - The "night snack" theme introduced by Haidilao has generated significant social media buzz, with over 10 million views on Xiaohongshu and 9 million on Douyin, indicating strong consumer interest [7][10]. - Other restaurants are also adopting similar strategies, such as introducing live performances and themed service staff to create a unique dining atmosphere [4][8]. Group 2: Market Challenges and Consumer Behavior - The restaurant industry is facing significant challenges, with major brands like Nayuki and Xiaobawang reporting substantial losses in 2024, highlighting the need for innovative customer engagement strategies [10][12]. - Younger consumers, particularly those born in the 1990s and 2000s, are seeking more than just food; they desire social interaction and entertainment, which has led to the rise of "borderline" performances in dining settings [10][11]. - The perception of value has shifted, with consumers willing to pay for experiences that combine dining with entertainment, as seen in the popularity of Haidilao's new offerings [10][11]. Group 3: Risks and Sustainability - The article warns that while "borderline" dining can generate short-term interest, it may not be sustainable in the long run, as evidenced by the closure of restaurants like Staneemeehoi and Hooters due to changing consumer preferences and societal values [13][14]. - The reliance on provocative marketing strategies can backfire, as seen in the backlash against establishments that objectify staff, indicating a need for restaurants to balance entertainment with respect for social norms [14][15]. - Ultimately, the success of performance dining hinges on maintaining food quality and service standards, as consumers prioritize taste and value over mere spectacle [21][22].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rise of "borderline economy" in the restaurant industry, where dining experiences are increasingly combined with entertainment elements to attract younger consumers, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences towards social and interactive dining experiences [5][10]. Summary by Sections Emergence of "Borderline Economy" - The restaurant industry is witnessing a trend where dining is paired with performances, as seen in establishments like Haidilao, which has introduced night-themed dining experiences featuring DJs and interactive performances to draw in customers [5][7]. - This shift is a response to the challenges of attracting young consumers, as traditional food offerings alone are no longer sufficient [5][9]. Consumer Experience and Engagement - Young consumers, particularly those born in the 1990s and 2000s, are seeking not just food but a comprehensive experience that includes social interaction and entertainment [9][10]. - The popularity of Haidilao's night-themed restaurants has led to significant social media engagement, with over 10 million views on Xiaohongshu and 9 million on Douyin [7]. Historical Context and Evolution - The combination of dining and entertainment is not new, with historical precedents in ancient marketplaces and tea houses, but current implementations are more aggressive and visually oriented [8]. - The article highlights that while entertainment can enhance the dining experience, it cannot replace the fundamental quality of food [12][19]. Risks and Challenges - The article points out that while the "borderline" approach may generate short-term interest, it poses risks for long-term sustainability, as seen in the decline of restaurants like Staneemeehoi and Hooters, which relied heavily on provocative marketing strategies [12][13]. - Regulatory scrutiny is increasing, with establishments facing penalties for inappropriate entertainment content, indicating a potential backlash against overly provocative dining experiences [12][14]. Alternative Approaches - A new trend of culturally rich performances is emerging, where dining experiences incorporate local traditions and culinary practices, providing a more authentic and sustainable model for attracting customers [17][19]. - The article emphasizes that successful "performance dining" should enhance rather than overshadow the quality of food, ensuring that the core dining experience remains appealing [20].

Core Insights - The article discusses the emerging trend of combining dining with entertainment in the restaurant industry, particularly focusing on the "borderline economy" where restaurants incorporate performances to attract customers [1][6][8] - The shift in consumer preferences, especially among younger generations, emphasizes the need for a comprehensive experience that includes social interaction and entertainment, rather than just food [4][12] Industry Trends - The integration of performance elements in dining experiences is rapidly being adopted across various restaurant brands, such as Hai Di Lao and others, to enhance customer engagement and drive foot traffic [1][2][3] - Hai Di Lao has launched a "night snack" theme store that has gained significant attention, with over 10 million views on Xiaohongshu and 9 million on Douyin, leading to the opening of nearly 30 such stores in major cities [2][3] Financial Performance - The restaurant industry is facing significant financial pressures, with several well-known brands reporting losses in 2024, including Nayuki's Tea with a net loss of 919 million yuan and Xiaobing Xiaobing with a revenue of 4.755 billion yuan and a total loss of 401 million yuan [3][6] Consumer Behavior - The "experience generation" of consumers, particularly those born in the 1990s and 2000s, seeks not only food but also social and entertainment experiences, driving restaurants to innovate beyond traditional offerings [4][5] - The perception of value has shifted, with consumers willing to pay for multi-faceted experiences that combine dining with entertainment, as seen in the popularity of Hai Di Lao's new offerings [5][12] Risks and Challenges - The reliance on "borderline" entertainment strategies poses risks, as evidenced by the closure of previously successful establishments like Staneemeehoi in Bangkok and Hooters in the U.S., highlighting the potential pitfalls of such marketing approaches [6][7] - Regulatory scrutiny is increasing, with incidents of restaurants being penalized for inappropriate performances, indicating that the sustainability of the "borderline economy" is uncertain [7][8] Future Directions - A new trend of "positive performance" is emerging, where restaurants incorporate culturally rich and meaningful entertainment that enhances the dining experience without compromising food quality [9][10] - Successful models are focusing on integrating local culture and culinary traditions into performances, creating a more authentic and engaging dining experience [10][12]

Group 1 - The article discusses the rise of "appearance economy" and "borderline economy," which leverage attractiveness and emotional engagement to drive consumer interest and revenue [3][4][5] - The "borderline economy" is characterized by soft hints and emotional appeals, allowing individuals to monetize their presence and interactions, particularly among young people [3][4] - The emotional economy in China is projected to grow significantly, reaching approximately 23 trillion yuan in 2024 and expected to exceed 45 trillion yuan by 2029 [4] Group 2 - The offline retail sector is increasingly adopting "borderline" marketing strategies to attract consumers amid declining foot traffic and rising vacancy rates, with over 300,000 retail closures reported this year [9][10] - Successful examples include Shenzhen's Happy Valley attracting over 40,000 visitors by employing attractive NPCs, and Haidilao's nightlife transformation leading to a table turnover rate exceeding 10 times [10][11] - The article highlights a shift in consumer behavior where individuals are willing to pay for emotional experiences, often prioritizing emotional value over traditional content [8][10] Group 3 - The pervasive entertainment culture is reshaping consumer experiences, leading to a potential dilution of cultural and social values in consumption [12][14] - The article warns against the risk of reducing consumer behavior to mere sensory stimulation, advocating for a balance between entertainment and meaningful consumption [12][14] - It emphasizes the need for consumers to maintain their autonomy and rational judgment in the face of the encroaching "borderline economy" [14]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emerging trend of "fringe economy" in offline businesses, questioning whether this approach can sustain profitability and growth in the long term [1] Group 1: Definition and Characteristics - "Fringe economy" refers to businesses that blur the lines between traditional services and entertainment, such as employing muscular NPCs in amusement parks and male models as waitstaff [1] - This trend aims to attract customers through unique and eye-catching experiences, leveraging novelty to drive foot traffic [1] Group 2: Challenges and Issues - The article highlights that while the fringe economy may initially attract attention, it faces challenges such as sustainability and customer retention [1] - There are concerns about the long-term viability of relying on gimmicks to maintain customer interest and engagement [1] Group 3: Market Implications - The rise of the fringe economy could lead to increased competition among businesses seeking to differentiate themselves through unconventional methods [1] - Companies may need to balance novelty with quality service to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty in a rapidly changing market [1]

Core Viewpoint - The offline industry is increasingly adopting "borderline" marketing strategies, particularly through the use of male models to attract consumers, as a response to declining sales and foot traffic in various sectors [1][9]. Group 1: Offline Marketing Trends - The trend of using male models in offline marketing has been gaining traction since 2021, with theme parks like Happy Valley and Fantawild introducing "handsome NPC" models to enhance visitor engagement [2]. - By 2025, the offline consumption market is expected to see a surge in "male color marketing," with various sectors, including restaurants and theme parks, leveraging this strategy to cope with economic pressures [1][3]. Group 2: Impact on Visitor Numbers and Revenue - Happy Valley reported a significant increase in weekend attendance, with over 40,000 visitors, 98% of whom were young women aged 15-30, due to the presence of male models [3]. - During the 2024 Spring Festival, Happy Valley's events led to a total of 29,300 visitors and revenue of 13.8 million yuan, marking increases of 62.59% and 80.70% respectively compared to 2023 [3]. Group 3: Broader Industry Effects - The introduction of male models has positively impacted surrounding businesses, as seen in Fuzhou's Dongbai Center, where the "male model carrying bags" experience led to increased daily foot traffic and sales [4]. - Fuzhou Dongbai Center achieved sales exceeding 90 million yuan during the Spring Festival, with total foot traffic surpassing 1.1 million [5]. Group 4: Challenges in the Restaurant Sector - The restaurant industry, particularly Haidilao, has faced declining revenues, with a 3.7% drop in revenue and a 13.7% decrease in net profit in the first half of 2025 [6]. - Haidilao attempted to pivot by introducing a nightclub model, which resulted in a 10% increase in nighttime foot traffic at some locations [7]. Group 5: Consumer Behavior and Market Dynamics - Despite a recovery in offline consumption, many businesses remain in a state of loss, with 22% of theme parks reporting ongoing financial difficulties [8]. - The reliance on "borderline" marketing strategies has become a norm for offline businesses seeking to boost foot traffic and sales [9]. Group 6: Future Considerations - The entertainment-driven business model may pose risks, as it could alienate core family-oriented customers, who represent a significant portion of the tourism market [15]. - There is a growing trend among consumers towards deeper cultural experiences rather than superficial entertainment, indicating a potential shift in marketing strategies [16][17].

Core Viewpoint - The rise of "borderline" marketing strategies, particularly through male models and entertainment, is becoming a common approach in offline consumption sectors as businesses seek to boost traffic and sales during a challenging economic period [2][12][20]. Group 1: Offline Marketing Trends - The offline consumption market is expected to embrace a "male marketing" trend by 2025, with various sectors like theme parks and restaurants adopting this strategy to cope with declining sales [3][12]. - The introduction of "handsome NPCs" in theme parks has proven effective, with some locations reporting significant increases in visitor numbers, particularly among young women [4][5]. - The Fuzhou Dongbai Center's "male model bag-carrying" experience led to a notable increase in daily foot traffic and sales, showcasing the effectiveness of this marketing approach [7][8]. Group 2: Financial Performance and Challenges - Despite the initial success of "borderline" marketing, many offline businesses continue to struggle financially, with a significant portion of theme parks and restaurants reporting losses [13][17]. - For instance, the theme park industry has seen about 22% of its establishments operating at a loss, while major restaurant chains like Xiaobuxiang have reported substantial net losses [13][17]. - The financial reports from major players indicate a concerning trend, with companies like Huazhou City experiencing a decline in revenue and profit margins [17][18]. Group 3: Consumer Behavior and Market Dynamics - The consumer market is shifting towards a preference for deeper cultural experiences rather than superficial entertainment, as evidenced by the growing popularity of family-oriented travel and cultural tourism [20][21][22]. - Data shows that the emotional consumption market in China is projected to exceed 2 trillion yuan by 2025, indicating a strong demand for enriching experiences [19]. - The trend towards "de-entertainment" suggests that businesses need to integrate cultural elements into their offerings to remain competitive and relevant in the evolving market landscape [23][24].