Core Viewpoint - The luxury goods market is experiencing a shift as younger generations are increasingly favoring collectible toys (潮玩) over traditional luxury items, viewing them as a new form of self-expression and identity [1][4][20]. Group 1: Comparison of Luxury Goods and Collectible Toys - Collectible toys are seen as a new luxury system that resonates with the principles of traditional luxury goods, focusing on emotional connection and identity rather than mere price [2][20]. - Both luxury goods and collectible toys share similar underlying logic, such as non-utilitarian premium pricing, emotional attachment, identity differentiation, symbolic consumption, and scarcity mechanisms [3][20]. - The emotional and social functions of collectible toys are becoming increasingly important, as they provide a sense of belonging and personal expression for the younger generation [5][20]. Group 2: Cultural and Generational Shifts - The younger generation in China is moving away from traditional luxury brands, seeking unique cultural symbols that resonate with their personal experiences and social circles [4][5]. - Collectible toys are not merely imitations of luxury goods but represent a new cultural phenomenon that reflects local aesthetics and emotional expressions [10][20]. - The shift in consumer behavior indicates a broader cultural transformation where identity and emotional resonance take precedence over traditional markers of wealth and status [20][21]. Group 3: Brand and Narrative Construction - The branding of collectible toys is evolving to focus on character personality and emotional connections, moving away from traditional product-centric narratives [12][13]. - Collectible toys are creating expansive narrative universes that engage consumers beyond mere transactions, fostering community and shared experiences [13][20]. - The construction of a "spiritual luxury" through collectible toys emphasizes personal meaning and emotional investment rather than external validation from traditional luxury markers [20][21].