Core Insights - The article discusses the shift in the blind box market, highlighting how once sought-after products are now being sold at significant discounts in discount supermarkets like Haote Mai [1][4][8] - The decline in prices for popular blind boxes, such as Labubu, is attributed to increased production capacity and a surplus of inventory, leading to a drop in secondary market prices [2][4][6] Market Dynamics - Consumers are increasingly drawn to low-cost blind boxes for the experience of unboxing rather than the value of the items themselves, indicating a shift in consumer behavior [5][6] - The pricing strategy for blind boxes is influenced by the popularity of the IP (intellectual property), with high-demand items commanding higher prices while lesser-known IPs are sold at lower prices [7][8] Inventory Management - The industry faces challenges with inventory turnover, where popular items sell quickly while less popular ones linger, leading to potential financial strain [11][12] - Brands are adopting flexible order models and utilizing AI tools to predict demand and manage inventory more effectively, reducing the risk of overproduction [9][10] Cultural Relevance - The article emphasizes the importance of cultural storytelling in sustaining the popularity of IPs, suggesting that products rooted in local culture may resonate more with consumers [15][20] - Successful examples include museum collaborations that transform traditional artifacts into trendy blind box products, enhancing cultural engagement and commercial success [16][19] Future Trends - The blind box market is expected to evolve, focusing on quality and storytelling rather than just novelty, with brands needing to build emotional connections with consumers [20][21] - The competition will increasingly hinge on supply chain efficiency and the ability to respond to market trends quickly, as well as the capacity to create compelling narratives around products [20][21]