Core Insights - The rise of the "emotional economy" is reshaping consumer behavior, with consumers increasingly willing to pay for psychological satisfaction rather than just practical product functionality [1][4][6] - Emotional value is permeating various sectors of life and consumption, with products designed to alleviate anxiety and provide joy becoming increasingly popular [2][5][6] Group 1: Emotional Economy Trends - The demand for products that provide emotional value has surged, with over 1.1 million new "decompression" related businesses registered in the past five years, and a 30.18% year-on-year increase in "trendy toy" related businesses in 2024 [4][6] - The market for "emotional economy" products, including those related to second-dimensional IP derivatives, is projected to reach 168.9 billion yuan in 2024, with expectations to exceed 300 billion yuan by 2029 [4][6] Group 2: Consumer Behavior - Consumers are increasingly seeking emotional experiences, with social media amplifying emotional resonance and driving the popularity of emotional consumption [4][6] - Products that provide emotional value include stress-relief toys, nostalgic items, and AI companions, which cater to various emotional needs and preferences [5][6] Group 3: Market Challenges - Businesses face challenges in accurately addressing diverse emotional needs, as different demographics have varying emotional preferences [6][8] - The emotional consumption sector is not without risks, including the potential for impulse buying and issues related to product quality and misleading advertising [6][8] Group 4: Emotional Value in Retail - Retail spaces are evolving from mere product providers to "emotion-creating" environments, integrating various experiences to enhance consumer engagement [7][8] - Products are being tailored to meet specific emotional needs of different consumer segments, with a focus on storytelling and cultural relevance [8][9]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the validity of "no refund after a certain period" clauses in prepaid contracts, particularly in the context of a dance training institution, highlighting a recent court case that ruled such clauses as invalid due to their restrictive nature on consumer rights [1][2]. Group 1: Contractual Issues - Prepaid contracts in industries like dining, training, and fitness often include "no refund after a certain period" clauses, which can lead to disputes [1]. - In a specific case, a consumer paid over 1700 yuan for dance courses, with a contract stipulating varying refund conditions based on the duration of enrollment [1]. Group 2: Court Ruling - The court found the clause "no refund after six months" to be a standard format clause that unfairly restricted the consumer's right to a refund, especially since course availability depended on a minimum number of participants [2]. - The court ruled in favor of the consumer, ordering the training institution to refund over 1200 yuan based on the circumstances of course cancellations and the consumer's rights [2]. Group 3: Legal Considerations - The judge noted that contracts in such contexts often involve personal attributes, and if conflicts arise, enforcing the contract could exacerbate the situation, leading to greater harm [2]. - Courts generally support consumers' requests to terminate contracts when disputes occur, reflecting a consumer-friendly approach in such legal matters [2].