Core Insights - The article discusses how certain industries are thriving despite a general perception of economic downturn, highlighting eight key sectors that present significant business opportunities in a low-desire society [3][4]. Group 1: Key Industries - **Second-hand Economy**: The second-hand luxury market in Japan, represented by companies like Daikokuya, has seen a surge in revenue. In China, platforms like Hongbulin and Panghu are experiencing similar growth [6][7][9]. - **Pet Economy**: With a decline in birth rates, spending on pets has increased. Companies like Inaba in Japan and Guobao in China are capitalizing on this trend, with pet food and healthcare products seeing significant sales growth [10][12][13]. - **Adult Care**: The adult diaper market in Japan has surpassed $10 billion, indicating a strong potential for similar products in China, particularly as the population ages [14][15][16]. - **Health Food and Beverages**: Changes in population structure and rising health awareness have led to the success of sugar-free products and functional beverages in both Japan and China [19][20]. - **Beauty Economy**: Despite economic constraints, demand for beauty products like collagen supplements and home beauty devices remains high, indicating a persistent consumer interest in personal care [22]. - **Outdoor Recreation**: The outdoor equipment market is thriving, with brands in both Japan and China seeing significant sales growth, as consumers seek leisure activities despite economic challenges [22]. - **Emotional Economy**: Products that provide emotional comfort, such as low-alcohol beverages and unique consumer goods, are gaining popularity, reflecting a shift in consumer spending habits [23][24]. - **Lazy Economy**: The demand for convenience products, such as frozen foods and smart home appliances, is increasing as younger generations prioritize time-saving solutions [27][28][29]. Group 2: Market Trends - **Consumer Behavior**: The article emphasizes that even in a low-desire economy, there are opportunities for growth in sectors that cater to changing consumer needs and preferences [31]. - **Investment Opportunities**: Companies that can identify and invest in these counter-cyclical sectors are likely to emerge as winners in the current economic climate [31].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses how certain industries are thriving despite a general perception of economic downturn, highlighting eight sectors that present significant business opportunities in a low-desire society [3][4]. Group 1: Key Industries - **Second-hand Economy**: The second-hand luxury market in Japan, represented by companies like Daikokuya, has seen a surge in revenue. In China, platforms like Hongbulin and Panghu are experiencing similar growth [6][7][9]. - **Pet Economy**: Despite declining birth rates, spending on pets is increasing, with brands like Inaba in Japan and Guobao in China seeing strong sales. The pet healthcare sector is also expanding significantly [10][11][13][14]. - **Adult Care**: The adult diaper market in Japan has surpassed $10 billion, indicating a growing potential for similar products in China, driven by an aging population [15][16][17]. - **Health Food and Beverages**: Changes in population structure and rising health awareness have led to the success of sugar-free products and functional beverages in both Japan and China [20][21]. - **Beauty Economy**: The demand for beauty products remains strong, with companies like Jinbo Bio achieving high market valuations through collagen products, indicating a persistent consumer interest in beauty [23]. - **Outdoor and Leisure**: The outdoor equipment market is thriving, with brands in China experiencing rapid sales growth, reflecting a desire for leisure activities despite economic constraints [24]. - **Emotional Economy**: Brands like Labubu and Rio are capitalizing on the need for emotional comfort, showing that consumers are willing to spend on experiences that provide joy [24][25]. - **Lazy Economy**: The trend towards convenience is evident in the growth of frozen food brands and smart home appliances, which cater to a generation with less time for cooking [28][29][30]. Group 2: Market Insights - The article emphasizes that even in a low-desire economy, there are significant opportunities for those willing to invest in counter-cyclical sectors. It encourages stakeholders to recognize and act on these emerging trends [32].

Core Insights - The article discusses how certain industries are thriving despite the prevailing narrative of economic hardship, highlighting eight sectors that present significant business opportunities in a low-desire society [3][4]. Group 1: Key Industries - The second-hand economy is booming, with companies like Dabaiku in Japan and Hongbulin in China seeing substantial revenue growth as consumers turn to second-hand luxury goods [8][6]. - The pet economy is flourishing, with brands like Inaba and Guobao experiencing strong stock performance, as consumers prioritize spending on pet products over traditional family expenses [9][10]. - The adult care market, exemplified by Unicharm's success in Japan, is projected to grow significantly in China, driven by an aging population [14][16]. - Health food and beverage sectors are expanding, with brands like Dongfang Shuye and Jianchun capitalizing on the rising health consciousness among consumers [19][20]. - The beauty economy remains robust, with products like collagen supplements and home beauty devices achieving high sales, indicating a persistent demand for beauty solutions [23]. - Outdoor and leisure products are gaining traction, with brands like Snow Peak and Kailas seeing increased sales as consumers seek outdoor experiences [25]. - The emotional economy is on the rise, with brands like Labubu and Rio catering to consumers' desires for comfort and enjoyment [27][28]. - The convenience economy is thriving, with frozen food brands and smart home appliances addressing the needs of younger generations who prioritize time-saving solutions [32][33]. Group 2: Market Trends - The article emphasizes that even in a low-desire period, there are significant opportunities for companies that can identify and invest in counter-cyclical sectors [36]. - The upcoming seminar aims to provide insights into the methodologies of successful consumer giants in Japan and China, focusing on efficiency, demand reconstruction, and capital strategies [37].

Core Viewpoint - The second-hand market in China is thriving, with a transaction volume of 1.32 trillion RMB in 2023, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 5.6%, and online transactions reaching approximately 552 billion RMB, up 15% from the previous year [3][12]. Group 1: Overview of the Second-Hand Market - The second-hand economy is characterized by the reuse of products, diversification of consumer goods, and emotional and interest-driven consumption [8][10]. - Historical context shows that second-hand goods have always been part of human society, with examples dating back to ancient China and 19th-century Paris [4][5]. - The rise of second-hand trading is linked to a shift in consumer behavior, focusing on value and sustainability, especially as the economy transitions from high growth to a more stable phase [12][10]. Group 2: Platforms and Consumer Behavior - Platforms like Xianyu have expanded the types of goods traded, including points and services, catering to hidden consumer needs [9][14]. - The concept of "vintage" has redefined the high-value attributes of second-hand items, with rare collectibles often selling for significantly higher prices than their original value [9][10]. - The second-hand market is seen as a necessary component of a healthy consumption society, integrating environmental sustainability and cultural demands [12]. Group 3: Global Perspectives - The second-hand market is not unique to China; countries like Japan have a long-standing culture of second-hand consumption, with platforms like Mercari gaining significant traction [23]. - In Europe, fashion brands are increasingly adopting repair services as part of their business models, reflecting a growing trend towards sustainability [25][26]. Group 4: Future Trends - The second-hand market is expected to continue growing as consumers increasingly seek quality at lower prices, aligning with the broader trend of sustainable consumption [27].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolution of Xianyu, a second-hand trading platform, from a simple C2C marketplace to a vibrant community focused on interest-based transactions, emphasizing its growth and strategic direction under the leadership of CEO Ding Jian [2][3][10]. Group 1: Brand Positioning and Marketing - Xianyu has shifted its branding from a "second-hand trading platform" to a "community for young people's interest transactions," with a focus on creativity and engagement [2][3]. - The platform has launched extensive advertising campaigns featuring its first spokesperson, Liu Yuning, across various cities and digital platforms [2][3]. - The marketing strategy includes celebrating the platform's anniversary every July, reinforcing its community-oriented approach [2][3]. Group 2: User Engagement and Community Development - Xianyu has over 600 million registered users, with a significant portion being young consumers, particularly those born in the 1990s and 2000s [10][19]. - The platform encourages user-generated content and innovative uses, with over 315,000 users developing unique applications for the platform [8][10]. - Community features like "fish ponds" have been integral to building trust and facilitating local transactions, although they faced challenges with governance and quality control [14][17]. Group 3: Business Model and Financial Performance - In 2023, Xianyu began charging software service fees to high-frequency B-end sellers, indicating a strategic move towards monetization while maintaining a balance with community values [8][10]. - The platform's daily GMV (Gross Merchandise Volume) has surpassed 1 billion yuan, making it the second-largest app within Alibaba's ecosystem after Taobao [10]. - Xianyu's user base has grown by approximately 200 million under Ding Jian's leadership, with a notable increase in active users [10][19]. Group 4: Future Outlook and Strategic Goals - Xianyu aims to maintain a balance between community engagement and commercialization, with plans to collaborate with other Alibaba platforms for enhanced synergy [10][12]. - The platform is positioned to leverage the growing demand for second-hand goods and services, particularly among younger consumers seeking sustainable options [12][19]. - Xianyu's future strategy includes expanding its role as a "magical" platform that transcends mere transactions, fostering a diverse range of lifestyle possibilities for its users [12][19].

Core Viewpoint - The incident highlights consumer dissatisfaction with the "95分" platform regarding the sale of a defective collectible toy, raising concerns about the platform's return policy and customer service practices [1][9]. Group 1: Consumer Complaint - A consumer named Mr. Wang reported receiving a defective Labubu toy with an unknown "foreign object" on its arm, which he found unacceptable [1][3]. - Mr. Wang's request for a refund was denied by the platform, which claimed the defect was "not within the inspection range" [3][6]. - The platform's inspection report only noted "slight use" and "packaging box damaged," failing to mention the arm defect [3][5]. Group 2: Customer Service Response - Customer service emphasized that the toy was rated as "Grade A" and suggested that minor defects do not affect usability, urging Mr. Wang to keep the item [5][6]. - When Mr. Wang pointed out the platform's failure to fulfill its inspection responsibilities, customer service reiterated that the item was not eligible for a no-reason return and offered a 10 yuan coupon as compensation, which he rejected [6][9]. Group 3: Legal Perspective - Legal expert Hu Yiming stated that the platform must adhere to the seven-day no-reason return policy as mandated by consumer protection laws, given its nature as a second-hand goods marketplace [9][10]. - Hu also noted that the platform violated the consumer's right to know by not disclosing the specific defects of the product at the time of sale, which infringes on the consumer's legal rights [10].

Core Insights - The Shanghai Consumer Protection Committee reported a total of 150,113 consumer complaints in the first half of 2025, representing an 18.2% year-on-year increase [1] - The majority of complaints were related to goods, accounting for 67.1% of the total, with clothing, home goods, and household appliances being the top three categories [1] - Service-related complaints made up 32.9% of the total, with internet services, transportation, and beauty services leading the complaints [1] Complaint Categories - Goods complaints totaled 100,737, with clothing (22,810), home goods (17,572), and household appliances (7,966) being the most complained about [1] - Service complaints reached 49,376, with internet services (8,650), transportation (4,308), and beauty services (3,216) being the most frequent [1] Nature of Complaints - Contract issues constituted 52.09% of complaints, followed by after-sales service issues at 18.57%, and other quality-related problems at 29.34% [1] - Notably, there were 2,749 complaints related to trendy toys, highlighting consumer interest in emotional value, with issues primarily concerning delayed shipments and inadequate after-sales support [1] - The rise of second-hand platforms has led to challenges in verifying the authenticity of products during transactions [1]

Core Insights - The company plans to add 800 offline stores this year to provide face-to-face recycling services nationwide [2] - AI quality inspection systems are significantly reducing inspection costs and errors, while AI pricing engines are addressing the "information black box" issue in traditional second-hand transactions [2][5] Group 1: Industry Transformation - The second-hand economy in China is undergoing a critical transformation due to trust issues between buyers and sellers, which has hindered the realization of the value of idle items [4] - The traditional second-hand trading model suffers from information asymmetry, leading to buyer skepticism and seller vulnerability to malicious claims [4][5] Group 2: AI Technology Integration - AI technology is reconstructing the transparency of the second-hand market, with systems capable of detecting minute defects and providing rapid diagnostics [5] - The introduction of AI-driven real-time pricing systems is enhancing price fairness and transparency, stimulating consumer enthusiasm in the second-hand market [5][6] Group 3: Market Growth and Consumer Engagement - The second-hand economy is becoming a significant driver of domestic consumption, with online retail sales growing by 7.7% year-on-year in the first four months of this year [7] - The company aims to expand its service network, with plans to add 800 stores and 1,000 engineers to enhance recycling convenience [7] - The projected revenue for the company in 2024 is expected to grow by 25.9% to reach 16.33 billion yuan, with a total of 35.3 million second-hand transactions [7]

Core Insights - The company, Wanwu Xingsheng (Ai Huishou), released its 2024 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report, marking the fifth consecutive year of such disclosures and introducing carbon reduction targets for 2030 [1][3] Group 1: Carbon Reduction Goals - The company has set a carbon reduction target to decrease greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 35% for Scope 1 and Scope 2, and by 50% for Scope 3 by 2030, using 2024 as the baseline [3] - The company aims to enhance the recycling and circulation rate of second-hand products through a technology-driven approach, promoting second-hand goods as a consumer choice [3] Group 2: Business Expansion and Service Diversification - By the end of 2024, the company plans to have 1,861 offline stores across 283 cities, with 62% of these being new-generation stores capable of multi-category recycling [6] - The company has optimized its luxury goods and apparel evaluation and loan mechanisms, enabling a "remote assessment + on-site loan" process to improve transaction efficiency [6] Group 3: Compliance and Standardization - The company is actively involved in establishing industry standards, participating in the formulation of national standards for second-hand goods trading and quality assessment [6] - In 2024, the company expanded its compliance refurbishment business by partnering with major mobile phone manufacturers, achieving a scale-up in repair services across six new product categories [7]

Group 1: Green Consumption Trends - The low-carbon concept is increasingly embraced by consumers, leading to a rise in the purchase of energy-efficient products and the trading of idle items, particularly in the home appliance sector [1][4] - The "old-for-new" policy and green concepts have made energy-efficient appliances more appealing, with first-level energy efficiency products becoming the preferred choice for many consumers [2][4] - The sales generated from the "old-for-new" program have reached 1.1 trillion yuan since 2025, significantly boosting green consumption and industrial upgrades [4] Group 2: Production Innovations - Leading manufacturers are focusing on reducing emissions from the source, with designs emphasizing "lightweight and low energy consumption" [2] - A significant portion of materials used in appliances, such as refrigerators, is now recyclable, with 70%-80% of components made from recyclable materials [2] - The production process has been enhanced with environmentally friendly practices, such as the use of non-spray coating techniques in assembly [2] Group 3: Recycling and Circular Economy - The recycling process for old appliances is becoming more efficient, with facilities capable of quickly breaking down and sorting materials for reuse [2] - The demand for recycling is increasing, prompting companies to upgrade their smart production lines to handle the growing volume of waste [2] - The second-hand market is thriving, with a 40% year-on-year increase in second-hand recovery orders and a 43% increase in second-hand transaction orders as of May 2025 [14] Group 4: Clean Energy Development - The clean energy sector is rapidly expanding, with a significant increase in installed photovoltaic capacity, surpassing 1 billion kilowatts [21][23] - The share of clean energy in Xinjiang's total installed capacity has reached 60%, with ongoing projects expected to add 13.6 million kilowatts of new energy generation [20][30] - The government is streamlining the approval process for clean energy projects, enhancing support for the development of renewable energy [18][19] Group 5: Energy Efficiency and Carbon Reduction - The focus on energy efficiency is crucial for reducing fossil fuel consumption and enhancing clean energy production capabilities [29] - The construction of high-voltage transmission lines is being accelerated to improve the delivery capacity of renewable energy [30] - By 2027, the goal is to achieve a renewable energy utilization rate of no less than 90% across the country [31]