Core Insights - The 138th Canton Fair's third phase focuses on "Beautiful Life," featuring five major sectors: fashion, home textiles, toys and baby products, stationery, and health and leisure, with a total exhibition area of 515,000 square meters and approximately 25,000 booths, creating a global trade event that combines cultural care and fashion trends [1] Group 1: Consumer Demand and Trends - The event addresses deep consumer needs, covering diverse scenarios from personal to pet products, and from basic functionality to emotional value, catering to global buyers' demand for high-quality products [2] - Key exhibition categories such as clothing, footwear, bags, and stationery exceed global counterparts in exhibition area, highlighting strong international competitiveness [2] - Emerging themes like pet supplies, camping leisure, and new consumption for the elderly are focal points, responding accurately to global consumption upgrade trends [2] Group 2: Industry Participation and Innovation - Over 12,000 participating companies are present, with more than 200 new additions compared to the previous session, including over 2,900 high-quality enterprises such as national high-tech firms and specialized "little giants," showcasing the fair's strong industrial aggregation effect [3] - A number of "invisible champions" in niche markets are present, leveraging technological innovation across the supply chain to maintain industry leadership [3] Group 3: New Supply Trends - Companies are reshaping lifestyles through intelligence, sustainability, and personalization, with each exhibit representing an innovative proposal for a better life [4] - Smart products like customizable treadmills and intelligent surgical robots are highlighted, integrating technology with traditional health management practices [5] - Eco-friendly products such as biodegradable toys and recycled ski suits demonstrate a commitment to green manufacturing, with a 40% carbon reduction achieved through fluorine-free processes [6] - Innovative designs, including pet protective gear and 3D-printed shoes, showcase technology's role in meeting specific needs while enhancing personalization and functionality [7]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the emerging consumption trends in lower-tier cities, focusing on the "county cattle" who are redefining their lifestyle and consumption patterns, contrasting with the fast-paced life in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai [3][4][6]. Group 1: Lifestyle and Consumption Changes - The "county cattle" experience a slower-paced life, characterized by a more relaxed work environment and lower job mobility, which influences their consumption habits [4][5]. - A new group of "new cattle" returning from major cities seeks a more stable lifestyle, leading to the emergence of unique consumption experiences in county towns, such as self-service KTVs and themed stores [5][6]. - The shift in consumption logic from material accumulation to experience investment is evident, with young consumers prioritizing affordable leisure activities over traditional luxury goods [9][12]. Group 2: Economic Growth in Lower-Tier Cities - The online consumption scale in lower-tier cities has seen a compound annual growth rate of 48% over the past three years, with expectations to exceed 800 billion yuan in the next three years [9][14]. - Brands like Zhengyuan and Xiaotie are successfully penetrating these markets with affordable pricing and high service standards, indicating a shift towards experience-driven consumption [13][14]. - The lower rental and labor costs in county towns allow for a "thin profit margin" strategy, enabling businesses to offer competitive prices while maintaining quality service [14][16]. Group 3: Technological and Service Innovations - The integration of technology in service delivery, such as AI systems in self-service venues, has significantly reduced operational costs and improved customer experience [16][18]. - Local brands are innovating by combining cultural elements with modern service models, creating unique offerings that resonate with younger consumers [17][19]. - The article emphasizes the role of platforms like Meituan in facilitating the growth of local businesses and enhancing consumer access to services [18][20].