Core Viewpoint - The "Guzi Economy," represented by the popularity of the animated film "Wang Wang Mountain Little Monsters," is reshaping the consumer market by driving demand for related merchandise and creating a vibrant market for collectibles and emotional consumption experiences [1][3][7]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The "Guzi Economy" is projected to reach a market size of 168.9 billion yuan in 2024, with a year-on-year growth of 41%, and is expected to surpass 200 billion yuan in 2025 [3][7]. - The primary consumer demographic for the "Guzi Economy" is Generation Z, particularly those born after 2005, who are driving the rapid growth of this market [2][3]. Group 2: Impact on Traditional Retail - The influx of the "Guzi Economy" is revitalizing traditional shopping malls, which are facing challenges from e-commerce and homogenization of retail experiences [4][5]. - By integrating "Guzi Economy" elements, traditional malls are enhancing customer engagement and increasing foot traffic, particularly among younger consumers [5][6]. Group 3: IP Development and Challenges - Despite the promising outlook, the "Guzi Economy" faces challenges such as insufficient IP development and a lack of leading works, which limits the market's potential [7][9]. - The industry is still in its early stages, with a need for improved collaboration across the IP development, licensing, and sales processes [9]. Group 4: Future Prospects - Companies are actively pursuing comprehensive IP strategies to create a complete industrial chain, from IP resource development to the production and sale of related merchandise [8][9]. - The rise of the "Guzi Economy" is expected to contribute significantly to China's cultural industry, both domestically and internationally, as policies encourage the growth of this sector [9][10].

Core Insights - The secondary market for anime-related merchandise is experiencing extreme volatility, with items originally priced at a few dozen yuan being resold for as much as 30,000 yuan, indicating a speculative bubble in the market [1] - The market for figurines is described as resembling a roller coaster, with prices often halving upon resale, highlighting the risks associated with investing in this sector [1] Industry Summary - The anime merchandise market is characterized by significant price fluctuations, leading to concerns about whether investors are recovering their investments or getting trapped in losses [1]

Core Insights - The "Guzi Economy," referring to merchandise derived from popular IPs in anime, games, and films, is experiencing significant growth in China, with a market size projected to reach 168.9 billion yuan in 2024, representing over 40% growth from 2023, and expected to exceed 300 billion yuan by 2029 [1][2] Demand Side Analysis - The primary consumer base driving the "Guzi Economy" consists of the younger generation, particularly those born in the 1990s and 2000s, who are characterized by a strong desire for self-expression and emotional fulfillment, leading to lower price sensitivity and inelastic demand for these products [1][2] Supply Side Analysis - The flourishing cultural industry in China is producing a wealth of quality IPs, while a robust manufacturing supply chain enables efficient production of various merchandise. Marketing strategies such as limited releases and collaborations create artificial scarcity, further stimulating consumer demand [2] Economic Impact - The rise of the "Guzi Economy" not only diversifies consumer choices for young people but also injects new momentum into the cultural industry, transforming niche interests into substantial economic sectors and showcasing significant economic vitality and growth potential [3]

Core Insights - The rise of furry costumes in the anime community has led to a significant increase in demand, with orders surpassing previous years [1][6] - Custom furry costumes can cost up to nearly 10,000 yuan, reflecting the trend towards personalized and handmade products [2][6] - The furry costume trend is supported by parents, particularly those from the '80s generation, who understand their children's interests in anime and character representation [7][8] Industry Trends - The furry costume market is experiencing a shift from traditional cosplay to more personalized furry outfits, with a focus on custom designs [6][8] - The production process for these costumes is labor-intensive, often taking weeks to complete a single piece, which emphasizes the artisanal nature of the industry [6][8] - The practicality of furry costumes for repeated use in various social settings is contributing to their popularity among children and teenagers [8] Consumer Behavior - Parents are increasingly involved in the furry costume trend, often commissioning custom pieces for their children to enhance bonding experiences [7] - The costumes serve as a means for children to express their identities and connect with peers, indicating a social aspect to the purchasing behavior [7][8] - The demand for furry costumes is primarily coming from regions like Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai, highlighting geographic trends in consumer interest [8]

Core Insights - The article discusses the booming second-hand trading market for anime and gaming merchandise, highlighting the volatility in prices and the impulsive buying behavior of consumers in the "二次元" (two-dimensional) culture [1][5][12] - It emphasizes the dual nature of consumers as both buyers and sellers, often leading to a cycle of impulsive purchases followed by attempts to recoup costs through resale [31][46] Group 1: Market Dynamics - The second-hand market for anime merchandise has seen significant fluctuations, with items like character badges experiencing price drops from thousands to hundreds of yuan [1][5] - The rise of IP (intellectual property) economy has led to an increase in merchandise availability, with consumers often engaging in impulsive buying, resulting in a vibrant second-hand trading environment [5][12] - Platforms like Xianyu (闲鱼) and Qidao (千岛) have become central to this trading ecosystem, with Xianyu reporting a user base of 105 million and a 75% year-on-year increase in transaction volume [50][49] Group 2: Consumer Behavior - Consumers often engage in "blind box" purchases, where they buy merchandise without knowing the specific items they will receive, leading to a gambling-like mentality [32][37] - The article notes that many sellers are also significant buyers, with profits from sales often reinvested into new merchandise, perpetuating a cycle of consumption [31][46] - The community aspect of platforms like Xiaohongshu (小红书) plays a crucial role in influencing purchasing decisions, with users often showcasing their collections and purchases [54][52] Group 3: Challenges and Risks - The second-hand market faces challenges such as counterfeit products, high uncertainty due to the involvement of minors, and complex unwritten rules within the community [14][56] - The article highlights the need for better regulation and service standards on trading platforms to address these issues and ensure sustainable market growth [56] - Concerns are raised about the long-term viability of the second-hand market, which heavily relies on the popularity of anime IPs, suggesting that a lack of new content could lead to market decline [56]

Core Insights - The "Guzi Economy" has emerged as a new growth point in the consumption sector, particularly among the youth, with a focus on developing quality anime products and creating hubs for the two-dimensional culture [1][12] - The Beijing government has introduced an action plan to regulate and promote the "Guzi Economy," encouraging the creation of quality content and supporting domestic brands in expanding their markets [1][12] Youth Engagement in the "Guzi Economy" - Young people are actively participating in the "Guzi" culture, with events and markets attracting fans who buy, sell, and trade merchandise related to their favorite anime and games [2][4] - The popularity of "Guzi" has led to a vibrant community where fans connect over shared interests, with many using these interactions as a means of socializing and expressing their identities [6][13] Commercial Impact on Retail Spaces - Traditional shopping malls in Beijing are adapting to the "Guzi Economy" by renovating and introducing "Guzi" stores and markets, resulting in increased foot traffic and sales [8][11] - For instance, the Wangfujing Joy Shopping Center has seen its revenue double compared to the same period before renovations, with the "Guzi" section alone generating nearly 100 million yuan [11][12] Market Growth and Future Projections - The "Guzi Economy" market size in China is projected to reach 168.9 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a 41% year-on-year growth, with expectations to surpass 200 billion yuan by 2025 [13][15] - The emergence of dedicated two-dimensional commercial spaces, such as the "Bailian ZX Chuangqu" in Shanghai, indicates a growing trend in the market, with significant increases in sales and customer engagement [13][15] Challenges and Recommendations for Retailers - Experts warn that while the "Guzi" stores are popular, retailers may face profitability challenges due to market saturation and the need for differentiation [15][16] - It is suggested that businesses focus on unique content and themes to meet diverse consumer demands and maintain engagement in a rapidly changing market [15][16]

Core Insights - The "Guzi" economy, driven by anime IPs, is reshaping offline consumption ecosystems, attracting young consumers and revitalizing commercial areas [1][2][3] - By 2029, the market size of China's "Guzi economy" is expected to exceed 300 billion yuan, becoming a new driver for regional consumption and urban renewal [1][2] - The appeal of "Guzi" products lies not in their functional attributes but in their emotional and cultural significance, resonating with the Z generation's desire for identity and community [2][3] Industry Trends - Recent consumer events have highlighted the growing trend of "Guzi" activities, with significant sales figures reported, such as over 300 million yuan in sales of related products from the animated film "Nezha 2" within a month [2] - Major cities are witnessing a surge in "Guzi" pop-up events and stores, with long queues and rapid sell-outs becoming commonplace [2][3] - The high engagement of cultural consumption is transforming the operational logic of offline shopping districts, with increased foot traffic reported in locations featuring "Guzi" stores [2][3] Market Dynamics - The "Guzi economy" is expanding into lower-tier cities, with events like anime conventions stimulating local consumption [3] - Brands are leveraging limited releases and collaborations to create a sense of novelty, enhancing customer engagement and extending their stay in stores [3] - Local governments are increasingly linking cultural resources with IPs to achieve dual goals of cultural revitalization and consumption transformation [3] Challenges and Future Directions - Some "Guzi" stores face challenges due to over-reliance on single IPs and lack of content updates, leading to a decline in foot traffic post-peak [4] - Issues such as scalping and counterfeit products are undermining consumer trust, indicating a need for sustainable development in the "Guzi economy" [4] - To unlock the long-term value of the "Guzi economy," there is a need for cities and businesses to shift from merely chasing trends to building platforms that enhance local cultural identity and provide immersive consumer experiences [4]

Group 1 - The core phenomenon of "breaking the wall" in the ACG culture indicates that the subculture of Cosplay has grown into a mainstream cultural trend with significant growth potential, evidenced by approximately 10 million Cosplay enthusiasts globally and a spending of $4.8 billion in 2023, averaging $480 per user annually [1] Group 2 - The Cosplay commercial ecosystem is driven by IP, with upstream content creation from ACG, midstream productization including costumes and accessories, and downstream consumer engagement primarily from the 18-30 age demographic, who are increasingly turning their hobby into a profession [2][3] Group 3 - The global market for Cosplay costumes is projected to grow from $4.75 billion in 2024 to $8.65 billion by 2029, with a production model that favors semi-customization due to the complexity of character designs [4][5] Group 4 - The market for beauty contact lenses and wigs, while smaller than costumes, shows a trend towards refined consumption, with significant user loyalty and a growing market share for domestic brands [6][7][8] Group 5 - Brands have opportunities to penetrate the Cosplay market through IP collaborations and by embedding themselves in cultural scenes, focusing on the expressive motivations of consumers rather than just product needs [10][11]

Core Viewpoint - The millet market is experiencing rapid growth driven by the popularity of ACG (Anime, Comic, and Games) culture and the expansion of its consumer base, with a projected growth rate of 30% year-on-year in 2024 [1] Industry Characteristics - The rapid rise of the millet economy is attributed to the matching of supply and demand, with the female Gen Z being the main consumer group, driven by emotional consumption needs and the rise of quality IPs [1] - The growth is supported by the emergence of quality supply, including the rise of domestic animation IPs and the concentration of millet stores in the market [1] Business Model - The millet economy's value chain is structured into three main segments: upstream IP and raw material supply, midstream product development, and downstream diversified sales [2] - Upstream, IP development is the "heart" of the millet economy, with strong bargaining power and short authorization periods [2] - Midstream participants are numerous but concentrated in specific segments, while downstream sales channels include online, offline, and second-hand markets, with a focus on core business districts [2] - The overall markup in the millet economy's value chain is high, with substantial profit margins across all segments [2] Future Development - The macroeconomic environment and supply-demand alignment are expected to drive significant growth in the millet economy, similar to trends observed in the Japanese market [3] - The current economic foundation and demographic structure in China provide fertile ground for the development of the millet economy, with increasing IP supply and expanding audience demographics [3] - There remains considerable potential for per capita consumption growth compared to developed countries [3]

Core Insights - The rise of the "Guzi economy" is driven by the increasing influence of the Z generation, who are becoming the main consumer force in the market [1][3] - Shanghai is identified as the city with the highest concentration of ACG (Anime, Comic, Game) culture in China, with numerous themed commercial districts attracting fans from across the country [1][3] - The market for "Guzi" (derivative products from ACG IPs) is projected to reach 168.9 billion yuan in 2024, marking a 40.63% increase from 2023, and is expected to exceed 300 billion yuan by 2029 [3][19] Group 1: Market Dynamics - The number of pan-ACG users in China is expected to reach 503 million by 2024, with the market size surpassing 100 billion yuan [3][19] - The global market for "Guzi" is growing at an annual rate of over 20%, with China being a key growth driver [3][19] - The "Guzi economy" is characterized by emotional connections and social currency among fans, with some rare items fetching prices hundreds of times their original value in the secondary market [3][11] Group 2: Cultural Impact - The "Guzi" phenomenon is seen as a form of emotional projection and attachment for fans, with items like badges and acrylic stands serving as tangible representations of their favorite IPs [11][12] - Events and activities centered around ACG culture are becoming new avenues for driving foot traffic and enhancing the vitality of traditional retail spaces [13][15] - The integration of ACG elements into physical retail experiences is reshaping consumer habits and creating immersive cultural consumption scenarios [30][34] Group 3: Industry Players - Companies like Lu Hua Film and GuGuGuGu are at the forefront of the "Guzi economy," with Lu Hua Film being involved in the distribution and promotion of popular anime films [4][19] - GuGuGuGu has secured over 100 popular IP licenses and developed more than 3,700 products, with 70% being self-developed [21][34] - The collaboration between domestic and international IPs is increasing, with Chinese products gaining traction in overseas markets [19][34]