Core Insights - The "Guzi Economy" is undergoing a significant industry reshuffle, with over a hundred stores closing nationwide in the first five months of the year, indicating a challenging market environment [1][3][6] Industry Overview - The closure of the "Guzi" stores, including the well-known chain "Chigu She," reflects a strategic business adjustment rather than a complete failure, as the founder cites high operational costs and intense competition as key factors [1][6] - The "Guzi" market, which focuses on merchandise related to anime, games, and pop culture, has seen a rapid rise in popularity, but the saturation of the market has led to declining profits for many retailers [9][10] Market Dynamics - The first five months of 2023 have seen a notable increase in store closures, with over half of the closed stores being well-known chains, highlighting the competitive pressures within the industry [6][9] - The average daily revenue for some stores has dropped significantly, with reports of daily earnings as low as 100 yuan during slow periods, despite high foot traffic during holidays [8][11] Future Outlook - The "Guzi Economy" is projected to grow, with estimates suggesting a market size of 168.9 billion yuan in 2024, a 40.63% increase from 2023, and potentially exceeding 300 billion yuan by 2029 [9][10] - The industry is expected to experience further consolidation, with a potential wave of closures anticipated post-summer, which may ultimately benefit the remaining quality brands [12]