Core Viewpoint - The rising prices of street food have sparked discussions on social media, with many consumers expressing that they can no longer afford street food, which is often more expensive than meals at local restaurants [2][6]. Group 1: Consumer Sentiment - Consumers are increasingly vocal about the high prices of street food, with social media discussions highlighting that street food can be more expensive than restaurant meals [2][6]. - A video by a social media influencer showcased that certain street food items, such as a portion of beef offal, cost 41 yuan, while a similar dish at a chain restaurant was only 35.5 yuan, indicating a significant price discrepancy [3]. Group 2: Vendor Perspectives - Street food vendors express frustration over rising costs and declining customer traffic, leading to a cycle where they must increase prices to cover expenses, which in turn drives away more customers [5][6]. - Vendors report that their profit margins are squeezed by high costs associated with stall fees and operational expenses, with some stating that they are considering leaving the business due to insufficient earnings [5][6]. Group 3: Cost Structure - The perception that street food is cheaper is challenged by the reality of various costs, including stall fees, utilities, and the quality of ingredients used, which have all increased [8][9]. - For instance, a vendor in Foshan mentioned that stall fees can reach up to 248 yuan per night, significantly impacting their pricing strategy [9]. - Vendors are also investing in higher quality ingredients to differentiate their offerings, which further increases their operational costs [10][12]. Group 4: Market Trends - The shift in vendor mentality from basic survival to adopting a "celebrity economy" approach has led to higher prices, as vendors aim to create visually appealing products and unique offerings [13]. - Examples include gourmet versions of traditional street food, such as a simple sweet potato being sold for 20-30 yuan due to added premium ingredients and presentation [13].

Core Insights - The summer consumption trends indicate a significant rise in new economic activities driven by various consumer demands, particularly in the areas of "cooling economy," "night economy," and "stay-at-home economy" [1][2] Group 1: Cooling Economy - The "cooling economy" is a prominent consumption trend, with ice cream machine orders increasing by 879% and slush machines by 98% since July [1][4] - Sales of small appliances like portable fans and air coolers have surged over 200%, indicating a strong demand for cooling products in both home and mobile scenarios [1] - DIY ice drink combinations are gaining popularity, with the growth rate of "alcohol + ice + beverage" combinations surpassing that of alcohol alone [1] Group 2: Stay-at-Home Economy - The stay-at-home economy reflects deep development in household consumption, with fresh-cut rose orders increasing by 172% and scented candle orders by 344% month-on-month [1][6] - There is a notable rise in sales of children's stationery, pet supplies, home decor, outdoor sports, apparel, and beauty products, indicating a broadening of consumer interests [1] - High-frequency essential items like fresh fruits, packaged snacks, and emergency kitchen supplies are experiencing continuous growth, catering to consumer needs for convenience and immediacy [1] Group 3: Night Economy - The night economy shows significant potential, with night orders in 127 cities increasing by over 100%, particularly in central and western regions [2][3] - Weekend night orders for camping sites have surged by 230%, and orders from parks and recreational areas have also seen substantial growth [2][5] - Diverse night-time consumption categories are emerging, with local delicacies and late-night snacks gaining popularity, indicating a shift from traditional "eating and drinking" to a broader range of products [2] Group 4: Market Opportunities - The overall summer consumption trends highlight continuous upgrades in consumer demand across various scenarios, presenting new growth opportunities for businesses [2] - Industry experts emphasize the importance of quickly capturing and responding to consumer trends to gain a competitive edge in the evolving market landscape [2]