Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emerging EDC (Every Day Carry) toy market in China, highlighting its potential to become a significant industry similar to "Bubble Mart" and the growing interest among male consumers in collectible toys that provide emotional value [3][10][24]. Group 1: Market Overview - EDC toys, initially practical tools, have evolved into collectible items, with products like "pushing cards" priced from 399 yuan to over 10,000 yuan in the secondary market [4][5]. - The EDC toy category on platforms like Taobao and Tmall has seen a 4-fold increase in transaction volume during the 618 shopping festival [4]. - Over 30,000 players spent over 10,000 yuan annually on EDC toys, indicating a dedicated consumer base [5]. Group 2: Company Insights - The brand "傲娇的老铁匠" (Proud Blacksmith) has achieved significant sales, with top products generating over 500 million yuan in revenue and a single product selling over 6,000 units [8][9]. - The company has a unique position in the global market, representing Chinese craftsmanship in the EDC toy sector [6]. - The founder, 钱正阳, transitioned from a fresh produce e-commerce business to focus on EDC toys, leveraging his background in manufacturing [11][15]. Group 3: Consumer Behavior - Male consumers are increasingly interested in EDC toys, which fulfill a need for stress relief and emotional engagement, similar to female consumers' interest in cosmetics and collectibles [10][24]. - The secondary market for EDC toys is highly active, with some products appreciating significantly in value, indicating strong demand and collector interest [26][27]. Group 4: Industry Challenges and Opportunities - The EDC toy industry faces challenges in balancing creativity, quality, and production volume, with a significant portion of production requiring manual labor [28]. - The rise of e-commerce and social media has provided a platform for EDC toys to reach a broader audience, with significant growth in search volume and consumer interest [21][22]. - The potential for EDC toys to achieve the same level of popularity as "Bubble Mart" is acknowledged, with industry leaders optimistic about future growth [24][29].