Core Insights - The article highlights the significant growth in emotional consumption during the "618" shopping festival, indicating that "emotional economy" is becoming a new trend in consumer behavior [1][2][3] Group 1: Market Trends - During the "618" period, 453 brands achieved sales exceeding 100 million yuan, with categories like toys, pets, and outdoor sports experiencing explosive growth [2] - The toy and trendy play industry saw six merchants surpassing 100 million yuan in sales, and nearly 100 merchants exceeding 10 million yuan, with over 2400 stores achieving triple-digit year-on-year growth [2] - Interest-related consumption, such as pets, trendy toys, photography, and outdoor sports, flourished during the "618" period, driven by the pursuit of emotional value [2] Group 2: Consumer Behavior - The demand for emotional regulation in modern society is increasing, making "emotional economy" a potential new growth point [3] - Young consumers are increasingly influenced by emotional release in their purchasing decisions, which is expected to create new consumption hotspots [2][3] Group 3: Business Strategies - Companies are beginning to capitalize on the emotional consumption trend by designing products that resonate with young consumers' emotional needs [4] - Successful products include those that provide emotional value, such as uniquely designed items that evoke feelings of comfort or humor [4] - Businesses are encouraged to enhance their market insight, product design, and flexible production capabilities to adapt to the fast-changing emotional economy [5][6] Group 4: Expert Opinions - Experts emphasize the need for companies to understand consumer emotional demands and innovate products to avoid homogenization [6] - The emotional economy requires businesses to improve brand recognition and loyalty through quality service and positive reputation [6] - Companies should leverage AI tools to better understand user needs and enhance production capabilities to meet the demand for customized emotional products [6]

Core Viewpoint - "Emotional consumption" is emerging as a highly potential new consumption model, reflecting significant changes in the lifestyle and consumption concepts of contemporary young people [1][2]. Group 1: Market Trends - The market for "emotional consumption" has seen a dramatic increase, with related content on platforms like Xiaohongshu growing over 400 times in the past three years [1]. - Taobao data indicates that in 2024, the primary reason for young consumers to spend is emotional value and interests, with sales of customized products like hand-painted avatars and unique pillows increasing by over 50% [1]. Group 2: Risks and Challenges - There are risks associated with "emotional consumption," including consumers being misled by businesses, leading to impulsive buying behaviors and the misconception of using consumption to fill emotional voids [2]. - The industry faces issues such as inconsistent product quality, false advertising, privacy breaches, and lack of qualified personnel, which can harm consumer rights [2]. Group 3: Recommendations - Businesses should balance emotional value with market demand, enhance product quality, and protect user privacy while designing emotional products [3]. - Online platforms need to enforce strict vetting of operators and establish comprehensive regulatory systems to monitor content and quickly address harmful information [3]. - Consumers are encouraged to adopt rational consumption habits, avoid blind following, and be aware of privacy protection [3]. - Regulatory bodies should strengthen industry norms and regulations, ensuring clear boundaries and increased oversight of the market [3].

Core Viewpoint - The rise of "emotional consumption" among young consumers is driving the demand for innovative products that alleviate anxiety and provide emotional companionship, leading to a vibrant new market segment [1][10]. Group 1: Market Trends - In Jinan, the "emotional consumption" area in shopping malls is particularly popular, with products like "squeeze toys" attracting significant attention [3]. - In Shanghai, stores featuring colorful decor and unique products with personalized slogans are drawing young consumers, indicating a shift towards more engaging retail experiences [6]. - The popularity of personalized experiences, such as creating custom "four-panel" comics for 99 yuan, highlights the demand for unique emotional products [8]. Group 2: Sales Growth and Opportunities - Data from Xiaohongshu shows that the number of posts related to emotional products like aromatherapy and stress-relief toys has increased over 400 times in the past three years [10]. - Taobao reports that in 2024, spending on emotional value and interests has become the primary reason for young consumers' purchases, with sales of customized items like hand-drawn portraits and unique pillows rising over 50% [10]. - The surge in demand for stress-relief products has created new growth opportunities for businesses and farmers, with a notable increase in the registration of related companies [10][17]. Group 3: New Careers and Innovations - The trend of emotional consumption is not only transforming the market but also giving rise to imaginative new professions, such as stress toy designers and "doll modification" specialists [19][21]. - A young designer transitioned from crafting traditional art to creating stress-relief toys, successfully launching over 30 popular products [19]. - The "doll modifier" profession has gained popularity, with individuals like Huang Ting training hundreds of students in doll customization, reflecting the growing interest in this niche market [21][23].