Core Insights - The article discusses the phenomenon of "cult-like" consumer behavior surrounding Pop Mart, likening it to a modern form of religion where fans exhibit extreme loyalty and emotional investment in collectible toys [1][10][11] - Pop Mart's marketing strategies, including limited editions and hidden variants, create a sense of scarcity and exclusivity, driving up demand and prices in the secondary market [6][7][12] Group 1: Consumer Behavior - Pop Mart has become a leading brand in the collectible toy market, attracting significant attention and interaction from high-profile figures, including Apple's CEO Tim Cook [2] - Fans exhibit extreme behaviors, such as waiting in long lines for store openings, which can lead to conflicts and chaotic scenes when products are sold out or purchased by resellers [4][6] - The emotional highs and lows experienced by fans during the purchasing process reflect a deeper psychological connection to the brand, akin to religious fervor [1][11] Group 2: Market Dynamics - The resale market for Pop Mart toys has seen prices soar, with items originally priced at 59 yuan being resold for 100-500 yuan, and some limited editions reaching prices up to thousands of yuan [6][12] - The brand's ability to create a "cult" following is evident in the willingness of fans to pay inflated prices to obtain rare items, demonstrating a shift in consumer values from utility to emotional significance [11][12] - Pop Mart's marketing effectively manipulates consumer emotions, creating a sense of community and shared experience among fans, which enhances brand loyalty and market demand [10][12]