Core Insights - The article discusses the trend of emotional consumption among young people in China, highlighting how they engage in purchasing items that provide emotional satisfaction and personal fulfillment [1][2][3] Group 1: Emotional Consumption Trends - Young consumers are increasingly purchasing items, referred to as "谷子" (Goods), which represent not just products but also emotional experiences and connections to their interests [2][3] - Activities such as buying blind boxes, attending concerts, and participating in themed markets are popular among young people as they seek emotional companionship and psychological satisfaction [3][4] Group 2: Online and Offline Experiences - The combination of online and offline experiences forms a comprehensive emotional holiday for young consumers, where they share their experiences on social media after participating in activities [4] - The cycle of experiencing, recording, and sharing emotions creates a warm connection among young people, transforming them from mere consumers into "editors of emotions" [4] Group 3: Rational Consumption - Young consumers are beginning to adopt a more rational approach to their spending, focusing on quality over quantity and ensuring that their purchases align with their true interests [5][6] - Regulatory measures are being implemented to address issues in the blind box market, including guidelines for transparency in odds and restrictions on sales to minors [6]

Core Insights - The rise of the two-dimensional (2D) shopping malls in Shanghai demonstrates a successful adaptation to changing consumer preferences, contrasting with the struggles of traditional malls facing e-commerce and consumption downgrading [1][4][15] - The "circle economy" model, focusing on community and experience rather than just products, is reshaping the retail landscape, allowing 2D malls to thrive [9][10][20] Group 1: Sales Performance and Consumer Engagement - Jing'an Joy City’s "Dimension Festival 2.0" achieved over 10 million in sales within four days [2] - Bailing ZX Creative Park attracted over 15 million visitors in 18 months, with sales nearing 5 billion [3] - The two-dimensional economy is projected to reach a trillion-level industry, driven by 15 top 100 national 2D malls and 80 well-known brand stores in Shanghai [3] Group 2: Consumer Experience and Preferences - Young consumers prioritize experience, identity, and community over traditional shopping, leading to the development of "vertical pain buildings" that cater to these needs [7][8] - The design and offerings of 2D malls are heavily influenced by fan participation, creating a sense of ownership and community [12][13] - The repurchase rate of fans participating in mall activities is 40% higher than that of regular customers, indicating the effectiveness of community engagement [13] Group 3: Differentiation and Market Positioning - Successful 2D malls employ differentiated strategies, such as IP pop-up events and targeted customer segments, to avoid competition and enhance their unique market positions [14][17][20] - Jing'an Joy City focuses on high-profile IPs to attract a broader audience, while Bailing ZX emphasizes niche IPs for dedicated fans [17][18] - The spatial design of malls is tailored to create immersive experiences, encouraging longer visits and higher spending [19][26] Group 4: Challenges and Future Directions - Despite impressive sales figures, the 2D mall sector faces challenges such as product homogenization and reliance on trending IPs, which can lead to inventory issues [21][22] - The key to long-term success lies in transitioning from short-term traffic generation to sustainable value creation through diversified offerings and community engagement [23][24] - The balance between "breaking the circle" and "monetization" is crucial for the evolution of the 2D economy from a trend to a stable business model [28]