Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the report highlights the rapid growth of the "Guzi" economy, driven by a shift from niche subculture to mainstream consumer market, with a market size of 168.9 billion yuan in 2024 and an expected growth to over 300 billion yuan by 2029, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.79% from 2017 to 2024 [1][22][21] - The "Guzi" products, which are affordable and range from 10 to 200 yuan, have gained popularity among younger consumers, with an average single purchase of 102 yuan and an increase in monthly purchase frequency from 2.3 times in 2023 to 2.9 times in 2025, indicating strong user engagement [1][2][3] - The user base for the "Guzi" economy is substantial, with over 500 million individuals in the pan-anime demographic in China as of 2024, and 88.71% of anime enthusiasts expressing willingness to purchase "Guzi" products [2][29] Group 2 - The supply side of the "Guzi" economy is being optimized, with a notable shift from Japanese IP dominance to the rise of domestic IPs such as "Love and Deep Space" and "Identity V," which are now leading in sales, showcasing the improvement in domestic IP creation capabilities [3][4][5] - The IP licensing system in China has seen significant growth, with retail sales of licensed products reaching 155.09 billion yuan in 2024, doubling since 2017, and the licensing fees increasing from 3.82 billion yuan in 2019 to 5.99 billion yuan [4][30] - The diversification of sales channels, including online platforms like Tmall and JD.com, as well as offline stores, has enhanced consumer access to "Guzi" products, with a rapid expansion of retail outlets in the sector [4][5][22] Group 3 - The "Guzi" economy is expected to benefit from the cultural confidence and the ongoing development of domestic IPs, which are becoming increasingly relevant in the context of rising spiritual consumption among younger generations [5][21][22] - The market is currently concentrated in high-tier cities, with over 55.25% of consumers located in first-tier cities, but there is significant potential for growth in lower-tier cities, where GDP growth is projected to be 6.1% annually from 2023 to 2028 [3][4][22] - The social attributes of "Guzi" products amplify their market impact, with over 70% of consumers sharing their purchases on social media, transforming these products into social media tools that attract new users [2][3][4]

Core Viewpoint - The rise of "谷子" (anime-related merchandise) consumption among young people is accompanied by various risks, including impulsive spending, rampant counterfeiting, and price speculation [1][2][3] Group 1: Consumption Trends - Young consumers are increasingly engaging in the purchase of badges, blind boxes, and standees as a way to express their love for anime culture, leading to significant financial investments [1] - The phenomenon of "端盒" (bulk buying of blind boxes) has emerged, with enthusiasts spending large sums to collect rare items [1] Group 2: Consumer Protection Issues - The Ningbo Consumer Rights Protection Committee has issued warnings about the hidden dangers of the "谷子 economy," highlighting four major consumption traps [1] - There are reports of "dark box operations" where merchants manipulate the odds of obtaining rare items in blind boxes, leading to consumer exploitation [1] - A case study revealed a student spent 6,000 yuan on blind boxes but received over 30 duplicate common items, indicating a lack of transparency in odds disclosure [1] Group 3: Counterfeit Products - The prevalence of low-priced counterfeit "福袋" (mystery bags) has led consumers to fall victim to poor-quality and potentially harmful products [2] - A consumer reported receiving defective and counterfeit items after purchasing a "热门IP福袋" for 50 yuan, with the seller refusing refunds under the guise of "random shipping" [2] Group 4: Market Manipulation - Some merchants collaborate with scalpers to create a sense of urgency around "limited edition" items, encouraging young consumers to overpay for products [2] - A university student lost over 90% of their investment after purchasing a limited edition standee for 3,000 yuan, which plummeted in value after the initial hype faded [2] Group 5: Social Pressure and Consumer Behavior - The "谷圈" (anime community) fosters a culture of comparison, leading to "invisible PUA" (manipulation) where individuals feel pressured to purchase rare items to fit in [2] - A high school student borrowed 5,000 yuan to buy an expensive second-hand badge to gain acceptance in a community, resulting in financial distress [2] Group 6: Recommendations for Rational Consumption - The Ningbo Consumer Rights Protection Committee emphasizes the importance of rational consumption, advising consumers to demand transparency in odds for blind boxes and to be wary of low-priced offers [3] - Recommendations include purchasing from official channels, setting monthly budgets, and avoiding communities that promote anxiety through comparison [3] - The committee also suggests that parents engage with their children about spending habits and that society should work together to combat counterfeiting and promote financial literacy [3]