Core Insights - The 36th Firefly Animation and Game Carnival and the 4th KKWORLD Comic Paradise attracted significant attendance, with 1.5 million people attempting to purchase tickets online, showcasing the popularity of the event and the growing interest in the domestic animation industry [1][2] Industry Overview - The event took place from July 18 to July 21, despite adverse weather conditions, indicating strong consumer enthusiasm for anime culture [2] - The diverse lineup of guests, including creators, voice actors, and cross-industry stars, highlights the event's role in bridging various entertainment sectors and enhancing fan engagement [2][4] Economic Impact - The "goods economy" related to anime and gaming merchandise has become a significant part of new consumption trends, with fans purchasing various small, affordable items to express their connection to their favorite IPs [3] - The event stimulated related industries such as cosplay costume rentals and makeup services, contributing to the "manga exhibition economy" and providing substantial income opportunities for service providers [4] Regional Significance - Guangzhou has established itself as a hub for large-scale anime exhibitions, hosting multiple events annually, which enhances its cultural and economic landscape [6][7] - The Firefly Animation Carnival has grown in scale since its inception in 2011, with projections for future events indicating continued growth in attendance and brand participation [6][7] Industry Statistics - In 2023, Guangzhou's animation industry generated revenue of 25 billion yuan, accounting for one-fifth of the national animation market, while the gaming industry reached 105 billion yuan, representing one-third of the national gaming market [7]

Core Insights - The "Guzi Economy" is undergoing a significant industry reshuffle, with over a hundred stores closing nationwide in the first five months of the year, indicating a challenging market environment [1][3][6] Industry Overview - The closure of the "Guzi" stores, including the well-known chain "Chigu She," reflects a strategic business adjustment rather than a complete failure, as the founder cites high operational costs and intense competition as key factors [1][6] - The "Guzi" market, which focuses on merchandise related to anime, games, and pop culture, has seen a rapid rise in popularity, but the saturation of the market has led to declining profits for many retailers [9][10] Market Dynamics - The first five months of 2023 have seen a notable increase in store closures, with over half of the closed stores being well-known chains, highlighting the competitive pressures within the industry [6][9] - The average daily revenue for some stores has dropped significantly, with reports of daily earnings as low as 100 yuan during slow periods, despite high foot traffic during holidays [8][11] Future Outlook - The "Guzi Economy" is projected to grow, with estimates suggesting a market size of 168.9 billion yuan in 2024, a 40.63% increase from 2023, and potentially exceeding 300 billion yuan by 2029 [9][10] - The industry is expected to experience further consolidation, with a potential wave of closures anticipated post-summer, which may ultimately benefit the remaining quality brands [12]

Core Insights - The revival of the once-declining Diwang Plaza in Guangzhou is attributed to the emergence of the "Guzi" market, which focuses on selling merchandise related to the ACG (Anime, Comic, and Game) culture, particularly appealing to the younger demographic [6][11][12] - The "Guzi" economy is experiencing significant growth, with projections indicating a market size of 1.689 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a 40.63% increase from 2023, and expected to surpass 3 trillion yuan by 2029 [13] - Despite the initial success of the Guzi market, concerns about sustainability and market saturation are emerging, as many vendors rely on selling second-hand items and face challenges in maintaining customer interest [67][70][77] Group 1: Market Dynamics - The Guzi market has transformed Diwang Plaza from a once-popular shopping destination into a vibrant hub for ACG enthusiasts, with over 100 stalls operating during peak times [18][11] - The market features a diverse range of vendors, including older individuals and students, creating a community atmosphere where shared interests in anime and related merchandise foster social interactions [8][9][40] - The pricing strategy in the Guzi market is notably competitive, with stall fees ranging from 13 yuan to 30 yuan per day, making it accessible for many vendors [20][22] Group 2: Consumer Behavior - The demographic of the Guzi market has shifted, with a significant increase in female consumers, indicating a broader appeal beyond traditional male collectors [60] - Consumers are increasingly seeking affordable merchandise, leading to a preference for smaller, less expensive items over traditional collectibles, which has resulted in a decline in sales for higher-priced goods [61][64] - The market's atmosphere encourages price comparison and negotiation, with customers often using their phones to check prices online, reflecting a savvy consumer base [23][69] Group 3: Challenges and Concerns - The initial excitement surrounding the Guzi market is waning, with vendors reporting decreased sales compared to the previous year, raising questions about the long-term viability of the market [68][69] - The increasing homogeneity of products offered by vendors is contributing to a decline in consumer interest, as many stalls feature similar items week after week [70] - The commercial space for vendors is becoming more limited, with reports of increased competition for stalls and the potential for larger retailers to dominate the market, threatening the grassroots nature of the Guzi economy [76][77]

Core Insights - The article highlights the rapid growth of the "Guzi Economy," driven by the popularity of ACGN (Animation, Comics, Games, Novels) related products and the emergence of dedicated commercial spaces catering to this demographic [2][9][10] Group 1: Market Overview - The "Guzi Economy" market size in China is projected to reach 168.9 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a 40.63% increase from 2023, with expectations to exceed 300 billion yuan by 2029 [2] - Shanghai is identified as the city with the highest concentration of ACGN enthusiasts, with various commercial spaces like the First Department Store and ZX Chuangqu Center becoming hotspots for fans [3][4] Group 2: Commercial Developments - The ZX Chuangqu Center has transformed from an old shopping mall into a leading ACGN commercial hub, featuring over 60 stores, with nearly 80% being first stores in Shanghai or even globally [4][6] - The center achieved sales of 300 million yuan in its opening year, with a significant increase in foot traffic and membership numbers in subsequent years [6] Group 3: Consumer Behavior - The phenomenon of "eating Guzi" refers to the purchasing of ACGN-related merchandise, with consumers forming communities to share and discuss their interests [2][10] - The rise of domestic IPs has led to a shift in consumer preferences, with "Guzi" products based on Chinese IPs gaining popularity due to lower price points compared to Japanese counterparts [10][11] Group 4: Industry Trends - The article notes a compound annual growth rate of 16% in China's pan-entertainment toy industry from 2019 to 2024, indicating a robust market for ACGN-related products [9] - The number of registered "Guzi" related enterprises in China exceeded 1.3 million by the end of 2024, marking a year-on-year increase of over 100% [8] Group 5: Future Outlook - The ongoing transformation of traditional shopping centers into ACGN-themed spaces is expected to continue, with new projects and renovations planned across various cities [8][9] - Analysts predict that the "Guzi Economy" will maintain its growth trajectory, particularly as companies develop long-term IP creation and operation mechanisms [11]

21世纪经济报道记者柳宁馨 实习生王梓欣 杭州报道 杭州最早以文旅闻名，近期又因科创爆火，但一直以来，杭州的社消零总额和人均收入、人均消费支出存在反差，直观看就是"杭州 赚钱不在杭州花"。 | | 社消零总额前十城 | | | --- | --- | --- | | 城市 | 2025年一季度社消零总额(亿元) | 2024年社消零总额(亿元) | | 重庆 | 4204.32 | 15677.37 | | 上海 | 4057.45 | 17940.19 | | 北京 | 3458.6 | 14073.6 | | 广州 | 2912.7 | 11055.77 | | 成都 | 2732.7 | 10327.1 | | 武汉 | 2410.21 | 7931.87 | | 深圳 | 2403.17 | 10637.7 | | 南京 | 2323.11 | 8552.75 | | 苏州 | 2306.1 | 10043.7 | | 杭州 | 2075 | 7884 | | 敕祖 · 柳宁懿 卷拒实源· 名城市经十昌 | | | 今年一季度，杭州全市社会消费品零售总额达2075亿元，同比增长6.3%，继续排名第十， ...

Core Insights - The "2025 Xianyu Guzi Trend Report" indicates that millet consumption will enter an explosive growth phase in 2024, with annual transaction volume expected to increase by 105% [1] Group 1: Market Performance - In the first quarter of this year, Xianyu millet transaction volume reached a historical high, with domestic IP millet surpassing Japanese millet in popularity, achieving a transaction volume 1.2 times that of Japanese millet [1] - The sales of national style millet on Xianyu surged by 167% in the first quarter [1] - Sales of Nezha IP millet experienced a dramatic increase of 2346.2% [1] Group 2: Consumer Trends - Current millet consumption trends are characterized by a focus on female consumers, youth, high frequency, and rapid growth [1] - The proportion of female consumers increased from 67% in 2023 to 78% in 2025 [1]