Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rise of the "emotional economy," highlighting how consumers are increasingly willing to spend on seemingly useless items that fulfill emotional needs, such as collectibles and novelty products [8][30][58]. Group 1: Market Trends - The launch of the mini Labubu figure by Pop Mart sold out in under five minutes, with resale prices skyrocketing to 300 yuan per piece, indicating a strong demand for collectible toys [4][9]. - Collaborations, such as the Hello Kitty digital camera bucket by KFC, also saw immediate sellouts and significant price increases on secondary markets, reflecting a trend in emotional-driven purchases [6][8]. - The emotional economy is characterized by consumers purchasing items that may not have practical utility but provide emotional satisfaction, as seen in the popularity of various novelty items and collectibles [8][30]. Group 2: Consumer Behavior - Young consumers are increasingly drawn to products that evoke nostalgia or emotional connections, leading to a surge in demand for toys and collectibles [18][68]. - The phenomenon of "emotional spending" is evident in various sectors, including food and beverage, where establishments are enhancing customer experiences to stimulate emotional responses [28][30]. - The emotional economy is not limited to physical products; virtual services and experiences, such as AI companionship and emotional support services, are also gaining traction among consumers [54][58]. Group 3: Economic Impact - The emotional economy in China is projected to reach a market size of 23,077.67 billion yuan in 2024, with expectations to exceed 45,000 billion yuan by 2029, indicating significant growth potential [58]. - Interest-driven consumption among young people accounts for nearly 30% of their spending, with key categories including pets, trendy toys, gaming, and travel [32][34]. - The rise of emotional spending is occurring against a backdrop of declining marriage and birth rates, with pet-related spending seeing substantial growth, such as an 800% increase in cat food sales during last year's Double 11 shopping festival [34][37].

Core Viewpoint - Shanghai Disneyland's new product launch, "Duffy and Friends Summer Ocean Party Series," has generated significant consumer interest, leading to long queues and high resale prices on secondary markets [1][2][19]. Group 1: Product Launch and Consumer Behavior - The new product series was set to launch on July 8, with consumers starting to queue as early as July 7 evening, despite high temperatures around 32°C [1][8]. - Many consumers camped overnight, with reports of individuals waiting over 14 hours to enter the park for the launch [11][12]. - The online platform saw immediate sellouts of the new Disney dolls, indicating strong demand [4]. Group 2: Resale Market Dynamics - Resale prices for the new products have surged, with some items listed at over six times their original price, such as the green turtle keychain priced at 1129 yuan compared to its original price of 179 yuan [2][4]. - The phenomenon of "scalping" has emerged, with some individuals reportedly hiring others to queue for them, raising concerns among regular consumers about access to products [11][19]. - The secondary market for Disney collectibles has shown extreme price volatility, with past products experiencing significant price increases and decreases, highlighting the speculative nature of these transactions [21][22]. Group 3: Hotel and Early Access Incentives - Guests staying at Disneyland hotels received early access to the park, allowing them to purchase exclusive items, which has led to a new business model where hotel stays are resold for profit [13][14]. - The practice of reselling hotel stays for access to product launches has become common, with prices for such arrangements reaching several hundred yuan [14][17]. Group 4: Market Risks and Consumer Caution - Legal experts have warned about the risks associated with secondary market transactions, including issues of authenticity and potential legal disputes regarding contracts with minors [22]. - The market for Disney collectibles is characterized by significant price distortions, with popular items experiencing price surges while less popular items see steep declines, indicating a disconnect between price and intrinsic value [22].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the overwhelming demand and subsequent resale market for the new "Duffy and Friends Summer Ocean Party Series" merchandise released at Shanghai Disneyland, highlighting the intense competition among buyers and the role of scalpers in inflating prices. Group 1: Product Launch and Demand - On July 8, Shanghai Disneyland launched the "Duffy and Friends Summer Ocean Party Series" [8] - The merchandise was available both online and offline, with significant interest leading to rapid sellouts [10] - A single keychain from the series was priced at 179 yuan, while a set of seven keychains cost 1,253 yuan [12] Group 2: Resale Market and Scalping - Scalpers reportedly added a markup of 1,500 to 3,000 yuan on the original prices for the merchandise [10] - On second-hand platforms, prices for items have surged, with some keychains listed at over 600 yuan above the original price [12] - The highest resale price observed was for a keychain originally priced at 179 yuan, now listed at 1,129 yuan, marking a 6.3 times increase [31] Group 3: Consumer Behavior and Experience - Many consumers camped outside the park for hours, with some arriving as early as 5 PM the day before the launch [15] - The article notes that some individuals used "early access cards" to gain entry before the general public, further complicating the purchasing process [17] - The competition for purchasing rights involved a lottery system, where early arrival increased the chances of winning a purchase opportunity [20]