Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant price drop of LABUBU products in the secondary market, which has led to a decline in investor sentiment and a drop in the stock price of Pop Mart. The company is actively working to reduce speculation and regain control over product pricing while maintaining the value of its IPs [4][10][12]. Summary by Sections Price Trends and Market Reaction - LABUBU products, including the newly released mini LABUBU, have seen a substantial price decline in the secondary market, with the average transaction price for the third generation dropping by approximately 80% from its peak [5][7]. - The average transaction price for the mini LABUBU has decreased by around 30% [8]. - The stock price of Pop Mart has also been affected, falling over 19.5% from a peak of 339.8 HKD to 273.4 HKD [11][31]. Company Strategy and Market Position - Pop Mart aims to eliminate middlemen and reduce the speculative nature of its products, focusing on selling quality products rather than "investment products" [14][16]. - The company has significantly increased its plush toy production capacity, reaching approximately 30 million units in August, which has contributed to the availability of new products [17][19]. - The release strategy has shifted to allow for immediate availability of products, which has reduced the speculative bubble around LABUBU [20]. IP Performance and Revenue - LABUBU's revenue for the first half of 2025 reached 48.1 billion RMB, accounting for nearly one-third of Pop Mart's total revenue [27]. - Other IPs like MOLLY and SKULLPANDA have also shown significant revenue growth, with MOLLY achieving 13.6 billion RMB (up 73.5%) and SKULLPANDA reaching 12.2 billion RMB (up 112.4%) [27]. - The overall revenue from artist IPs has increased, but the dilution of IP scarcity due to increased supply may impact future pricing [29][30]. Long-term Outlook - The long-term success of LABUBU will depend on its ability to maintain consumer interest and storytelling capabilities, as well as the introduction of new hit IPs [32][33]. - The company is also exploring new avenues such as film and animation to expand its brand presence [32].

Group 1 - The article discusses the trend of "digital retreat" among Generation Z in the United States, where young people choose to disconnect from social media and external noise for mental health reasons [5][8] - A report from the dating app Hinge reveals that over half of Generation Z struggles to pursue romantic interests due to fear of awkwardness, leading to a state of inaction [9] - McDonald's launched a summer experience called "McDonaldland" in 13 cities, creating a nostalgic theme park atmosphere that attracted significant attention and long queues for limited-time products [10][12] Group 2 - Louis Vuitton opened its first beauty boutique in Nanjing, signaling strong interest in the Chinese market, with lipstick priced at 1200 yuan, significantly higher than most luxury brands [16][18] - IKEA has partnered with JD.com to launch an online flagship store, catering to young consumers' demand for high-quality and cost-effective shopping experiences [19] - A design studio in New York created a 44-liter backpack resembling an oversized AirPods case, showcasing a trend of absurdity in consumer products [20][22] Group 3 - Miu Miu and L'Oréal launched their first collaborative perfume "Miutine," marking Miu Miu's entry into the beauty market and L'Oréal's expansion into high-end fragrances [25][27] - The Y3K aesthetic, representing a futuristic style, is gaining traction, with Nike releasing the Air Max Muse series, which quickly sold out [32][34] - Tsutaya Bookstore announced the closure of its Chengdu location, highlighting challenges faced by Japanese-style bookstores in China due to high pricing and low consumer willingness to pay [36][38] Group 4 - The Row's $690 flip-flops became a viral sensation, despite criticism regarding their quality and comfort, illustrating the phenomenon of luxury items serving as status symbols [42][44] - SKIMS introduced a "facial shaping garment," reflecting the lengths consumers will go to for beauty, with the product quickly selling out [45][47]