Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the contrasting strategies of Miniso and Pop Mart in the toy industry, highlighting that Miniso's reliance on external IP licensing has limited its brand identity and growth potential compared to Pop Mart's focus on developing proprietary IPs [3][8][37]. Summary by Sections Company Strategy - Miniso is evaluating the potential spin-off of its TOP TOY brand for independent listing, amidst rising competition in the toy market [3][10]. - The company's strategy has been to leverage its extensive store network to drive sales through licensed IPs, rather than developing its own [5][29]. - TOP TOY's revenue for Q1 2025 reached 340 million yuan, a 59% increase year-on-year, but still heavily relies on external IPs for its best-selling products [10][12]. Market Comparison - Pop Mart's market capitalization is significantly higher than Miniso's, with Pop Mart valued at 345.9 billion HKD compared to Miniso's 44.5 billion HKD, reflecting the market's preference for companies with strong IP capabilities [24][22]. - Pop Mart's self-developed IPs account for 85% of its revenue, leading to a gross margin of 66.8%, while Miniso's gross margin is only 44.9% [16][22]. Growth and Challenges - TOP TOY's store count increased by 128 to 276 in 2024, but its revenue growth is slowing, with annual revenues of 400 million, 680 million, and 980 million yuan from 2022 to 2024, respectively [21][34]. - The reliance on external IPs has resulted in a lack of brand recognition for Miniso, as consumers associate products more with the licensed brands than with Miniso itself [32][12]. Long-term Viability - The article emphasizes that the toy market has evolved, with consumers seeking deeper cultural connections rather than superficial brand collaborations [38][44]. - For TOP TOY to succeed in its potential listing, it must demonstrate independent operational capabilities and growth potential, which currently appears limited due to its channel-focused strategy [39][40]. - The article concludes that Miniso's approach, which prioritizes rapid expansion and short-term gains, contrasts sharply with the long-term investment required for successful IP development [47][48].