“This industry chain is long enough that every link in it does not want to see cards lose their value,” said Mr. Liu, a consumer who spends heavily on both trading cards and sports cards, in an interview with Yicai.Today, the rapidly developing cultural and entertainment market is embracing unique and diverse products and experiences. IPs with vitality have the chance to stand out. But when scarcity is excessively hyped, when trading detaches from use value, and when consumer behavior becomes irrational, does it follow the same speculative logic as the Tulip Mania?In 1637, tulips were regarded as symbols of wealth in the Netherlands, and their prices were continually driven up as people hoped for excessive returns. But soon, as sellers dumped tulip bulbs and contracts, the boom collapsed overnight, followed by a chain reaction of panic selling. The tulip market never recovered, and this speculative craze in consumer goods ultimately caused heavy losses to ordinary investors.From the industry’s perspective, perhaps one day tulip-style bubbles will emerge in cards driven to sky-high prices. When the noise fades, what value can the industry retain for the IP itself?Intensified Competition in the Trading Card MarketAt the end of August, a 1,800-square-meter official Pokémon card gym opened in Guangzhou. In early September, Beijing’s first official Pokémon card gym also opened to the public. On the same day, listed toy brand operator KaiZhiLe International (02122.HK) announced a strategic entry into the trading card (TCG) market, beginning with a cooperation with Pokémon, one of the world’s top IPs.On the 11th, KaiZhiLe International’s stock price surged over 160% by close. The next day, it continued climbing, once hitting HK$0.395 in morning trading, up nearly 30%. It closed at HK$0.36, an 18.03% increase from the previous day, with trading volumes staying high.Trading cards appeal strongly to teenagers, but those with stronger spending power may be young to middle-aged adults. Pokémon, a world-class IP born in the last century, now demonstrates its cross-generational influence at the card table. When Yicai reporters visited the Guangzhou Pokémon gym, they witnessed a middle-aged player simultaneously monitoring the stock market on his phone and preparing his card moves in battle. The beginner’s course included young friends pairing up, families of three, and even lone stock traders joining in.Reporters also observed that evergreen IPs like Detective Conan, Digimon, and Ultraman possess similar “innate qualities” for trading cards. However, they have not replicated Pokémon’s commercial success, suggesting that the trading card market is shifting from rapid expansion to zero-sum competition.“Digimon’s gameplay is similar to Pokémon, but the store doesn’t stock many Digimon cards,” a shop assistant at Cardyo explained. Digimon’s IP world is vast, with various creatures, characters, and tools, making it structurally capable of supporting a TCG battle system. In some respects, it directly competes with Pokémon.“In earlier years, before Pokémon officially entered the Chinese market, Digimon cards were being heavily promoted. Manufacturers probably wanted to seize the opportunity during Pokémon’s absence to capture market share. But now that Pokémon has increased its investment in China, it’s uncertain whether Digimon can still stand out,” Mr. Liu said. He added that competitive card battles are already very mature in markets like Japan and may evolve into family board games spanning generations in China.Jiang Han, a senior researcher at Pangoal Institution, told Yicai that whether the card market can expand further depends largely on changing consumer demand and enterprise innovation. Trading cards themselves have strong vitality, and when design or gameplay innovation is done well, market expansion becomes very likely, boosting investor confidence. When prospects look good, companies can better withstand market pressure.Reporters noted that leading firm Cardyo is restarting its IPO process, while Kidsland’s collaboration with top IPs has also stirred strong reactions in the capital market. Emerging brand Flash Soul, which has collaborated with games like Genshin Impact, League of Legends, and Identity V, completed its first funding round of several hundred million yuan in August. Its CEO, Sheng Chuan, said the company plans to establish long-term and in-depth cooperation with more global IPs, build a global network, and set up direct or deep cooperation channels in core markets such as North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia.Industry commentator Zhang Shule told Yicai that although Chinese manufacturing still hasn’t fully leveraged its world-factory advantage in card exports, the market is a blue ocean with explosive potential. He pointed out that domestic stationery brands like Deli and M&G have also entered the sector, expanding into card-related stationery products. Rather than stopping at consumer “itch points” of preference, Chinese card manufacturers are increasingly targeting consumer “pain points.”Auctioning a Card Worth a HouseReporters found that several factors can drive Pokémon card prices higher in the secondary market. Rare high-value cards from booster packs, Japanese editions with finer materials and finishes, limited first editions, and cards graded highly by professional agencies all fetch higher prices. Cards previously overlooked may regain popularity as new strategies emerge.Public records show that autographed, first-edition, or non-sale Pokémon cards have sold at auction for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Some netizens remarked that their price could rival a house and, by weight, be more expensive than gold.Mr. Liu said this pattern is common in sports cards as well: “The rarer, the more expensive. For example, a Kobe Bryant card with his autograph, a patch of game-worn jersey, and the NBA logo could command a high price on the secondary market. If the card is one of a kind, or bears a special serial number like the first, last, or number 24, it will be even pricier. Cards tied to meaningful games, such as a debut, are also very valuable.”Mr. Liu showed reporters his collection of sports cards, each worth from several thousand to over ten thousand yuan. He noted that most professional grading agencies are based in the U.S., and he is preparing to send his cards abroad for grading through local shops to maximize resale value. However, he doubts the authenticity of some cards circulating in the market, saying that although anti-counterfeit features exist, they are relatively easy to forge.On resale platforms like CardTao, sports cards priced at several hundred thousand yuan have been seen. When asked whether these prices reflect genuine demand or hype, Mr. Liu replied that the sports card supply chain is long, and every link in it resists cards losing value.Reporters found that behind the high secondary-market prices of both sports and trading cards lies heavy involvement of capital and market operations. In sports cards, IP licensors and issuers are upstream, such as sports organizations and athletes themselves. Issuers like Panini and Topps design, produce, and distribute the cards. Midstream and downstream, supermarkets and e-commerce platforms sell them to consumers, who open packs and resell single cards, bundles, or at auctions. Professional grading agencies evaluate card condition and market value, while data platforms aggregate card information for enthusiasts. For Pokémon cards, hybrid platforms combining physical cards with NFT technology have also emerged.“But these systems are not yet established in China. Most sports cards available are brought in by individuals, and grading must be done overseas,” Mr. Liu said. This lack of infrastructure creates risks in buying and reselling, raising doubts about authenticity and value.Jiang Han believes domestic cards are beginning to show a shift toward “investment/collectibles,” especially on second-hand platforms, where limited or rare cards carry high premiums. Some even yield annualized returns surpassing traditional financial assets. Still, the market remains at an early stage, dominated by consumption and entertainment, with investment secondary. The main consumer groups are teenagers and young adults: students focus on opening packs and collecting characters, while adults pay more attention to rare-card trading and returns. With the establishment of authoritative grading agencies, standardized auction platforms, and tax-friendly collection environments, China’s card market could accelerate toward “financialization.”A sports card collector told reporters: “While supply often determines value, markets change rapidly. Kobe cards have no new supply, but not all of them are expensive. Each game can push a new star into the spotlight. Only those who understand both basketball and card-market trends can profit. Like investing in companies, choosing the right player requires vision, investing early and small. For card features, go for ‘hard tech’ like holograms or complete logos.”Small Cost, Big ReturnsCard consumption is highly social and identity-driven. Whether selling paper for more than gold or driving mall traffic, the “small cost, big return” strategy of cards is proving effective.Card gyms bring direct benefits to malls. A representative of Zhengjia Plaza, home to Guangzhou’s first Pokémon gym, told Yicai: “Spaces like Pokémon gyms attract fans, players, and families. They buy products, battle, exchange collections, and experience IP culture. Frequent, sticky behavior boosts mall traffic, dwell time, and spending across restaurants, entertainment, and more.”The representative added that they see strong growth potential for card-based stores. Partnering with Pokémon gyms is part of their “IP economy” and “experience economy” strategy. Card shops are not just sales outlets—they create novelty with battles, exhibitions, and launches, and generate synergy with other cultural businesses to appeal to Gen Z and young families.Reporters noted that non-trading card categories are also growing quickly. Cardyo stores display cards licensed from domestic IPs like Jin Yong’s  The Legend of the Condor Heroes, the game Love Nikki, and films like Nezha 2. They also sell original IP cards like Cardyo Three Kingdoms, inspired by Chinese tradition.Industry insiders told reporters that compared to figurines or pillows, the best-selling items are badges and cards—cheap yet visually appealing. Consumers can spend just a few yuan, put badges in a tote bag or slip cards into a phone case, and show them off. While holographic effects look fancy, production costs are low. Making them attractive and affordable is a proven strategy for IP expansion.Jiang Han emphasized that China’s card market exploded thanks to “Gen Z consumption + social media amplification + mature IP licensing.” Young consumers crave virtual goods, subcultural identity, and social display. Short-video platforms amplified pack-opening and battles, creating a “plant-buy-share” loop. This growth may continue for years but will shift from rough expansion to structured segmentation.Risks Behind Fast GrowthIrrational consumption, expiring IP licenses, and piracy are major risks in this fast-growing category.Mr. Liu explained that while a basic 60-card Pokémon deck is affordable, assembling a “good deck” with rare and powerful cards requires endless pack purchases, which is costly. Some rare cards resell at multiples of their original price, and “champion cards” can fetch huge sums.Some consumers on social media worry about “addiction” to card opening. Jiang Han acknowledged this risk, saying the mechanism easily fosters addictive, irrational spending, which harms the consumer experience.He stressed that regulation is necessary to improve compliance, protect consumers, and enable healthy development. Enterprises, in turn, must operate transparently and responsibly to reduce risks.When reporters visited Pokémon gyms and Cardyo stores, they noted a lack of clear age-appropriateness signs. Pokémon’s official mini-program lists card battles as open to “all ages,” and staff confirmed that anyone who buys cards can participate.Zhang Shule said that unlike expensive blind boxes, cards are cheaper, making them more accessible to students. Since cards are not classified as blind boxes, they avoid age restrictions, further encouraging campus exchange. With schools providing concentrated communities, trading thrives. Cards like Ultraman and My Little Pony are popular with youth, supported by companies but requiring stronger family and school guidance.Jiang Han noted that card companies must boost innovation. When IP licenses expire, companies lose rights to use them, hurting sales. Cards face low entry barriers and intense competition. Consumer interests change rapidly, and public attention shifts over time.Ultraman designer Kazuyuki Nakata told reporters that IP competition is fierce globally. While some IPs are planned for 10-year lifespans, trends may cut that short. IPs must keep growing to maintain competitiveness.Insiders added that piracy remains the greatest threat, as anti-counterfeiting features on cards are weak. Using digital certificates for each card or figure could curb piracy and increase collectible value.A card priced like a house is reminiscent of tulips once equaling homes. Records show the tulip Semper Augustus sold for 10,000 guilders in 1637, when Amsterdam houses cost only 300–400 guilders. A bulb worth twenty homes vanished into dust with the bubble’s burst.Whether cards will follow tulips’ fate and whether speculation can return to rationality remains to be seen.Declaration: This article comes from China Business Network.If copyright issues are involved, please contact us to delete.

As a phenomenon-level collectible toy IP that has captured attention worldwide, LABUBU is undoubtedly a success. However, in the wake of that success, Pop Mart may need to think about how to achieve sustainable development. Currently, the THE MONSTERS series, where LABUBU belongs, accounts for a significant share of Pop Mart’s revenue. The question then is: how should other IP product lines evolve?On this point, Pop Mart’s founder Wang Ning publicly stated that he does not believe it is unhealthy for one IP to contribute a particularly large share of revenue. “We believe every IP has its own unique character.”“LABUBU has been extremely successful, but the challenges that follow should also be noted. For instance, in the past, long-term shortages led to counterfeit goods flooding the market. Now that Pop Mart has boosted production capacity, we can also see consumer complaints about the quality of certain products, which needs improvement. The frenzy around the mini LABUBU continues to reflect the IP’s strong influence: every time a new version is released, it sparks a wave of demand. But over time, no single IP can dominate forever. Therefore, while developing new versions of LABUBU, it’s also essential to cultivate other promising IPs. And this is not only true for Pop Mart—other collectible toy companies also have the opportunity to create the next LABUBU. The market must keep evolving, and product iterations need to follow a deliberate rhythm,” said senior retail analyst Shen Jun.Another analyst in the collectible toy industry told Yicai Global that the hype around the “Mini LABUBU” may not last as long as previous LABUBU series, because essentially it is not very different from earlier versions—only the size has changed. LABUBU’s earlier explosive popularity was largely due to its breakthrough from being just a display figure to becoming a portable keychain accessory.So, who has the potential to become the next LABUBU? According to multiple sources consulted by Yicai Global, current market sales suggest that Pop Mart’s “Star Man” IP shows strong potential to become the next blockbuster.In recent months, the popularity of Star Man has been rising, particularly with the release of the “Sweet Dreams Weather Bureau Series” in August. In Pop Mart’s live-streaming sessions for its mystery box vending machines, there has been a surge of comments asking when the Star Man Weather Bureau series would be restocked. The streamers’ responses were identical to those for inquiries about LABUBU restocks: “No restock notice yet—you’ll have to wait for a surprise drop.”At some Pop Mart retail stores, Yicai reporters observed that Star Man blind boxes have also begun selling out. Store staff revealed that Star Man is now extremely popular, with some locations running out of stock. Just like with LABUBU’s vinyl plush toys, Star Man products are also shifting to online pre-orders.Yicai also noticed on trading platforms like QianDao that the “Sweet Dreams Weather Bureau” series of Star Man saw secondary-market prices surge quickly before slipping back within a short time. Hidden editions briefly sold for over RMB 700, while non-hidden editions hovered around RMB 100+, leaving room for a premium compared with the official retail price of RMB 79.Earlier, Yicai reported that more than a week ago, Pop Mart launched several new products simultaneously: the Star Man “Sweet Dreams Weather Bureau” plush keychains, the SKULLPANDA “Lazy Bear” plush keychains, and a vinyl plush doll collaboration with pop star Zhou Shen (“Anti-Pronoun”). These products all saw some degree of price markup in the secondary market. Remarkably, in less than a year, Star Man has already become a billion-yuan IP, with revenue reaching RMB 390 million in the first half of this year alone.In terms of growth rate, aside from LABUBU, the fastest-growing IPs have been HACIPUPU and CRYBABY. In the first half of this year, their revenues grew by 249.6% and 248.7%, respectively. Both IPs began collaborating with Pop Mart in 2022, and have since shown explosive growth momentum.Declaration: This article comes from China Business Network.If copyright issues are involved, please contact us to delete.

On September 4, just one week after the release of the Mini Labubu, reporters found that its resale price on trendy toy platforms had begun to fall. Some scalpers commented, “The Mini Labubu doesn’t have the same lasting demand as the third-generation Labubu.”According to data from the Dewu app, over 56,000 units of the Mini Labubu have been sold within the first week. The average transaction price for a single blind box in the past three days was 138 yuan, still 75% higher than the original price of 79 yuan. However, compared with the initial launch period, the secondary market price of the Mini Labubu has dropped by 10%–60%.For example, a set of 14 pieces (N–Z box), originally priced at 1,106 yuan, saw its average transaction price on Dewu soar to 1,930 yuan on release day. By yesterday, the price had fallen back to 1,541 yuan, a 20% drop. The number of “interested buyers” also declined from 9,398 to 362. For non-popular models, the average price of “X” fell to 106 yuan yesterday, down 57% from the release day. Data from Xianyu also shows that the average transaction price of Labubu 4.0 dropped from 143 yuan on August 27 to 106 yuan.Even the scarce hidden editions were not spared. Under the A/B group format of the Mini Labubu, the probability of getting a hidden figure is as low as 1:168. Before the official release, some second-hand platforms had speculated the “Hidden Heart” edition to over 1,000 yuan. Reporters found that its current average transaction price on Dewu had dropped from 991 yuan on release day to 679 yuan.A scalper revealed that the full-box price of the Mini Labubu he sells had dropped from 2,399 yuan before release to 1,850 yuan for the A–M box and 1,800 yuan for the N–Z box. His sales pitch has also changed to: “The market changes every day; the earlier you buy, the earlier you enjoy.” In second-hand trading groups, some scalpers remarked, “The Mini Labubu doesn’t have the same momentum as the third generation, and buyers’ price expectations are weakening. With the next round of restocks, price fluctuations will become greater.”Compared with the third-generation Labubu, the Mini version’s premium has significantly decreased. Taking the hidden editions as an example, even after five months of release and large-scale distribution, on September 3 the third-generation Labubu hidden edition still sold at an average of 939 yuan on Dewu—a 9.5x premium, higher than the current 8.6x premium of the Mini Labubu Hidden Heart edition.On one hand, Pop Mart is taking measures to minimize scalpers’ interference. An industry insider analyzed that the rapid price decline of the Mini Labubu was mainly due to higher supply, with larger quantities released initially; the series consists of 30 products, so user-driven exchanges reduced secondary market circulation; and all sales were conducted online, with physical stores only handling pick-ups, thereby lowering offline scalping. The insider predicted that Pop Mart is likely to launch a second wave of Mini Labubu products in October, when prices may continue to decline to some extent.On the other hand, internet industry analyst Zhang Shule told reporters that the Mini Labubu is unlikely to generate further social media buzz, at most achieving short-lived hype. As Labubu’s overall popularity fades, it will be difficult to create new sales miracles, and the Mini version serves more as a marketing move to fill a gap period.According to Wind data, since the launch of the Mini Labubu, Pop Mart (09992.HK) shares have fallen by 5.61% over the past five days as of press time.Declaration: This article comes from China Business Network.If copyright issues are involved, please contact us to delete.

The autumn breeze of September not only brings the sound of a new semester’s school bell but also heats up the stationery market. From the first set of crayons held in the hands of kindergarteners to smart study tools in college students’ backpacks, “buying new stationery” has long become a ritual for every family preparing for school. This year, stationery choices for the back-to-school season are more diverse, meeting students’ pursuit of a sense of ritual while aligning with the growing emphasis on healthy learning.Technology Empowerment: Leading New Market TrendsWith rapid technological development, electronic and digital stationery have become mainstream, while smart stationery is now commonly found in daily study life. From talking pens that help with unfamiliar content, to study tablets with massive learning resources and online Q&A, and further to automatic pencil sharpeners, smart color-absorbing pens, smart desks and chairs, and fingerprint-lock notebooks—these innovative, efficient, and convenient tools are highly favored by students and parents alike. According to the White Paper on China’s Electric Pencil Sharpener Industry, the market size of electric sharpeners has surpassed 1.2 billion yuan, accounting for over 60% of the segment.The rise of smart stationery not only changes students’ learning methods but also drives transformation and upgrading within the stationery industry. By integrating technologies such as the internet, big data, and artificial intelligence, stationery companies have achieved comprehensive innovation in product R&D, manufacturing, and sales channels, thereby improving production efficiency and product value. With the popularization of 5G and the Internet of Things, the smart stationery market is expected to further expand, with more diversified functions and broader application scenarios.Safeguarding Growth: Responding to New Consumer NeedsAgainst the backdrop of consumption upgrades, parents and students are paying greater attention to healthy learning, making “health-focused” stationery a new trend for the back-to-school season. From correcting writing posture to ensuring product safety, health-oriented stationery is designed around “reducing study-related strain,” helping students learn with greater peace of mind.In recent years, products such as silicone anti-slip pen grips and triangular pencils promoting healthy posture have gained popularity. These tools help students form correct writing habits, preventing finger deformities and myopia caused by improper grip, while also reducing hand fatigue from long periods of writing. Adjustable-angle bookstands, which support multi-angle adjustments, allow students to customize reading and writing positions, avoiding neck and spine fatigue caused by prolonged downward posture.The rise of health-oriented stationery reflects consumers’ increasing demand for higher product quality and safety. As health awareness continues to spread, this sub-market is expected to keep growing. Stationery enterprises can increase R&D investment to enhance health features and product quality, meeting consumer needs for a healthier learning environment.Emotional Resonance: Creating New Brand ValueGel pens printed with popular cartoon characters, featuring classic quotes or scenes, provide students with a sense of “character companionship” while writing. Co-branded notebooks incorporate exclusive IP color schemes, with pages decorated with illustrations or watermarks, making them practical for note-taking and collectible at the same time. As Generation Z’s demand for stationery shifts from “practical” to “emotional resonance,” IP-collaborative stationery has become a major hit in the back-to-school market. Covering categories such as pens, notebooks, pencil cases, schoolbags, planners, plush toys, and badges, these products often sell out instantly, creating recurring “sold-out frenzy” moments.The appeal of IP-collaborative stationery lies not only in its aesthetics but also in its emotional connection. Whether it’s classic animation IPs that accompanied childhood or characters from blockbuster summer movies, they bring a sense of “favorite things at hand” to students’ study experiences. Such products not only add ritual to the back-to-school season but also make stationery a medium for young people to express individuality and find social belonging.The popularity of cultural IP stationery not only provides companies with new profit growth points but also opens new paths for brand building. By collaborating with trending IPs, stationery enterprises can quickly capture the attention of target consumers, enhancing brand awareness and reputation. Amid intensifying IP licensing competition, brands should explore deeper cultural value within IPs and continue innovating in product design, function development, and content marketing to strengthen long-term competitiveness.This year’s back-to-school stationery market trends—smartization, health orientation, and cultural IP integration—reflect the diversified and upgraded needs of consumers while pointing the way forward for the industry. The back-to-school season is no longer just a simple consumption occasion but has become an important window to observe industry development trends and cultural consumption shifts.

As the back-to-school season approaches, stationery products are seeing a surge in sales. With the rise of Chinese animation, stationery products featuring “Guochao” (Chinese trendy cultural elements) have become especially popular overseas. Recently, in the showroom of Zhejiang Yizheng Cultural Products Co., Ltd., the company’s HR and Administration Director, Zhang Ying, introduced their “Carrot” IP stationery series to officers from Jinhua Customs.Zhejiang Yizheng Cultural Products Co., Ltd. is an integrated enterprise engaged in stationery production, sales, and R&D. The company not only holds official licenses for several popular IPs such as Sanrio, Ultraman, and Transformers, but has also independently developed its own IPs, including “Carrot,” “Sleepy Bear,” and “Unicorn.” Their products are exported to more than 20 countries and regions, including Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia.“In recent years, as cultural IPs with Chinese elements continue to gain global recognition, we began attempting to export our own brands last year. Our design team has also expanded from 4–5 people to more than 20,” said Zhang Ying. From January to July this year, the company’s total foreign trade exports exceeded 30 million yuan, up 50% year-on-year, with self-owned brand exports accounting for about 40%.To help China chic stationery companies seize the opportunity of going global, Jinhua Customs has provided proactive services, implementing a “one enterprise, one policy” customized review to help companies improve their quality management systems and gain a deeper understanding of laws and regulations in key target markets, ensuring their exports meet compliance standards. Customs also strengthened data analysis, offering guidance on preferential trade agreement comparisons and the application of rules of origin accumulation, enabling companies to enjoy better tariff rates. In addition, through the “Smart Customs, Strong Nation” initiative, efforts were made in areas such as import and export clearance, origin management policies, and intellectual property protection to further expand the channels for cultural products to “go global.”As small stationery items serve as a key window to showcase Chinese culture, Hangzhou Customs is committed to enhancing the recognition and competitiveness of self-owned Chinese stationery brands in international markets, further promoting “Made in China” on the global stage. From January to July this year, Zhejiang Province exported ballpoint pens, pencils, erasers, and other stationery products worth a total of 10.54 billion yuan, up 8.9% year-on-year.Declaration: This article comes from Tide News.If copyright issues are involved, please contact us to delete.

As the new semester approaches, students and parents have begun purchasing school supplies. Recently, reporters visited several bookstores and stationery shops across the city and found that merchants are launching a variety of promotional activities around the back-to-school economy. During the visits, it was noted that consumers’ mindsets are quietly shifting—placing greater emphasis on practicality and cost-effectiveness, while shopping behavior is becoming more rational.Buying Books—Parents Spare No ExpenseThe Lanzhou Book Fair is currently in full swing. Many students, either with friends or accompanied by parents, came to browse and shop. The exhibition areas are divided into themes such as science, lifestyle, art, children’s literature, social sciences, and educational publications. Major publishers and bookstores have launched promotions like “discounts on bulk purchases” and “free gifts with book buys,” attracting many families to stop and shop.One parent attending the fair with her child shared:“In our family, when it comes to buying books for the child, we basically say yes to any request. A few years ago, my child mostly read children’s literature, such as works by Cao Wenxuan and Yang Hongying. Over the past year or two, he’s been more interested in social science books, like A History of the World in 100 Objects from the British Museum or Exploring the Ocean. We let his interests guide his choices.”The parent explained that reading brings benefits such as expanding knowledge and providing spiritual fulfillment—things that cannot be gained by doing exercises alone. That’s why she insists her child reads every week and is always willing to buy the books he likes.In the tutoring materials section of the fair, many parents were carefully comparing different editions of textbooks and workbooks, prioritizing practical and reasonably priced products. Ms. Li, who was with her daughter about to start junior high, was attentively reviewing a math guidebook. She said:“These days we look for ‘fewer but better’ books. For example, this one not only has detailed explanations but also includes online video tutorials. It’s more suitable for parents to help children identify and fill in their learning gaps.”Shopping with a List—Buying Stationery as NeededOn the other side of the fair, the stationery section was also bustling with activity. Reporters observed that many families came prepared with shopping lists, checking items as they went to avoid impulse purchases.“We follow the principle of not wasting. Before coming here, we organized the study desk, reviewed what we already had, and streamlined the list to match real needs and a set budget. We only buy essential study supplies and a few daily necessities,” said one parent. “For example, we only replenish broken pens and notebooks rather than buying a full new set. The money saved can be spent on a couple of extra books—that’s a real educational investment.”A staff member at the exhibition explained:“For the back-to-school season, we launched an 8.8% discount across the board, highlighting practical and cost-effective items, such as domestically made fountain pens and eco-friendly notebooks, which are proving very popular.”“Since my child grew quite a bit over the summer, I’m taking advantage of the promotions to buy a few clothes so he’ll have something new to wear when school starts,” said Ms. Wang, who visited a nearby mall after the book fair. She added, “Right now summer clothes are heavily discounted—a T-shirt costs just over 30 yuan, which is a great deal.”Reporters also found that this back-to-school period coincides with summer clearance sales and the launch of autumn collections. Many sports brands and children’s clothing and shoe stores in shopping malls have introduced “back-to-school refresh” promotions. Some lifestyle stores have also joined the back-to-school economy chain by offering bundles of “stationery + daily essentials.” One woman told reporters that since her child grows quickly, she often stocks up on clothes and shoes during sales that he can wear next year, helping to save on expenses.Overall, back-to-school consumption has shifted from the old habit of “full replacement” to the new trend of “targeted replenishment,” with both merchants and consumers promoting a rational, sustainable shopping culture.Declaration: This article comes from Zhang Dan, All-Media Reporter of Lanzhou Daily(Lanzhou Evening News).If copyright issues are involved, please contact us to delete.

The cicadas of summer still echo in our ears, yet the calendar has quietly slipped into the back-to-school countdown. The old pencil case in your backpack is waiting to be replaced, and the blank notebooks on your desk long to be filled… As you pack your bags and head to campus, those stationery items full of anticipation are ready to become your trusted companions in study and daily life.We’ve curated a selection of must-have back-to-school items, each carrying good wishes for the new semester.Storage Supplies: Stay Organized, Start FreshA backpack is a “mobile warehouse” for school life. A well-fitting backpack makes the way to school much easier. Designed to fit the curve of the back, it reduces shoulder pressure and holds even heavy textbooks securely. With layered compartments for books, water bottles, and umbrellas, plus small side pockets for bus cards and tissues, you’ll always find what you need without rummaging through a mess.Image source: HANGZHOU LANGUO CULTURAL & CREATIVE CO., LTD.. (Booth No. H6-510)Accordion folders are great helpers for organizing exam papers. With layered dividers like a bookshelf, they neatly sort different subjects and document types. Fold it lightly to close, take it to class, and never worry about scattered papers again—you’ll find materials quickly and confidently.Image source: Zhejiang Topteam Stationery Co., Ltd. (Booth No. H5-515)A pencil case is a “cozy home” for pens and small stationery. Some are cute with embroidered designs full of childlike fun; others are practical with a large-capacity design that holds more than a dozen pens. Multiple compartments keep pencils, erasers, and rulers in place, with smooth zippers for easy use—no more scrambling for a pen in class.Image source: Taizhou Chenyu Stationery Co., Ltd. (Booth No. H8-951)Writing Supplies: Record Moments, Write Your GrowthA writing board is a “stable foundation” for writing. Hard boards eliminate uneven surfaces, keeping paper flat whether you’re writing on a desk or your lap. Some boards even include clips to neatly secure loose homework sheets or notes, acting as a “caring guardian” to support smooth writing.Image source: Yiwu YiwuShan Office Supplies Co., Ltd. (Booth No. H8-409)Pens are the “sharp tools” of writing. Fountain pens write with smooth nibs and bold strokes, perfect for carefully recording knowledge points. Gel pens are quick and convenient, with fast-drying ink that prevents smudging. Refills of varying thickness meet different writing needs, letting you write freely in homework and notebooks, presenting your thoughts with ease.Image source: Mengcheng Jinyuanda Pen Making Co., Ltd. (Booth No. H2-K02)Specialized Class Supplies: Support Creativity, Let Talent ShineIn art class, a complete set of supplies lets creativity flow freely. Watercolors blend into rich tones with a gentle stroke, painting the landscapes in your heart. Drawing pencils of varying hardness help you sketch outlines and shade with precision, adding depth to your artwork. Smooth, flat drawing boards hold paper steadily, making every creation effortless.Image source: Jiangxi painting color new material Co., LTD.(Booth No. H2-K32)In labor/handicraft class, practical tools are reliable “partners” for hands-on learning. Scissors have sharp blades with rounded safety tips, cutting paper and fabric easily while preventing accidental injuries. Compasses precisely control radii with clear scales, drawing neat circles with ease. Various rulers assist with drawing straight lines and measuring accurately, with durable, non-fading scales—making handmade projects both precise and beautiful.Image source: Yiwu Haohang Stationery Co., Ltd. (Booth No. H8-818)These stationery items may seem ordinary, but they play an important role in campus life. The Ningbo International Stationery Fair brings together all kinds of high-quality stationery, and we hope they will become your good partners for the new semester—helping you navigate the ocean of knowledge and move steadily forward on the road of growth.New semester, new beginning—bring along these thoughtful stationery items and embrace every wonderful moment on campus!

“Garlic bird, garlic bird ~ it’s not easy~.” Recently, the “Garlic Bird,” also known as the “Wuhan Peace Bird,” a little plush toy with a garlic-shaped head, has become a trending sensation both online and offline, often selling out in stores. "Garlic bird" plush toy. By Gong Liankang, Xinhua News AgencyThe plush “Garlic Bird” has a round chubby body, blushed cheeks, and an innocent, clueless expression—its cute and funny appearance is a big reason for its popularity. What’s even more clever is that when you squeeze its belly, it plays a voice recording: “Garlic bird, garlic bird, it’s not easy.” In the Wuhan dialect, “Garlic Bird” is a homophone for “never mind”, meaning “forget it” or “let it go.” When placed in the broader Mandarin-speaking context, the dialect’s charm combined with the homophonic pun makes it instantly catchy, easy to remember, and highly shareable.As a result, many people have turned this phrase into a personal catchphrase, created memes with it, or used it as background music in short videos, often as a playful way to mediate conflicts. The collective creativity of the internet also feeds back into reality. For example, when the “Garlic Bird” memes are used in conversations, they not only express emotion but also serve as unconscious marketing. Meanwhile, the iconic voice clip naturally fits short video formats, reinforcing both the content and the product in a cycle of mutual promotion.Many netizens compare “Garlic bird, garlic bird, it’s not easy” to other popular comforting phrases like “It’s the New Year, take it easy” or “Life is tough for everyone.” It resonates with young people who relate to the life philosophy of “take a step back, and the world becomes wider.” By squeezing its belly, the phrase “Garlic bird, garlic bird” seems to become life’s automatic background music—bringing a mix of humor, comfort, and healing in moments of frustration, allowing for an emotional exchange and instant psychological relief.Whether in consumption or social interaction, emotional value has become a core motivator for many young people. Regardless of whether something is niche or innovative, or of what field or type it belongs to, people seek a sense of belonging and recognition while also pursuing individuality and self-pleasure. From the stress and tension of reality, they need a controlled, harmless outlet for emotional release. The “Garlic Bird” attitude embodies this mindset while meeting consumers’ emotional needs. Once a product carries emotional meaning and creates interactive experiences in daily life—even becoming a “spokesperson” for one’s feelings—it’s easy to see how it can grow into a trend. Moreover, this fusion of dialect and emotion in the “Garlic Bird” has successfully carried the “wind of longing” beyond Wuhan, serving as a cultural and folkloric export of the city, and even inspiring many to learn about Wuhan or travel there. Looking back at the news, it’s clear that dialect-based creative products are not rare. However, many of them only rely on static printing of dialect phrases, or their meanings fail to resonate with outsiders.What makes the “Garlic Bird” different is that while it is rich in local character, it’s also a high-frequency phrase widely used by locals that directly connects with non-locals’ linguistic habits and emotional thinking. The simple interaction of squeezing its belly to hear the voice makes emotions in daily life and social interaction more tangible, allowing the product and culture to integrate into everyday living. How to sustain this kind of cultural creativity, keep it relevant in daily life, and enrich a city’s cultural promotion—the design of the “Garlic Bird” offers valuable insights.Declaration: This article comes from Guangming Daily.If copyright issues are involved, please contact us to delete.

While the Olympic Art Exhibition is in full swing, the associated cultural and creative (cultural-creative) products are equally hot. According to reports, since the exhibition's opening, total sales of related products have exceeded 10 million yuan.Cultural-creative items from Pudong's museums and cultural landmarks are constantly being refreshed—some tap into the emotional resonance of art with modern audiences, while others spotlight urban culture and iconic landmarks, offering a new cultural consumption experience. These creative contents attract fans and generate strong sales across various scenarios, encouraging visitors to “take a piece of Shanghai memory home.”Blending Emotional and Artistic Value: Museum Gift Shops Innovate with Style Inside the 80-square-meter gift shop of the Pudong Art Museum, shoppers crowd in and staff rush to restock. “Since June, the Van Gogh plush dolls have been flying off the shelves. The limited-edition Olympic gift sets sell out daily,” said cashier Mr. Liu. Designer Chen Jieni shared the story behind the hit products: “The plush toy went through three iterations. We initially used short plush, but were inspired by Van Gogh’s struggles with mental illness, and how today’s youth often feel stressed out, so we changed it to curly plush to enhance emotional resonance and improve the tactile feel.” The matching plush chair is inspired by The Bedroom in Arles. “Instead of just printing paintings on products, we extract design elements from the artwork, allowing customers to interact and combine items creatively,” she explained.According to the museum, over 200 cultural-creative items were launched for the Olympic Art Exhibition, generating over 10 million yuan in sales. Design teams brainstormed months in advance and collaborated with external creators and brands. Paris-based illustrator Mengmeng Sun illustrated everyday life in Paris, while “Cat's Sky City” co-developed a color palette fridge magnet. A canvas tote bag inspired by The Bedroom in Arles and co-branded with Manner Café became a hit with online fans. To inject more creative ideas into their cultural-creative line, the museum also launched a “Curator Recommender” program this year, with over 20 individuals—including two offering original product design ideas—joining the initiative.Visitors to museums often favor cultural-creative products that reflect unique artistic and cultural values. For instance, the “Cambridge University: Magical Nature” exhibition at the East Building of the Shanghai Library became a social media sensation for its British aesthetic. Co-curator Hao Li shared that some exclusive items aren’t even available at Cambridge itself—like the Turing Bear T-shirt. “Turing used to practice speeches with his bear, Porgy, so the bear represents companionship and courage.” Hao emphasized their aim is to use the exhibition as a springboard to tell emotional stories through products, creating a deep resonance with visitors.Cultural Communication & City Memory: Landmarks Redefine SouvenirsUnlike museums that draw inspiration from rich art exhibitions, some long-established cultural landmarks take a different approach. They fuse architecture, urban culture, and tourism experiences to develop highly distinctive products.At the Oriental Pearl Tower souvenir shop, a 468ml “building height” bottled water and a matching tower-shaped ice cream top the sales chart. Assistant Manager Li Linyi explained: “We turned the 468-meter height of the tower into a symbolic volume of water, making it a ‘portable memory of the city.’ The ice cream doubles as a photo prop.” At the Tower Time boutique watch store, the landmark motif gets a luxury upgrade. German tourist Annika and her boyfriend chose a mother-of-pearl women’s watch. “The pearl sheen echoes the 'Pearl' in the tower’s name. The back of the watch even includes its geographic coordinates—wearing it brings back memories of Shanghai,” she said. Sales staff recalled a foreign tour group once bought over 100 watches as souvenirs—turning landmark memories into ticking timepieces.Blending Shanghai’s cultural elements with today’s trends gives these heritage landmarks new vitality. Plush Oriental Pearl dolls and contrast-colored tumblers are prominently displayed. “These soft and cute designs break the rigid impression of the Pearl Tower and align with young people’s aesthetics,” Li said. Nearby, a newly launched blind box series creatively integrates intangible cultural heritage, qipaos, and xiaolongbao into the tower’s shape—presenting local culture through trendy collectibles.Taking cultural creation to the next level, the Oriental Pearl Tower has partnered with time-honored Shanghai brands and emerging labels to form synergistic collaborations. Highlights include the pearl-carved capsule by Lei Yun Shang, oriental-scented hand cream by Qingzhi, and blue-and-white porcelain toothpaste by Maxam. Behind these co-branded successes are creative reinterpretations of landmark elements and city symbols, fusing traditional craftsmanship with iconic architecture. “Our cultural-creative team actively seeks new partners to bring more Shanghai-centric products to life—so visitors can truly bring a piece of the city home,” said Li. The iconic landmark is evolving from a site of cultural display to a platform of cultural innovation, injecting new life into Shanghai’s urban branding.Strengthening Synergies: Building a Holistic Cultural-Creative Industry ChainThe development of the cultural-creative industry can't rely solely on individual institutions. Pudong is promoting both policy and ecosystem-driven growth. Recently, 12 museums signed contracts with 12 renowned designers to join Pudong’s cultural-creative product upgrade plan, aiming to co-develop high-quality products.Pudong holds three key levers: IP development, industry integration, and commercialization. It offers a comprehensive policy package including general, special, and park-specific support. This spans film, digital creativity, and art trade, and provides funding for IP development and settlement of related businesses in cultural parks. New business models such as cultural trade, IP derivatives, and immersive experiences are encouraged to cluster in Zhangjiang and resort zones, with operating subsidies available. It also continues to fund high-quality projects with special cultural funds, while offering policy support in talent recruitment, IP protection, and legal services.In 2024, Yuewen’s derivative product GMV exceeded 500 million yuan for the first time, with card collectibles alone accounting for 200 million yuan. Titles such as The King’s Avatar, Joy of Life, and Under One Person set new sales records. Yuewen is expanding its direct sales channels with over 10 live-streaming studios and 8 flagship stores, supplemented by its presence on Tmall, Taobao, and more than 3,000 online resellers and 6,000 offline retailers—creating a comprehensive omni-channel strategy. The company also secured exclusive rights to distribute Nezha 2 merchandise from FunCrazy. Notably, its high-end collectible cards co-launched with Hitcard for Joy of Life generated 20 million yuan in GMV even before the release of Season 2—making it the most successful drama-themed collectible card line in history. Hitcard is a brand under Shanghai Qixing Network Technology Co., registered in Pudong.As a key part of the industrial ecosystem, platforms also play a major role. The IP Operation Center under Shanghai Free Trade Zone Cultural Investment integrates top-tier cultural and artistic resources—including the National Museum of China and Wu Changshuo’s works—into a full-service chain of IP discovery, product development, channel operation, and tourism integration. Sales have surpassed 500 million yuan. According to product head Wu Di, their team covers IP planning, product design, supply chain management, and sales operations. They’ve developed over 50 product lines and built a responsive supply chain across the Yangtze River Delta and beyond. Their presence spans major e-commerce platforms and dozens of scenic and cultural venues—establishing a comprehensive retail matrix. “Our goal is to become a one-stop cultural and tourism creative platform integrating product development, channel management, IP operations, and cultural tourism services,” said Wu Di.Declaration: This article comes from The Paper.If copyright issues are involved, please contact us to delete.

On July 30, the 2025 JD.com AI Toy Conference was held in Shenzhen, bringing together more than 600 toy and smart hardware manufacturers to discuss the creation of blockbuster AI toys.At the event, JD's embodied intelligence platform "JoyInside" was officially unveiled. It offers interactive capabilities for toy and robot brands to engage directly with consumers and is now open for free access for a limited time, providing end-to-end technical solutions. Dozens of major brands have already partnered with the platform, including Fuzozo (known as the “AI version of Labubu”), educational robot brands such as Huohuo Rabbit, Dr. Luka, Yuan Luobo, and Heart Planet.“We are exploring how JoyInside can empower different hardware forms such as robots, robot dogs, and toys, making intelligent and emotionally engaging interactions ubiquitous,” said He Xiaodong, Senior Vice President of JD Group and Deputy Director of JD Exploration Research Institute. End-to-End AI Solutions: Giving Toys a “Warm Soul”With the acceleration of embodied intelligence, AI toys are expected to become one of the fastest-growing goldmine categories. According to the AI Toy Industry White Paper jointly released by JD Supermarket and the Shenzhen Toy Association, the Chinese AI toy market is projected to surpass 10 billion RMB by 2030, with an annual growth rate of over 70%. However, many brands, while good at product design and market insight, lack AI technical capabilities.JoyInside provides AI toys and robots with a "warm soul" using JD’s decade-long experience in intelligent interactions across customer service, digital humans, and virtual shopping assistants. It offers four key advantages: emotionally intelligent conversation, multi-scenario adaptability, diverse character selection, and consistent behavior and language — helping brands rapidly create AI pets, toys, and companions that consumers are eager to buy.JoyInside is a full-stack solution, covering JD Cloud’s intelligent computing infrastructure, large models and multimodal capabilities, game interaction, voice optimization, content ecosystem, and an iterative interaction strategy system. Multimodal Capabilities Empower Rapid IntegrationAt the core, the JoyAI large model integrates RAG (retrieval-augmented generation), TTS (text-to-speech), ASR (automatic speech recognition), and LLM (large language models), offering ready-to-use, plug-and-play capabilities.In game interaction, JoyInside supports long-term memory, proactive interaction, and provides age-specific solutions for soothing 0-2 year-olds, early education for 3-6 year-olds, and engaging conversations for tweens.In voice optimization, a hybrid edge-cloud system reduces background noise and applies transfer learning on adult-child conversations, enabling the system to “understand” children's speech and generate emotional voice tones for all ages.In content, JoyInside leverages songs, picture books, educational stories, and more to combine fun and learning through character interaction. It also features a “research-evaluation-iteration” feedback loop to continuously evolve interaction strategies.JD JoyInside enables brands to focus on product development while JD provides the complete AI infrastructure — a true synergy of strengths. Dozens of Leading Brands Onboarded, 20 “Mega Hits” in the MakingDozens of top AI toy and robot brands have already adopted JoyInside, including Fuzozo, Huohuo Rabbit, Yuan Luobo, Heart Planet, and tech brands like YunDeep and ZQ Tech.At the conference, JD announced strategic partnerships with Huohuo Rabbit, Fuzozo, Yunxigu, Niutingting, and Wenquxing, working closely on technology, content, sales, and marketing to thrive in the AI era. These partners have already launched bestselling products. Fuzozo, for example, sold out 3,000 units during its JD 618 pre-sale, ranking first in the "AI fashion accessory" category. Users chat with Fuzozo for 1–2 hours daily, with impressive token consumption. Yuan Luobo's AI chess-playing robot makes learning fun, with a 148% increase in interaction rounds. Heart Planet has become a trusted companion for children's growth, with a 50% increase in average user conversation time.To help more brands ride the AI wave, JD is offering limited-time free access to JoyInside. For brand partners, JD Retail has opened its valuable product development and operational ecosystem, sharing its “blockbuster experience” across the industry. This includes:“Understanding users in seconds” through big data,“Understanding products in seconds” through market analysis of niche categories,“Igniting sales in seconds” through 1-on-1 guidance and billion-level traffic support.JD Retail is confident in the future of AI toys and plans to create 20 “ten-million sales” new products and 100 “million-level” items. JD is becoming the next incubator for AI hits, bringing intelligent interaction to more terminals and making AI truly everywhere.JD and JD Exploration Research Institute are also set to unveil more innovations at the 2025 World Robot Conference (WRC) on August 8 — an event to watch.Declaration: This article comes from Shenzhen News Network.If copyright issues are involved, please contact us to delete.