In the heart of Shanghai's vibrant retail scene, CGTN host Xu Qinduo and former British Chamber of Commerce chair in China Clare Pearson dive deep into China's booming "emotional economy." From interactive ACG drops to cute cat cafes and limited-edition toys, young consumers are spending for the feels rather than just the function. 🎮🎁
From Function to Feeling
Forget just durability and specs—today's youth crave experiences that spark joy, nostalgia or a sense of community. 🤝 Whether it's grabbing a rare figurine after a midnight anime stream or sharing latte art at a cat cafe, it's all about creating moments worth remembering.
Why ACG & Cat Cafes? 🐱✨
ACG (Anime, Comic & Games) culture has exploded across Asia, from Tokyo's Akihabara to Singapore's pop-up events. Fans line up for exclusive merch, cosplay meetups and VR experiences. Meanwhile, cat cafes add a fluffy twist: chill vibes, Instagrammable moments and a stress-busting companion. It's retail therapy meets social hangout.
Asia's Youth Takeaways 🌏
Whether you're in Mumbai, Manila or Kuala Lumpur, the lesson is clear: emotional touchpoints drive engagement. Brands crafting limited drops, nostalgic designs or interactive in-store experiences are winning hearts and wallets. Next time you shop, ask: does it make you feel something?
Stay tuned as we track how emotional consumption shapes the next wave of trends across Asia's youth markets! 🚀
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
