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From "Buying Products" to "Buying a Lifestyle": Non-Standard Commerce Reshapes Consumption

Source：Haibao News 08-21-2026 10:00:00

Jinan's consumer landscape is undergoing rapid transformation. Non-standard commercial spaces, centered on immersive and personalized experiences, are emerging across the city, driving consumers to shift from the traditional model of "buying products" toward "buying a lifestyle." Unlike standardized shopping malls and supermarkets, these non-standard commercial spaces leverage distinctive settings and local culture to create exclusive experiences. Their ability to deliver a unique emotional connection has made them a new driver of urban commercial growth.

A number of distinctive projects, including Jingxin Suji, The Greaks, and guguPaRK, have been launched in succession. State-owned capital platforms have emerged as key players in this development, revitalizing existing assets such as former industrial sites and underutilized areas while partnering with professional operators to address gaps in market-oriented expertise and build diverse commercial scenarios. However, the sector still faces challenges, including difficulty sustaining the popularity of internet-famous destinations, immature profit models, and a lack of strong local brands. In response, Jinan is tackling these challenges by developing business formats, deepening community-based operations, and incubating homegrown IPs. These efforts aim to help non-standard commercial spaces move beyond reliance on short-term traffic and achieve a deeper symbiosis with urban renewal and industrial development.