Industries That Get Better When the Economy Is Bad

Winston Churchill once said, “Never waste a good crisis.” Many people think that when the economy is bad, they can only tighten their belts and passively wait it out, but in fact, a crisis also presents new opportunities. The more difficult the economy, the more some industries grow against the trend, and ordinary people can also get involved!

Today, I want to share five directions suitable for ordinary people to try out👇

1. Grain Economy: Emotional Value is Hard Currency

“Grain” = essential mental needs, referring to anime, idol, and gaming IP merchandise (badges, keychains, figures, standees, etc.). A badge of a popular character costs about 10 yuan, but can be resold for at least 100 yuan. Path for ordinary people: help others purchase limited-edition merchandise, do secondary processing (custom keychains/DIY figures), or sell at local markets/exhibitions.

Summary: Mental consumption is growing; understanding people’s hearts can turn into profit.

2. Street Vendor Economy: Zero Barrier Trial and Error for Ordinary People

The more crowded the area, the more valuable the stall. When the economy is poor, people tend to seek “affordable, cheap, interesting” items, making street stalls a typical “emotional space.” Advice: location is key (near schools, subway stations, night markets, hospitals); make it fun (10-yuan lotteries, blind box toys, capsule toys); low-cost trial and error (a small table + lights + stock for a few dozen yuan, and pivot immediately if it doesn’t work).

📌 Stall trading is not shameful; some earn over ten thousand yuan a month at night markets, and others go viral on short videos with unique stalls.

3. Single Economy: Loneliness Can Make Money

China’s single population has exceeded 240 million. “Living alone” is a huge market. Typical niche areas: single meals/self-heating hot pots/portable tableware/mini appliances; virtual lovers/game companions/online check-in; solo travel/solo cinemas/single-themed social events.

How ordinary people can play: create “small and beautiful” content e-commerce, do part-time voice companionship for “confession” chats, or run accounts like “Guide to Living Alone”.

4. Pet Economy: Easier to Care For Than People

Young people prefer to save money by eating instant noodles, but they must buy the best pet food and small toys. The pet industry continues to grow against the trend. Niche directions: pet products (Hanfu/hats/handmade toys/treats); pet services (home feeding/dating for pets/pet photography); emotional content (pet memes/cute pet daily sharing).

How ordinary people can get involved: pet sitting/walking, or creating content with pets to start a channel.

5. Healing Economy: Mental Well-being Is More Urgent Than Money

As the economy worsens, more people suffer from anxiety, insomnia, and emotional breakdowns. “Healing” and “escapism” are becoming secret consumption areas for more and more people. Potential opportunities: stress relief centers/immersive relaxation rooms/aromatherapy experiences/sleep meditation; light metaphysics (tarot/astrology/MBTI matching/prayer activities); emotional expression platforms (confession walls/companionship chats/virtual mailboxes/journaling apps).

How ordinary people can play: combine AI to create online tarot/psychological tests/emotional companionship content; become “digital healing influencers”; try low-cost local stress relief stalls (“venting zones” or “confession walls”).

When the economy is bad, basic needs may decrease, but emotional and experiential consumption are on the rise. Find the emotional trigger → try small-scale experiments → amplify what you understand — this is a money-making approach suitable for ordinary people.