Drinking Coffee with Parrots: The Rise of Bird Cafes in Xiamen

Xiamen ​Evening News (Reporter Liu Jiaying)⁣ – In recent years, the “pet economy” has been on the rise, giving birth to a ​new ⁤business model: “pet + coffee.” This innovative concept has led to the⁢ emergence of various pet-themed coffee⁤ shops in Xiamen, including bird cafes.

A New Trend in Bird Cafes

Cookie Bird Café in Yuhou Nanli is one such ⁢example. With over 100 parrots from more than ten species, this coffee shop⁤ has become a⁤ popular destination for bird enthusiasts. The⁤ owner introduced that the parrots include peony, budgie, cockatoo, and sunbird that can be domesticated, as well as some that can only be viewed, such as the moon ring, gray ⁤parrot, umbrella parrot, and‍ keck.

Why Pet Cafes are Attracting Young People

Yue Yingping, a first-year graduate student⁤ in Xiamen, has been raising birds with her father ‌since she was ⁢a child. For her, ⁤parrots are not just pets, but also ‍a source of joy and spiritual support. “I like birds very much. I used to bring the sun parrots I raised at home ⁤with me to play with, and ⁣I⁢ would⁢ take the parrots out for walks and slides at night.”

Diversifying the Pet Cafe Experience

Some pet cafes require customers to make a purchase before interacting with ‌the pets, while others operate by selling tickets. Huang Xinpeng’s cafe, for ⁢example, offers various cute pet “companionship” packages, ⁣including a full-day and full-court play experience ⁤for ⁢one person, with no time limit.

The Challenges ⁢Facing Pet ‍Cafes

As the​ “pet‍ economy” industry chain continues to⁣ improve, the emergence of pet cafes has attracted more people to ⁤enter and set up shop. However, this has led to increased competition and homogeneity. Some consumers are also worried about being ⁣scratched by small animals and the strong smell of excrement, which affects their experience.

Increasing⁤ Stickiness after the Novelty Wears Off

According to the “White Paper on China’s Pet Industry in 2023-2024 (Consumption Report),” the scale of China’s urban pet consumption market will reach 279.3 billion yuan⁣ in 2023 and ⁢is expected to jump to 361.3 billion yuan by 2026. To stay⁢ competitive, pet‍ cafes need to⁣ focus⁣ on⁢ providing a unique and personalized experience for customers, while also ensuring the health and well-being ‌of the animals.

Conclusion

The rise‍ of bird cafes in Xiamen is a testament to the growing popularity ‌of the “pet economy.”⁤ While there are challenges facing pet ⁣cafes, there is still room for development and innovation. By focusing on customer experience and animal welfare, pet⁢ cafes can ​ensure a healthy and sustainable business model.