Below are business models that are especially resilient—or even likely to grow—in a zero economic growth era marked by stagnant consumption, shrinking population, and low corporate investment.
1. Senior-Care / Silver Industry (Aging Population Market)
In countries like Korea and Japan, this is the only demographic segment with guaranteed demand growth.
- Home-care and nursing services
- Rehabilitation and healthcare devices
- Senior-friendly foods (low-sodium, soft meals)
- Smart devices for seniors (fall detection, automated lighting)
2. “Essential Spending”–Oriented Consumer Services
Items people continue purchasing regardless of economic conditions.
- Subscription services for food and household necessities
- Essential pet care (medical, insurance, food)
- Low-cost self-service businesses (self-laundry, self-car wash, refill stores)
3. Cost-Reduction B2B Services
In a stagnant economy, companies prioritize saving costs over expanding.
- AI/RPA automation solutions
- Contract logistics / fulfillment
- Accounting and tax automation tools for SMEs
- Refurbished equipment leasing/subscriptions
4. Labor-Shortage Solutions
Designed for societies with shrinking working-age populations.
- Unmanned stores and kiosk solutions
- Service, warehouse, and security robots
- AI-based customer support (AI call centers, AI chat systems)
5. Digital Products & Online Content
High profit margins and low production costs make this sector recession-resistant.
- Online courses and digital downloads
- Templates, code, design files, AI prompt packs
- YouTube and short-form content monetization
6. Used / Refurbished / Recommerce Market
Secondhand markets grow rapidly during downturns.
- Luxury resale
- Refurbished electronics
- Recommerce platforms
- Upcycled products
7. Low-Cost, High-Margin D2C Brands
In a low-growth era, niche markets + high margins outperform large-scale expansion strategies.
- Niche skin care, fragrance, vegan food
- Target groups: seniors, men, sensitive-skin types, etc.
- Subscription-based distribution
→ Especially relevant to you: a Korean–Japanese cross-market skincare D2C brand has high potential.
8. Maintenance, Repair & Facility Management Services
Consumers choose “repair over replace” when budgets tighten.
- Home appliance repair and cleaning
- Commercial building facility management
- Water/air purifier maintenance subscriptions
9. Education, Upskilling & Reskilling
Demand for career transition and skill advancement grows in stagnant economies.
- AI and programming courses
- Career/job-change training
- Intensive bootcamps
10. Mental Wellness & Emotional Support Services
Economic stress increases demand for psychological support.
- Mental health counseling platforms
- Meditation and wellness apps
- Life coaching services
Core Strategies for a Zero-Growth Environment
- Focus on essential spending categories
- Target the aging population (the only expanding demographic)
- Provide cost-reduction solutions for businesses
- Prioritize digitalization & automation
- Build subscription-based recurring revenue
- Diversify into overseas markets (Japan and Southeast Asia are promising)