2 1 Shi Ji Jing Ji Bao Dao·2025-05-21 11:18Core Viewpoint - The retail pharmacy industry in China is facing significant challenges, leading to a wave of store closures and a shift in focus from rapid expansion to improving operational efficiency and quality [1][6][8]. Group 1: Store Closures and Expansion Strategies - Major retail pharmacy chains, including Lao Bai Xing, Yi Feng Pharmacy, and Yi Xin Tang, are continuing to close underperforming stores while slowing down their expansion efforts [1][4]. - In Q1 2025, Lao Bai Xing closed 161 stores and opened 24, while Yi Feng Pharmacy opened 94 stores (26 self-built and 68 franchises) but closed 84 [1][4]. - The overall closure rate for retail pharmacies reached 5.7% in 2024, with over 39,000 stores shutting down [1][6]. Group 2: Financial Performance - Financial reports for Q1 2025 show a mixed performance among major chains, with Lao Bai Xing, Yi Xin Tang, and Jian Zhi Jia experiencing revenue and profit declines [3][4]. - Yi Feng Pharmacy reported a revenue of 6.009 billion yuan, up 0.64% year-on-year, and a net profit of 449 million yuan, up 10.51% [3][4]. - Dazheng Lin achieved a revenue of 6.956 billion yuan, up 3.02%, and a net profit of 460 million yuan, up 15.45% [3][4]. Group 3: Industry Trends and Challenges - The retail pharmacy sector is undergoing a deep transformation, moving from aggressive expansion to a focus on quality and efficiency due to market saturation and increased regulatory scrutiny [6][8]. - The number of pharmacies in China increased from 524,000 in 2019 to 667,000 in 2023, leading to structural oversupply [8][9]. - Industry experts predict that around 20% of small pharmacies may be eliminated, further increasing market concentration [8]. Group 4: New Retail Strategies - Leading chains are integrating online and offline operations to adapt to changing market dynamics, with Yi Feng Pharmacy reporting significant online sales growth [9][10]. - Dazheng Lin is focusing on building a prescription transfer system and enhancing professional service capabilities to differentiate itself in a competitive landscape [9][10]. - Yi Xin Tang is exploring diversification into non-pharmaceutical products and new business models, such as combining pharmacies with convenience stores [10].