年入300亿，朴朴超市种种“反常规”操作，一路闯到IPO

Core Insights - Pupu Supermarket has adopted a unique strategy by focusing on regional operations rather than nationwide expansion, which has allowed it to survive in a challenging market environment [1][10] - The company achieved its first annual profit in 2024, with revenues around 30 billion yuan and a gross margin of 22.5% [2][18] - Pupu Supermarket's approach contrasts with the traditional "burn money for scale" model prevalent in the fresh e-commerce sector, allowing it to thrive during industry downturns [2][10] Company Strategy - Pupu Supermarket operates primarily in Fujian and Guangdong provinces, as well as in nine cities including Chengdu and Wuhan, adhering to a "slow and steady" growth philosophy [1][10] - The company utilizes a front warehouse model, which involves establishing warehouses close to residential areas to ensure rapid delivery within a 1.5 km radius [6][17] - The average size of Pupu's warehouses has increased from 300-500 square meters to 800-1000 square meters, enhancing picking efficiency and reducing fulfillment costs [17][18] Market Context - The fresh e-commerce market in China saw rapid growth around 2015, supported by favorable policies and technological advancements, leading to the establishment of numerous platforms [4][5] - Pupu Supermarket was founded in 2016 and initially struggled to gain visibility compared to larger competitors, but its understanding of local market dynamics allowed it to carve out a niche [5][10] - The company has maintained a cautious expansion strategy, only entering six cities by 2023, which has proven beneficial in a volatile market [10][24] Financial Performance - In 2022, Pupu Supermarket reported a GMV growth of 53% to 23 billion yuan and a revenue increase of 28% to 20.36 billion yuan [11] - The company has successfully transitioned to profitability in 2024, with projected revenues of approximately 30 billion yuan, surpassing competitors like Dingdong Maicai [2][18] - Despite achieving profitability, Pupu Supermarket faces ongoing challenges in balancing operational costs and customer experience, leading to multiple price adjustments for delivery fees [12][15] Competitive Landscape - The fresh e-commerce sector is characterized by a "layered" market, with competitors like Hema focusing on high-end offerings and Dingdong Maicai maintaining a core focus on fresh produce [22][24] - Pupu Supermarket's cautious approach has allowed it to avoid the pitfalls faced by other players who aggressively expanded and subsequently retracted their operations [10][22] - The company is currently exploring opportunities for an IPO, having previously laid the groundwork for a public offering in 2022 [24]