SCS(SH:601555) 智通财经网·2025-07-24 07:03Core Viewpoint - The hard discount business model has been validated globally, and domestic companies are in the exploratory development stage, facing both opportunities and challenges [1][4]. Group 1: Hard Discount Business Model - The hard discount model is feasible, with successful practices in both domestic and international retail sectors [2]. - International examples like Aldi and Costco demonstrate that the model can thrive even with limited initial resources by focusing on operational efficiency and long-term partnerships [2]. - Domestic hard discount companies can optimize profit margins by reducing distribution channels, achieving a profit improvement of 20%-40% [2]. Group 2: Domestic Hard Discount Landscape - Companies like Le'erle have rapidly expanded, with plans to cover 8,000 stores by 2024, prioritizing scale over standardization and profitability [3]. - Regional brands established around 2020 are stabilizing in their local markets, with varying operational efficiencies based on their product offerings [3]. - Snack retailers are experimenting with cost-saving supermarkets, enhancing their product range and increasing sales and profitability [3]. Group 3: Opportunities and Challenges - The current retail environment is undergoing a transformation, presenting opportunities for hard discount formats to emerge as a significant retail category [4]. - The complexity and rapid changes in the domestic retail environment pose challenges, with a need for improved capabilities and talent reserves among local retailers [4]. - Comparatively, the Chinese retail landscape is more diverse and developed in terms of logistics and e-commerce penetration than the U.S. [4]. Group 4: Food and Beverage Sector - Companies like Wancheng Group and Mingming Hen Mang are attempting to expand beyond snack categories into multiple product lines, supported by strong fundamentals [5].