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背刺中产:是山姆变了,还是中产自己变了?
Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-07-24 23:38

Core Insights - The core issue revolves around the shift in Sam's Club's product selection strategy and the changing consumer mindset, leading to dissatisfaction among its members [1][5][14] Group 1: Changes in Product Strategy - In 2025, Sam's Club accelerated its localization strategy, with 70% of products sourced from domestic suppliers, reducing the import ratio from 30% to 18%, which resulted in a decline in product quality [3][4] - The introduction of popular but controversial brands like Haoliyou and Weilong has conflicted with Sam's Club's previously established "strict selection" image, leading to consumer complaints [1][4] - Complaints on the Black Cat Complaint platform surged by 65% in 2025, highlighting issues such as spoiled milk and moldy fruits, indicating a significant decline in quality control [1][3] Group 2: Consumer Sentiment and Market Dynamics - Sam's Club's membership base in lower-tier cities has reached 45%, prompting a shift towards more price-sensitive products to capture this demographic [5][10] - The perception of Sam's Club as a high-quality provider is being challenged as consumers now prioritize both quality and lower prices, complicating the company's ability to balance these demands [17][24] - The decline in the willingness of core middle-class members to renew their memberships, with a reported 18% drop in average spending per new member, reflects a broader trend of changing consumer expectations [9][18] Group 3: Strategic Implications - The management's shift from an "expansion-driven" to an "efficiency-driven" approach under new leadership has led to a focus on short-term financial metrics, which has negatively impacted product quality [7][8] - The challenge for Sam's Club lies in navigating the delicate balance between appealing to price-sensitive consumers while maintaining its reputation for quality, as failure to do so could lead to a decline in membership and sales [28][30] - The evolving family structure in China, moving towards smaller households, necessitates a reevaluation of Sam's Club's bulk product offerings, which may not align with the needs of modern consumers [19][22]