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记者观察| 盒马十周年:网红公司转身“盈利”公司
Zhong Guo Jing Ying Bao·2025-08-08 14:43

Core Insights - Hema, Alibaba's first new retail experiment, celebrates its 10th anniversary and has plans to open nearly 100 new stores in the upcoming fiscal year while maintaining a store closure rate of no more than 2% of its total stores [1][4] - The company has achieved profitability every month in the past fiscal year, marking a significant milestone for its 10th birthday [1][6] - The transition of leadership from founder Hou Yi to CEO Yan Xiaolei is seen as a response to recent challenges and a strategic shift towards profitability [1][5] Company Developments - Hema's initial public perception was shaped by a 2017 store visit from Alibaba's top executives, which was viewed as a public endorsement of the new retail concept [3] - The company has experimented with approximately 12 different business models over the years, including Hema Fresh, Hema Mini, and Hema NB, among others [3][4] - Hema's innovative delivery model, promising delivery within 30 minutes, has become a competitive standard in the fresh e-commerce sector [4] Strategic Focus - The company is now focusing on two core business models, Hema Fresh and Hema NB, to better align with market consumption trends and enhance profitability [4][6] - Yan Xiaolei's background in finance and previous roles within Alibaba are expected to bring a more pragmatic approach to the company's operations [4][5] - The shift in strategy reflects a broader need for Hema to transition from being a "star company" to a "successful company," emphasizing sustainability over mere novelty [6]