月薪两万吃不起的百果园，去年关店近千家

Core Viewpoint - The chairman of Baiguoyuan, Yu Huiyong, sparked controversy by stating that the company will not cater to consumer demands, emphasizing consumer education instead. This statement led to significant backlash on social media, highlighting consumer dissatisfaction with the brand's pricing and quality [1][2][3]. Group 1: Consumer Sentiment and Brand Trust - Consumers express disappointment and frustration towards Baiguoyuan, feeling that the brand has strayed from its original promise of quality and value [4]. - The expectation from consumers is straightforward: they want to pay a reasonable price for commensurate quality. Many consumers are willing to pay more for high-quality products but reject the notion of being "educated" into purchasing expensive items that do not meet quality standards [5]. - Baiguoyuan's past reputation for quality and customer satisfaction has been tarnished by recent reports of poor product quality and unethical practices in their stores [6][19]. Group 2: Financial Performance and Business Strategy - In 2024, Baiguoyuan reported a revenue of 10.27 billion RMB, a decline of 9.8% year-on-year, and a pre-tax loss of 391 million RMB, marking a significant downturn in financial performance [22]. - The company has seen a drastic reduction in its store count, closing nearly 1,000 locations in a year, with a total of 5,127 stores remaining as of the end of 2024 [24]. - Membership numbers have also decreased, with a loss of 317,000 paying members, representing a 27.1% drop from the previous year [25]. Group 3: Market Position and Competitive Landscape - Baiguoyuan's market position has weakened significantly, with its stock value dropping by 71.5% since its IPO, reflecting a loss of investor confidence [27]. - The competitive landscape has intensified, with new players in the market offering fresh and affordable fruit options, challenging Baiguoyuan's traditional business model [28]. - The company's strategy of not catering to consumer preferences may lead to further losses in market share as consumers seek better value elsewhere [29].