湊湊试水限时自助 呷哺集团忙于“自救”

Core Insights - The company is exploring new growth opportunities by launching a limited-time self-service hot pot model in three cities, indicating a strategic shift to attract more customers [1][4][6] - The self-service model offers two pricing tiers, with the lower tier priced at 148 yuan and the higher tier at 228 yuan, including various food options [4][6] - Despite initial popularity, the company has faced significant financial challenges, including a decline in sales and increased losses over recent years [7][8][9] Financial Performance - The revenue share of the hot pot brand, 湊湊, grew from 2.5% in mid-2017 to 37% in mid-2021, with revenue reaching approximately 1.127 billion yuan [7] - However, sales dropped by 9.1% to 1.024 billion yuan in the first half of 2022, with losses increasing from 46.9 million yuan in 2021 to 278 million yuan in 2022 [8] - The company closed 73 湊湊 restaurants in 2024, resulting in a net decrease of 60 locations, leaving only 197 by year-end [8] Strategic Adjustments - The company is focusing on its core brand and plans to eliminate unprofitable business lines to enhance competitiveness [1][10] - The introduction of the self-service model is seen as an attempt to adapt to changing market conditions and consumer preferences [9][11] - The company aims to improve its operational efficiency and customer experience by leveraging digital tools and enhancing its membership system [11]