Core Insights - The summer peak season for convenience stores has been disappointing, with many store owners expressing frustration over declining sales and increasing inventory levels [1][3][5] - Store owners are increasingly relying on upcoming holidays like the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day for potential sales boosts, but many feel this is a cycle of self-deception [1][3] - The overall business environment for convenience stores has worsened significantly since 2013, with many owners struggling to maintain profitability [5][10] Sales Performance - A store owner reported a drastic drop in ice cream sales from nearly 30,000 yuan last summer to only 4,000 yuan this year, indicating a nearly tenfold decrease [3] - Another owner noted that their store's sales have been consistently low, with daily revenues often only covering rent, which has become increasingly difficult to manage [8][16] - The average daily revenue for convenience stores has decreased, with one owner mentioning that their store's daily revenue is now around 4,698 yuan, down 2% from the previous year [18] Inventory Challenges - Many store owners are facing high inventory levels, with one reporting a stock of over 400,000 yuan in cigarettes, which they are reluctant to sell at a loss [3][10] - The pressure from rising inventory and rent costs has become a significant concern for convenience store operators, leading to a reliance on hope for future sales improvements [10][11] Market Dynamics - The convenience store industry is experiencing growth in terms of the number of stores, with a reported increase from 182,000 to 196,000 stores in a year, reflecting a 7.7% growth [18] - Despite the growth in the number of stores, the average revenue per store is declining, highlighting a disconnect between industry expansion and individual store profitability [18][20] - The overall retail environment is challenging, with a reported 3.7% year-on-year increase in retail sales, but convenience stores are struggling to capture this growth [18] Consumer Behavior - Consumers are becoming more price-sensitive, leading to a shift towards discount stores and online shopping, which is impacting convenience store sales [11][20] - The rise of e-commerce and discount retailers has created significant competition, forcing convenience stores to lower prices and margins to attract customers [13][20] - The changing consumer preferences and behaviors are leading to a decline in impulse purchases, which were once a staple for convenience store sales [14][16]
从烟柜到冰柜，便利店的库存正压垮个体老板
3 6 Ke·2025-08-29 01:44