默林回应杜莎夫人关停：店铺到期，未来升级其他蜡像馆+发展乐高

Core Viewpoint - The closure of the Madame Tussauds wax museum in Beijing, following the closure of the one in Chongqing, highlights the operational challenges faced by Merlin Entertainments in China, primarily due to high rental costs and changing consumer preferences [1][4]. Group 1: Closure Reasons - The Beijing Madame Tussauds wax museum will permanently close on October 1, 2025, due to the expiration of its lease and strategic brand adjustments by Merlin Entertainments [4]. - High rental costs were cited as a significant factor in the decision not to renew the lease for the Beijing location [4][5]. - The closure is part of a broader strategy to reassess and adjust Merlin's operations in China, including the potential relocation of wax figures to other locations [4][11]. Group 2: Market Challenges - The operational costs of wax museums are high, including rent, maintenance, and staffing, making it difficult to sustain profitability solely through ticket sales [5]. - Changing consumer habits have led to a decline in interest in static attractions like wax museums, with a growing preference for immersive and experiential entertainment options [5][10]. Group 3: Strategic Adjustments - Merlin Entertainments plans to upgrade other Madame Tussauds locations in China and shift focus towards LEGO theme parks as part of its strategic realignment [10][13]. - The company reported a decline in revenue, with a 3.2% drop to £20.57 billion and an increase in pre-tax losses to £4.92 billion, indicating financial pressures that necessitate strategic changes [13]. - The opening of the Shanghai LEGO Land in July 2023 has been positively received, suggesting a potential shift in consumer interest towards more interactive and family-oriented attractions [14].