默林回应杜莎夫人关停：租约到期，押注乐高乐园

Core Points - Merlin Entertainment Group announced the permanent closure of the Beijing Madame Tussauds wax museum due to high rent and the expiration of the lease, with plans to focus on LEGO parks in the future [1][2][7] - The closure of the Beijing location follows the recent shutdown of the Chongqing Madame Tussauds, indicating a strategic shift in the company's operations in China [1][5] Lease and Closure Details - The Beijing Madame Tussauds will close permanently on October 1, 2025, as the company decided not to renew the lease after careful consideration [2] - The high rental costs were cited as a significant factor in the decision to close the museum, with plans to relocate most wax figures to other locations in China [2][4] Market Analysis - The operational costs of wax museums are high, including rent, maintenance, and staffing, which makes it challenging to sustain profitability solely through ticket sales [3] - Changing consumer preferences have led to a decline in repeat visits, necessitating a shift towards more immersive and value-driven experiences [3][4] Strategic Adjustments - Merlin Entertainment is planning to upgrade other attractions in China to meet evolving consumer demands, particularly targeting younger audiences and families [4] - The company is also focusing on expanding its LEGO parks in China, viewing this as a key area for future growth [7][8] Financial Performance - Merlin Entertainment reported a revenue of £2.057 billion for 2024, a decrease of 3.2% year-on-year, with a pre-tax loss of £492 million, indicating financial challenges [7] - The company highlighted the decline in brand value for Madame Tussauds in its financial reports, reinforcing the need for strategic realignment [7] Future Prospects - The opening of the Shanghai LEGO park has been successful, attracting a significant number of visitors, although it has faced some operational challenges [8] - The company is optimistic about the potential of LEGO parks to replace the revenue previously generated by Madame Tussauds, although market performance will need to be closely monitored [8]