月子中心救不了高端酒店

Core Viewpoint - The maternity center industry is facing significant challenges, with a wave of bankruptcies and closures, particularly among mid-range centers, while high-end centers show some resilience [1][4][6]. Group 1: Industry Challenges - The maternity center industry has seen a dramatic increase in the number of centers, with a nearly 80% growth in first-tier and new first-tier cities over the past five years, while demand has only increased by 40% to 50% [4][6]. - The closure of over 67 maternity centers, including the notable case of Aijia, has triggered a wave of bankruptcies across the industry, with more than ten centers shutting down in the first two months of the year [1][4]. - A forecast suggests that 2025 could be the most challenging year for the maternity center industry, with potential closures of up to 60% of centers [2]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - High-end and ultra-high-end maternity centers are exhibiting growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31.5% and 29.9% respectively from 2018 to 2023, outperforming mid-range and budget segments [6]. - The collaboration between maternity centers and high-end hotels is emerging as a trend, with centers like Saint Bella successfully turning profitable by leveraging hotel resources [2][8]. - The average contract value for postpartum care services at Saint Bella centers has shown a slight increase, indicating a potential for revenue growth despite overall industry challenges [7]. Group 3: Financial Performance - Saint Bella reported a total revenue of 523 million yuan in the first half of 2025, a 35% year-on-year increase, with a net profit of 327 million yuan, marking a significant turnaround [8]. - The rental costs for maternity centers operating within hotels have remained substantial, accounting for 22.5% of revenue in 2023, highlighting the financial pressures faced by these businesses [10]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The industry is expected to evolve towards a lighter asset model, allowing high-end maternity centers to utilize hotel resources effectively, thereby reducing costs associated with renovations and dining [6][12]. - Despite the potential for growth, the high costs of labor and rent continue to pose significant challenges for scaling operations within the maternity center sector [11][12]. - The overall market for maternity services is under pressure, with a significant reduction in the number of operational centers, dropping from over 5,000 to around 2,470 in just two years [13].