Zhong Guo Zheng Quan Bao·2025-09-18 00:11Core Viewpoint - The new retail industry is undergoing a multi-dimensional transformation driven by consumer demand, technological innovation, and policy guidance, creating structural opportunities within the sector [1][2]. Industry Dynamics - The new retail sector is showing strong growth, with offline and online integration becoming the core driver of performance. The rapid expansion of offline formats like IP derivatives and hard discount retail, along with the notable growth of instant retail, is propelling the retail industry forward [2]. - Three forces are driving this trend: the evolution of consumer emotional needs, technological advancements, and innovative business models. These factors enable new retail to better match current consumer demands compared to traditional retail [2]. - Cross-border new retail is reshaping the industry landscape by integrating domestic supply chains into the global market, enhancing the efficiency of Chinese manufacturing in reaching overseas consumers [2]. Competitive Landscape - The new retail industry has developed a differentiated competitive landscape with three main types of players: 1. Traditional retail companies, which leverage solid physical networks and mature supply chains, focusing on digital transformation and supply chain optimization [3]. 2. Internet giants, which utilize technological barriers and vast data resources to achieve low-cost customer acquisition and enhance operational efficiency through big data and AI [3]. 3. Emerging brands that capture niche consumer demands with agile business models and strong IP operations, driving innovation within the industry [3]. Market Opportunities - AI technology is increasingly penetrating various industries, with its impact on new retail focusing on cost reduction and efficiency enhancement. AI applications, such as AI customer service, are becoming industry standards, significantly improving operational efficiency [4]. - The combination of green consumption and new retail is creating new opportunities, particularly in the "second-hand economy," driven by policies encouraging recycling and trade-in programs. Companies need to build integrated online and offline networks for second-hand transactions and leverage big data for efficient matching of supply and demand [5]. - The lower-tier markets and county economies represent another key growth point for new retail, with a rising demand for quality and cost-effectiveness. Retail formats that emphasize value and emotional engagement are well-positioned to meet these needs [5]. Future Outlook - Companies are encouraged to enhance product quality, optimize after-sales service, and improve supply-demand matching precision to attract capital and shift valuation logic from short-term performance to long-term brand value [6]. Structural Investment Opportunities - The new retail sector exhibits significant differences in value across various sub-sectors. Offline discount retail and instant retail align well with key market trends, offering a favorable balance between growth potential and valuation safety [7]. - Investors should focus on core indicators rather than single dimensions when evaluating companies, considering financial health and transformation effectiveness as critical factors [7]. - Different types of investors should adopt tailored strategies: individual investors should prioritize mature products and stable cash flows, while institutional investors can explore innovative business models with low penetration rates or undervalued internet platforms [8].