Core Viewpoint - The rapid expansion of the snack retail brand "Haoxianglai" is facing challenges, as evidenced by the closure of multiple stores in Jinan and a significant slowdown in new store openings by its parent company, Wancheng Group [1][5]. Group 1: Store Closures and Market Conditions - "Haoxianglai" has closed three stores in Jinan, with reports indicating that store density is too high in the area [2][5]. - The company has seen a dramatic decrease in new store openings, with only 1,468 new stores in the first half of 2025 compared to 9,776 in 2024 [5]. - The parent company reported a total of 259 store closures in the first half of 2025, surpassing the total for the entire previous year [5]. Group 2: Pricing Strategies and Market Competition - The brand employs a low-price strategy to attract customers, which has led to a competitive environment where many snack retailers are forced to lower prices [6][8]. - The low-price approach is facilitated by a simplified supply chain model that reduces operational costs [6]. - Major competitors like "Three Squirrels" have also adopted aggressive pricing strategies, resulting in revenue growth but a significant drop in net profit [7]. Group 3: Industry Trends and Future Outlook - The rapid expansion of snack stores has led to market saturation, with "Haoxianglai" opening 15,000 stores and another competitor, "Zhaoyiming," also surpassing 10,000 stores [12]. - Experts suggest that the current market dynamics reflect a necessary adjustment phase, where companies must align their resources and management capabilities for sustainable growth [12][13]. - The industry is shifting from a focus on quantity of stores to differentiation in products and supply chain efficiency, as brands seek to establish a competitive edge beyond just low prices [13][14].
济南多家“好想来”闭店，“万店神话”能否继续