矛盾的烟酒店

Core Viewpoint - The traditional tobacco and liquor retail industry is facing a systemic crisis, driven by internal operational rigidity and external market pressures, leading to significant profit erosion and operational challenges for retailers like Wang Cheng [12][26]. Group 1: Market Changes - The business model of tobacco and liquor retail, which relied on high-frequency cigarette sales to cover fixed costs and high-margin liquor sales for profit, is no longer effective [1][6]. - The sales volume for high-end cigarettes has drastically decreased, with some products selling for less than their official prices, indicating a collapse in the pricing structure [5][6]. - Liquor sales are experiencing unprecedented price wars, with some well-known brands selling below their purchase prices, further straining profitability [7][23]. Group 2: Internal Challenges - The internal operational mechanisms, particularly the tiered distribution system, have become a burden rather than an incentive, forcing retailers to purchase unsellable products to maintain their status [14][20]. - Retailers are increasingly opting to reduce or abandon their weekly order quotas and downgrade their tobacco licenses as a survival strategy [9][10]. - The traditional profit model has been disrupted, with retailers facing losses on previously profitable products, leading to a reevaluation of their inventory strategies [19][25]. Group 3: External Pressures - The rise of e-commerce platforms has significantly impacted traditional retail, as consumers can now access better prices online, undermining the cash flow from high-end liquor sales [22][24]. - The transparency of pricing and availability on online platforms has eroded the competitive advantage that traditional retailers once held through personal relationships and information asymmetry [23][26]. Group 4: Transformation Strategies - Retailers are exploring two main transformation strategies: integrating with online platforms for digital operations and enhancing community engagement through personalized service [27][31]. - While some retailers have seen initial success with online orders, the majority find that this approach does not fundamentally resolve their core business challenges [30][35]. - Strengthening community ties and providing personalized service can create a competitive edge that online platforms cannot replicate, as seen in Wang Cheng's efforts to build trust and relationships with customers [33][36].