Core Viewpoint - Leading gold brands are shifting their focus from physical store expansion to enhancing e-commerce channels due to declining terminal sales and changing consumer behavior [2][3]. Group 1: Store Network and Performance - Chow Tai Fook reported a reduction in its retail network, with over 70% of its retail points being franchise stores, totaling 6,041 locations, down from 6,644 as of March 31, representing a decrease of 603 stores [2]. - The most significant decline occurred in the mainland market, where retail points fell to 5,663, a reduction of 611 stores since March [2]. - The company continues to close underperforming stores while selectively opening new ones with higher productivity [2]. Group 2: Market Challenges and Strategic Adjustments - The shift from expansion to quality improvement poses challenges, including short-term revenue fluctuations, employee placement costs, and restructuring relationships with franchisees [3]. - The closure of stores primarily involves franchise locations, indicating a strategic adjustment to optimize channel structure and enhance overall operational efficiency [3]. Group 3: E-commerce Growth and Consumer Behavior - High gold prices, weak consumer demand, and intensified competition have pressured the profitability of inefficient stores, leading franchisees to consider exiting the market [4]. - Major brands like Chow Tai Fook and Lao Feng Xiang have adopted "high-quality growth" strategies, focusing on single-store efficiency rather than quantity expansion [4]. - E-commerce channels are experiencing significant growth, reflecting a shift in consumer trust from physical stores to brand official flagship stores, particularly for standardized products and IP collaborations [4]. - While e-commerce growth is promising, there remain essential in-store experiences such as trying on products, value retention, and after-sales service that cannot be replaced, leading brands to pursue an "online drive + offline experience" integrated approach rather than large-scale store closures [4].
周大福6个月减少611家零售点