Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-11-09 21:27Core Insights - The article discusses the decline of the duck neck snack industry, highlighting the closure of 5,600 stores and the loss of consumer interest among young people [1] - Major brands like Juewei, Zhou Hei Ya, and Huang Shang Huang are facing significant challenges, including store closures, financial losses, and a drop in consumer trust [1][6] Group 1: Industry Overview - The duck neck snack was once a staple of nightlife, with brands rapidly expanding and attracting franchisees due to perceived profitability [1][3] - By 2019, the market began to saturate, leading to a decline in single-store revenue as competition increased [3] - In the first half of 2025, Zhou Hei Ya reported revenue of 1.223 billion, a decrease of 2.9% year-on-year, while Huang Shang Huang's revenue was 984 million, down 7.19% year-on-year [1] Group 2: Business Model Challenges - The franchise model initially appeared profitable due to upfront fees and bundled services, but market saturation led to diminishing returns for franchisees [3][8] - Zhou Hei Ya's focus on high-end locations resulted in high rental costs, making its business model vulnerable during economic downturns [3][6] - The number of franchise stores for Zhou Hei Ya decreased to 1,291 by the first half of 2025, indicating a contraction in its business [3] Group 3: Consumer Behavior and Market Trends - The menu offerings of these brands have remained stagnant, failing to innovate and attract younger consumers who prefer trendy and novel options [4][8] - Price increases have alienated consumers, as the cost of duck neck snacks has approached that of full meals, leading to a perception of reduced value [6][8] - The combination of quality control issues, lack of product innovation, and rising prices has contributed to a significant decline in brand loyalty and consumer interest [6][8] Group 4: Financial Impact - The combined revenue of the three major brands decreased by nearly 1 billion in the first half of 2025, reflecting a systemic contraction in the industry [8] - Juewei has faced severe financial issues, leading to its designation as ST (special treatment) in the capital market, with its market value evaporating by 80% from its peak [1][6] - Zhou Hei Ya has been forced to make layoffs and internal adjustments due to declining revenue and increased operational costs [6]