Core Insights - The Chinese sportswear brands Anta, Li Ning, and Xtep are experiencing a significant shift from rapid expansion to a phase of contraction, indicating a response to market saturation and growth bottlenecks [1][2] - The industry is transitioning from a focus on store quantity and channel leverage to a deeper transformation centered on brand value, product innovation, and operational efficiency [2] Anta - Anta's success is attributed to its "single focus, multi-brand" strategy, which has allowed it to build a diverse brand portfolio through strategic acquisitions [3] - Despite a revenue increase of 14.3% to RMB 38.544 billion in the first half of 2025, Anta's core brand revenue grew only 5.4%, indicating a slowdown in growth [5] - The company is facing a "revenue growth without profit" dilemma, with net profit declining by 8.94% due to increased competition and the need for discounts to maintain market share [6][7] Li Ning - Li Ning has established a unique position in the market through a single-brand focus, leveraging technology and brand assets, but is now facing growth challenges as market conditions change [8][9] - The company's revenue grew only 3.29% in the first half of 2025, with net profit declining by 11%, highlighting the limitations of its single-brand strategy [9][11] - Li Ning's brand positioning conflicts with consumer perceptions of value, leading to discounting practices that undermine its premium branding efforts [9][11] Xtep - Xtep has focused on becoming the "first choice for Chinese runners," establishing a strong reputation in the running segment through technology and event sponsorship [12] - However, its heavy reliance on the running category has created a "category dependency syndrome," limiting its growth potential in other sports segments [12][14] - The company's market value has been declining, reflecting investor concerns about its narrow growth narrative and limited expansion opportunities [14] Industry Trends - The collective challenges faced by Anta, Li Ning, and Xtep signify a broader industry trend where brands must transition from growth driven by store expansion to creating value and recognition [15] - The future of the industry lies in establishing a brand moat based on core technological advantages and unique cultural expressions, moving beyond cost advantages associated with "Made in China" [15]