Xin Jing Bao·2025-12-19 03:11Core Viewpoint - Li Ning is accelerating its expansion into the outdoor market, opening its first independent outdoor store, COUNTERFLOW, in Beijing, which signifies a strategic shift to find new growth opportunities amid declining profits [1][2]. Group 1: Company Strategy and Performance - Li Ning's revenue for the first half of 2023 increased by 3.3% to 14.82 billion yuan, while net profit decreased by 11% to 1.737 billion yuan, indicating a need for new growth avenues [1][6]. - The establishment of the outdoor store represents a significant commitment to the outdoor segment, which is now treated as an independent business rather than a subcategory of the main brand [3][5]. - The outdoor product line includes shoes, apparel, and accessories, with a focus on fashionable outdoor wear targeting younger consumers [3][7]. Group 2: Market Context and Competition - The Chinese high-performance outdoor apparel market is projected to grow from 53.9 billion yuan in 2019 to 102.7 billion yuan by 2024, with a CAGR of 13.8%, making it one of the fastest-growing segments in functional apparel [5]. - Li Ning's entry into the outdoor market comes at a time when competition is intensifying, with established brands like Anta and emerging players like KAILAS and other international brands also vying for market share [8][9]. - The outdoor consumer base is diverse, and Li Ning aims to differentiate itself by focusing on the fashion aspect of outdoor products, which is seen as a significant opportunity [7][9]. Group 3: Future Outlook - The outdoor segment is viewed as a potential growth driver for Li Ning, especially as the company seeks to stabilize its cash flow amid increasing competition and market changes [6][8]. - Analysts suggest that while Li Ning has the potential to leverage its supply chain and brand recognition, the success of its outdoor strategy will depend on its ability to understand market dynamics and product development [9].