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Core Insights - The discount snack market is experiencing explosive growth, with a market size increase from 40.8 billion to 1045.9 billion from 2019 to 2024, driven by young consumers [4][12] - The competitive landscape is intensifying, with major players like Meituan, JD, and Hema entering the market, putting pressure on traditional discount brands like Haote Mai [2][10] - Haote Mai, once a leading brand with nearly 1,000 stores, is now facing store closures and strategic contraction due to fierce competition and market challenges [1][2] Market Dynamics - The number of discount snack stores in China has surpassed 45,000, reflecting a growth of over 460% since 2022, indicating a rapidly expanding market driven by young consumers [12] - The demographic of consumers purchasing near-expiry products is predominantly young adults aged 19-35, who make up 65.5% of this market segment [13] - The market is projected to exceed 1500 billion by 2027, highlighting the potential for continued growth in the discount snack sector [13] Pricing and Product Quality - Many products in discount stores like Haote Mai are not significantly cheaper than those in regular supermarkets, with some items priced higher than their non-expired counterparts [3][4] - Consumer complaints regarding product quality, including issues with expired or moldy snacks, have been prevalent, indicating potential risks to brand reputation [6] - The low pricing strategy of discount snacks is largely based on selling near-expiry products and reducing supply chain costs, allowing for prices that are 20%-30% lower than traditional supermarkets [10] Competitive Landscape - The rapid expansion of brands like Zhao Yi Ming and Huan Huan has led to a significant increase in store numbers, with Zhao Yi Ming and other brands growing from 1,902 stores in 2022 to over 15,000 by mid-2025 [13] - The intense competition has resulted in some brands, including Haote Mai, closing stores and halting new franchise agreements to manage crisis situations [12][13] - The reliance on low prices and rapid expansion may not be sustainable, suggesting a need for brands to focus on product quality and supply chain optimization to build consumer trust [12]