餐厅正在抛弃商场？

Core Viewpoint - A significant number of restaurants are rapidly abandoning shopping malls, indicating a prolonged period of restructuring and value system reformation in the industry, expected to last at least two more years [2][5]. Group 1: Current Trends in Restaurant Operations - Many restaurant owners are experiencing declining business in shopping malls, leading to closures despite substantial investments, such as a reported investment of nearly 3 million yuan for a hot pot restaurant in Chengdu [1]. - The trend of leaving malls is not isolated; various brands, including "Nai Si Ye" and "Yin Tang," have recently announced their exit from major shopping centers due to low foot traffic and high rents [1][3]. - A report indicates that by 2024, 34.9% of shopping centers will see more closures than new openings, highlighting a growing vacancy issue [3]. Group 2: Challenges Faced by Shopping Malls - Shopping malls are facing a decline in foot traffic, with some reporting a nearly 40% drop in visitor numbers compared to the previous year, leading to a closure rate of over 30% for restaurant outlets [8]. - The oversaturation of shopping malls has diluted foot traffic, with nearly 6,700 shopping centers of over 30,000 square meters expected by the end of 2024, compared to fewer in the past [7]. - Many malls are still operating under outdated models, failing to adapt to changing consumer preferences for experiential and emotional value, which diminishes their attractiveness [8]. Group 3: Economic Factors and Rental Issues - The high rental costs in shopping malls are becoming increasingly unfeasible for restaurant operators, with average rents reported at over 27 yuan per square meter per day, showing only a slight decrease of 0.06% year-on-year [12]. - A restaurant owner calculated that to cover a rent of approximately 2.2 million yuan annually, daily sales must reach at least 12,200 yuan, necessitating a minimum of 82 customers per day [13]. - Despite declining foot traffic and rising vacancy rates, many malls are reluctant to lower rents, leading to a challenging operating environment for restaurants [12]. Group 4: Opportunities in the Market - The concept of "downward" expansion is emerging as a potential opportunity, with many restaurants considering opening in lower levels of shopping malls, which often have lower rents and stable foot traffic due to proximity to public transport [16]. - There is a growing interest in county-level markets, where shopping centers are experiencing significant foot traffic, such as a reported daily average of 60,000 visitors during the Spring Festival in a Jiangsu county mall [17][18]. - The underdeveloped nature of commercial real estate in lower-tier cities presents a unique opportunity for restaurant brands to establish themselves in less competitive environments, leveraging the growing consumer demand for quality dining experiences [18].