海伦司“小酒馆第一股”背后，一场短暂的繁华

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges and potential of the small bar industry in China, particularly focusing on the case of Helen's, which has seen a significant decline in store numbers and profitability since its IPO in 2021 [4][9][19]. Group 1: Industry Overview - The alcohol consumption market is becoming increasingly vibrant, with new entrants like light alcohol and small bars enriching the industry landscape [4]. - In 2021, Helen's became the first small bar stock in Hong Kong, leading to expectations of a flourishing market [5][8]. - However, the reality has diverged from these expectations, with Helen's store count dropping from 767 in 2022 to 479 in 2023, a decrease of 37.55% [9]. Group 2: Helen's Business Model and Strategy - Helen's initially attracted young consumers with a low-price strategy, offering beers at 10 yuan [8]. - The company has shifted its focus to lower-tier markets for growth, with a significant reduction in stores in first and second-tier cities [10]. - The number of Helen's direct-operated and franchised stores decreased by 60.95% and 19.3% respectively from 2022 to 2023 [10]. Group 3: Market Potential and Challenges - The potential for bar consumption in lower-tier markets is substantial, with projections indicating that the domestic bar industry revenue could reach 183.9 billion yuan by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of 18.8% [11]. - Despite the promising market potential, the small bar business model remains largely unproven, with many brands entering the market but few succeeding [16][17]. - The competitive landscape is intensifying, with major beer brands also entering the small bar space, further complicating the market dynamics [17][18]. Group 4: Future Considerations - The article raises questions about the viability of the small bar business, suggesting that while it may be a good market, it is not necessarily easy to operate successfully [19]. - The industry is still in its early stages, with a high level of fragmentation and a low market penetration rate, indicating significant growth opportunities for leading players like Helen's [19].