水果店竟成了最难做的生意

Core Viewpoint - The fruit retail industry is facing significant challenges, with many small store owners struggling to maintain profitability due to increased competition and changing consumer behaviors [2][9][12]. Group 1: Challenges Faced by Fruit Store Owners - Many fruit store owners, like Zhang Dong, initially experienced success but later faced increased competition as new stores opened nearby, leading to a decline in customer traffic and profits [2][3]. - The average operating period for individual fruit store owners has decreased from 4.3 years in 2019 to 1.8 years in 2024, indicating a growing instability in the sector [5]. - High rental costs and short shelf life of fruits contribute to the financial strain on fruit retailers, making it difficult to sustain operations [13]. Group 2: Attempts to Find Breakthroughs - Some store owners, such as Li Na, have attempted to diversify their offerings by adding vegetables or snacks, but these efforts have not yielded significant improvements in sales [7][8]. - The use of live streaming and online sales has been explored as a potential solution, but only 12.7% of operators have found success through this channel [8]. - The fruit retail industry is experiencing a systemic crisis, with major chains like Baiguoyuan closing stores and reporting declining sales and profitability [9][10]. Group 3: Market Dynamics and Consumer Behavior - Consumers are increasingly opting for online purchases, with 63% preferring to select fruits in-store but ultimately buying online, leading to a rise in online penetration from 17% in 2020 to 39% in 2024 [10]. - The price sensitivity of consumers has intensified, with many choosing the cheapest options available, further squeezing the margins of physical stores [10][11]. - The fruit industry is undergoing a deep adjustment, with traditional business models facing severe challenges due to high competition and changing consumer preferences [12][14].