多地闭店，「中产白月光」也卖不动了？

Core Viewpoint - MUJI is experiencing a significant contraction in its retail presence in major urban areas, with multiple store closures indicating struggles with profitability and competition from local brands [6][11][17]. Group 1: Store Closures - MUJI has announced the closure of several stores, including the Beijing Shimao Gong San store, which will cease operations on August 31, 2025 [6][8]. - Other notable closures include stores in Beijing, Shanghai, Ningbo, Jinan, and Suzhou, reflecting a broader trend of retreat from key commercial districts [11][17]. - The company claims these closures are part of a normal adjustment process to improve operational efficiency in response to declining foot traffic in certain areas [17]. Group 2: Pricing and Quality Issues - MUJI's pricing strategy has come under scrutiny, with consumers questioning the high prices of products that are often manufactured in China [18][22][23]. - There have been numerous complaints regarding product quality, with customers reporting issues such as broken luggage handles and defective clothing [36][41][49]. - The company has faced administrative penalties related to product quality, indicating ongoing challenges in maintaining standards [50]. Group 3: Market Competition - Since 2015, MUJI has seen a slowdown in same-store sales growth in China, with negative growth reported in 2018 [52]. - The company has attempted to adjust its strategy by lowering prices and increasing localization efforts, including the establishment of a separate China division [54]. - Despite recent sales growth, the competitive landscape has intensified with the emergence of local brands offering similar products at lower prices, posing a significant challenge to MUJI's market position [57][60]. Group 4: Financial Performance - MUJI's parent company reported a 19.2% increase in sales to 591.09 billion yen (approximately 28.71 billion RMB) for the nine months ending May 31, 2025, with a 30.1% increase in net profit [55]. - The company has opened 414 stores in China, with a notable increase in sales from direct retail and e-commerce channels [55].