Workflow
“调改潮”中的超市:有人排队买烤鸭,有人亏到关门

Core Viewpoint - The retail industry is undergoing a transformation towards "food-enhanced supermarkets," focusing on increasing the proportion and professionalism of food categories, particularly ready-to-eat and semi-finished products, in response to changing consumer habits and preferences [8][10][21]. Group 1: Industry Trends - Many traditional supermarkets are transitioning to "food-enhanced supermarkets," significantly increasing the share of food categories while optimizing non-food displays [8][9]. - According to the China Chain Store & Franchise Association, the sales proportion of food items in supermarkets is expected to reach 68.2% in 2024, up from 59.4% in 2019, with fresh food's share increasing from 22.1% to 28.5% [8][9]. - The trend is evident as companies like Metro and Yonghui Supermarket are actively renovating stores to enhance food offerings, with Metro's first renovated store opening in August 2023 [9][10]. Group 2: Consumer Behavior Changes - Consumers are shifting towards high-frequency, small-quantity purchases, favoring convenience and ready-to-eat options over traditional grocery shopping [7][8]. - A case study of a consumer in Beijing illustrates this shift, as she now frequently purchases ready-to-eat meals and baked goods instead of raw ingredients [7][8]. - The demand for convenience is driving supermarkets to adapt, as younger consumers prefer spending more on ready-made meals rather than investing time in meal preparation [9][10]. Group 3: Challenges Faced by Supermarkets - Traditional supermarkets are facing significant challenges, including continuous losses and store closures, as seen with Yonghui Supermarket, which reported a cumulative loss of over 9.5 billion yuan from 2021 to 2024 [11][12][13]. - The transformation efforts are often met with difficulties, such as high operational costs and the need for skilled labor in food processing, which can hinder profitability [17][18]. - The restructuring of supply chains and the need for substantial investment in equipment and training pose additional challenges for supermarkets attempting to enhance their food offerings [17][18]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The ongoing transformation in the retail sector reflects a broader market trend, with traditional supermarkets needing to innovate or risk obsolescence [20][21]. - Despite the potential for growth in food-enhanced supermarkets, the path to success is fraught with challenges, including high costs, insufficient customer traffic, and the need for standardized products across locations [18][21]. - The retail landscape is expected to continue evolving, with a potential reshuffling of market players as companies adapt to changing consumer demands and competitive pressures [21].