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虎嗅APP·2025-08-27 09:36

Core Viewpoint - The retail industry is undergoing a profound transformation, with traditional hypermarkets facing significant decline as consumers shift towards diverse and digital shopping channels [2][3][4] Group 1: Reasons for Decline of Traditional Hypermarkets - Channel dominance is failing due to rising operational costs, with average rent increasing by 8%-12% annually and labor costs by 6%-8% [6] - New retail formats like community group buying and specialized stores have lower operational costs, making traditional hypermarkets less competitive [6][7] - Price competition has intensified, with e-commerce platforms offering significant price advantages, leading to a loss of pricing power for traditional retailers [7][8] Group 2: Consumer Behavior Changes - Consumers are moving from planned purchases to an "infinite shelf" model, favoring online platforms for their extensive product offerings [13][14] - Instant demand is rising, with 62% of young consumers preferring shopping that can fulfill needs within 30 minutes [16][17] - Experience-driven shopping is becoming more important, with consumers seeking enjoyable shopping experiences rather than just functional purchases [18][19] Group 3: Emerging Retail Formats - Vertical killers are disrupting traditional hypermarkets by focusing on niche markets and efficient operations, leading to a 25% decline in sales for hypermarkets in snack categories [21][22] - Community group buying is acting as a "price butcher," offering extremely low prices and capturing significant market share, with a user base of 678 million in 2023 [24][25] - Discount and near-expiry product retailers are gaining traction by providing high-quality products at low prices, with a projected market size of 40.1 billion by 2025 [27][28] Group 4: Generational Differences in Consumer Preferences - Generation Z prioritizes social-driven consumption, with 78% of their shopping decisions influenced by social media [36][37] - The new middle class values efficiency and quality, often choosing retailers that minimize decision-making time and ensure consistent product quality [38][39] - The elderly population is gradually adopting online shopping while still favoring traditional shopping experiences, indicating a need for trust and convenience [40][41] Group 5: Structural Issues in Traditional Hypermarkets - Traditional hypermarkets face a rigid cost structure, with a 25% closure rate among the top 100 supermarkets in 2024 [44] - Supply chain inefficiencies are evident, with low direct sourcing rates leading to higher costs and slower response times compared to emerging channels [45][46] - Organizational aging is hindering innovation, with traditional retailers struggling to adapt to new consumer demands due to outdated decision-making processes [47] Group 6: Future Directions for Retail - Retailers must choose between becoming "price killers" through efficiency or "emotional pharmacies" by enhancing customer experience [48] - High-end retailers like Sam's Club focus on maximizing member value rather than just high prices, ensuring quality and convenience [49][50] - Community-focused strategies are emerging, with retailers like Durex Super optimizing store sizes and product offerings to enhance local shopping experiences [51]