餐饮“四大金刚”，挤满全国商场

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rapid expansion of the food and beverage industry in shopping malls, highlighting the shift from traditional retail spaces to dining establishments as key attractions for consumers [4][5][6]. Group 1: Expansion of Dining Formats - The food and beverage sector is expanding at an unprecedented rate in both high-end and community shopping centers, with tea, coffee, baking, hot pot, and noodle shops becoming the main players [7][8][12]. - In April, the reopening of Shenzhen iN City Plaza saw a significant shift from luxury brands to popular dining options, with food outlets occupying a substantial portion of the space [10][11]. - Statistics show that in Q2 of this year, new dining openings accounted for 30% of new stores in high-end malls, with a store opening-to-closing ratio of 1.51 [11]. Group 2: Challenges in Retail Spaces - Many shopping malls are facing difficulties in attracting tenants and foot traffic, leading to a rise in vacancy rates, particularly in clothing and beauty sectors [20][21]. - The number of clothing stores, such as Zara, has significantly decreased, with many brands closing locations or filing for bankruptcy [21][22]. - Projections indicate that by mid-2025, 27% of shopping center projects will experience increased vacancy rates, with major cities seeing rates as high as 14.2% [23][24]. Group 3: The Role of "Four Kings" in Malls - The "Four Kings" of dining—tea, coffee, baking, and hot pot—are seen as essential for filling vacancies in malls, as they attract customers and have lower barriers to entry for new businesses [27][29]. - The restaurant industry is characterized by high turnover rates, with over 30% annual turnover in some malls, ensuring a constant influx of new brands [29]. - The "Four Kings" are also capable of providing stable rental income for malls, with brands like Bawang Tea and A-Ma's Handmade actively seeking prime locations [29]. Group 4: Strategic Expansion of Dining Brands - Dining brands are leveraging shopping malls for expansion, using these locations to enhance brand visibility and establish a presence in new markets [31][32]. - The standardization of operations in tea, coffee, and baking shops makes them well-suited for mall environments, allowing for easier replication and faster openings [37]. - As urban markets become saturated, many brands are targeting lower-tier cities, often prioritizing mall locations for their new outlets [36].