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Core Viewpoint - The discount snack market is experiencing explosive growth, but competition is intensifying, leading to store closures among brands like Haotemai, which is struggling to maintain its position amidst fierce competition from both internet giants and traditional retailers [4][20]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The discount snack market in China has seen its scale grow from 40.8 billion yuan in 2019 to 1,045.9 billion yuan in 2024 [10]. - The number of discount snack stores nationwide has surpassed 45,000, representing a growth of over 460% since 2022, driven primarily by young consumers [24]. - Young consumers aged 19-35 account for 65.5% of the consumption of near-expiry food products, making them the dominant demographic in this market [27]. Group 2: Competitive Landscape - Major players like Meituan, JD.com, and Hema are entering the discount snack sector, increasing competition for brands like Haotemai, which is now facing significant pressure to adapt [4]. - Haotemai, once a leader with nearly 1,000 stores, is now reportedly closing locations in key cities and has paused new franchise sign-ups [4][20]. - The rapid expansion of competitors such as Zhao Yiming Snacks and Wantian Group has led to a significant increase in store numbers, with Zhao Yiming reaching 9,189 stores and Wantian's brand "Haoxianglai" reaching 14,334 stores by mid-2025 [27]. Group 3: Pricing and Product Quality - Many products in discount snack stores, including Haotemai, are priced similarly to or even higher than regular supermarkets, raising questions about the actual value proposition of these stores [6][11]. - Complaints regarding product quality, including issues with expired or moldy snacks, have been prevalent among consumers, indicating potential risks to brand reputation [16]. - The low prices of discount snacks are primarily due to the sale of near-expiry products and a simplified supply chain that reduces costs by 20%-30% compared to traditional supermarkets [20].