“投资21万，一天卖不到300元”，第一批糖水铺开始关店？

Core Viewpoint - The sugar water market is experiencing a stark contrast between the rapid expansion of leading brands and the struggles of many single-store operators, leading to a challenging environment for independent businesses [6][10][39]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The sugar water sector has seen unprecedented heat this year, with major brands like Gu Ming, Cha Bai Dao, and CoCo entering the market, while new brands like Mai Ji and Tang Xu are rapidly expanding, opening nearly 1,000 new stores [9][10]. - Social media has popularized visually appealing sugar water, making it a "social currency" among young consumers, which has encouraged many entrepreneurs to enter the market [11][10]. - Despite the apparent market prosperity, many single-store operators are struggling to maintain their businesses, with reports of daily sales failing to exceed 300 yuan [14][13]. Group 2: Challenges Faced by Single-Store Operators - Operators face four main challenges: 1. Category Limitations: Sugar water is not a necessity and has a lower consumption frequency compared to milk tea, making it harder to attract repeat customers [19][20]. 2. Competition from Chains: The influx of chain brands has led to price competition, with similar products being offered at lower prices, making it difficult for independent stores to compete [25][26]. 3. High Operating Costs: The preparation of sugar water is labor-intensive and time-consuming, leading to high operational costs and low profit margins [31][34]. 4. Seasonal Fluctuations: Sugar water sales are highly seasonal, with significant drops in winter, making it challenging for operators to maintain consistent revenue [35]. Group 3: Future Outlook - There is a debate about the future of sugar water, with some believing it aligns with the "light health" trend due to its traditional ingredients, while others argue it cannot replicate the success of milk tea due to its lower consumption frequency [39][41]. - The boundaries between tea drinks and sugar water are blurring, as tea brands introduce sugar water products, suggesting that sugar water may become a supplementary category rather than a standalone one [43][44]. - Despite the challenges, there remains potential in the market, especially in underdeveloped areas, for brands that can differentiate themselves and understand consumer needs [46].