首度出沪，奥乐齐便收获了刷新业绩记录的成绩单。伴随新旧国际面孔陆续"上车"、本土企业调改成效落地，零售行 业有关质价比及服务端的竞争或许才刚刚开始。 近日，全球连锁超市ALDI奥乐齐位于苏州方洲邻里中心和无锡圆融广场的两家江苏首店同步开业。奥乐齐方面表示， 其在江苏零售市场仍延续"质价比"为先路线。 编辑/王璨、林辰 据悉，自2019年进入中国市场以来，奥乐齐便通过聚焦本土化，布局超80%的本土优选供应商，并结合"精简SKU+自 牌战略"的主张模式，将成本控制与全球供应链管理和国际品控能力融合，从而平衡低价与高质。目前，奥乐齐共拥 有13个自有品牌，在其所有产品中占比超90%，自牌产品可实现从源头掌握供应链，减少中间溢价环节、提高供应链 效率、确保国际化的品控标准。将版图拓宽至新区域，"超值"系列以及9.9元矩阵内的多款商品也是苏锡两店开业后的 热销产品。 （综合自ALDI奥乐齐、Iceland、山姆会员商店、Costco开市客、步步高、永辉超市、"梁溪发布"公众号等） 基于首次出沪的前提，早在月前，奥乐齐便已在公众号对开业信息进行披露，作为目的地的无锡圆融购物中心也在同 社交平台渠道对相关信息进行数次预热。 ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales declined by 9.4% in Q4 and 7.2% for the year, with comparable sales decreasing by 6.7% in Q4 and 6.5% for the year [24][30] - Gross margin in Q4 was 32.9%, an increase of 49 basis points, while for the full fiscal year 2024, gross margin increased by 50 basis points to 37.2% [30][31] - Adjusted net income for Q4 was $106 million, with adjusted earnings per diluted share at $0.95, while for the year, adjusted net income was $167 million and adjusted earnings per diluted share was $1.50 [33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sephora continued to be a strong sales driver with comparable beauty sales increasing by 13%, an acceleration from Q3 [27] - The accessories business, excluding Sephora, had a flat comparable sales performance for the quarter, driven by strong performance in fashion and bridge jewelry [28] - Key growth categories, including impulse, gifting, home decor, and baby gear, showed collective outperformance, although legacy home business remained challenged [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Digital sales experienced a decline of 13.4% in Q4 and 8.7% for the year, primarily due to softness in the home category and online inventory suppression issues [26] - Store comparable sales declined by 3.1% in Q4 and were down 5.6% for the year, although store sales benefited from strong average transaction value [24][25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to offer a curated, more balanced assortment that fulfills needs across all customers, reestablish itself as a leader in value and quality, and enhance the omnichannel platform for a frictionless shopping experience [11][12][18] - The focus will be on proprietary brands, which resonate with core loyal customers, and simplifying promotions to improve customer experience [14][17] - The company plans to rebuild cash balance, reduce reliance on revolver, and capitalize on opportunities to further reduce debt and overall leverage [39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges that the turnaround will take time, with expectations set for gradual improvement starting in 2025 [11][22] - The macro environment presents challenges, particularly for lower-income customers who are seeking value [60][61] - Management is optimistic about the company's potential, citing a strong foundation and loyal customer base [21][22] Other Important Information - The company announced the closure of 27 underperforming stores and one e-commerce fulfillment center, resulting in a one-time charge of $76 million [33] - Capital expenditures for 2024 were $466 million, with expectations for 2025 to be in the range of $400 million to $425 million [34][39] Q&A Session Summary Question: Assessment of merchandising strategy and confidence in returning to growth - Management sees significant opportunities in product offerings, value, and quality, with a loyal customer base that can be better served [42][44] Question: Implications for margins with quality elevation of private brands - The focus is on balancing proprietary and national brands while improving promotional strategies to enhance customer value perception [48][50] Question: Store base evaluation and merchandise assortment mix - The company has a productive store base, with few unprofitable locations, and is focused on reallocating space effectively to meet customer needs [54][56] Question: Consumer health level in guidance - The guidance reflects uncertainty in the macro environment and the time needed for necessary changes [100] Question: Initiatives prioritization and free cash flow modeling - Short-term tactical moves are prioritized, with expectations for gradual improvement in free cash flow as inventory management progresses [68][71]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q4 2024 were $37.3 million, down 20.9% year-over-year, primarily due to a 16.8% decrease in volume mix and a 3.9% decline in pricing [23] - Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $7.3 million in Q4, attributed to lower sales and adjusted gross profit, partially offset by adjusted SG&A savings [31] - Cash balance as of December 31, 2024, was $26.1 million, up from $24.4 million at the end of Q3 [32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Proprietary brands represented approximately 52% of total net sales in Q4, a decrease compared to the prior year [24] - Consumable products accounted for approximately three-quarters of total sales, consistent with 2023 [26] - Adjusted gross profit in Q4 was $1.8 million or 4.9% of net sales, down from $8.4 million or 17.9% in the prior year [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The cannabis industry faced persistent oversupply challenges, leading to lower sales across the supply chain [8] - E-commerce sales increased over 25% in 2024, indicating a strong channel for home-growing solutions [16] - Sales to non-cannabis and non-U.S. Canadian customers increased by nearly 200 basis points in 2024 [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The strategic priority is to drive sales of higher-margin proprietary brands, with a focus on improving the proprietary brand sales mix [11] - Plans for 2025 include targeted marketing investments, enhanced salesforce capabilities, and refined incentive structures to improve profitability [19] - The company is exploring strategic alternatives, including potential acquisitions or divestitures to enhance shareholder value [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a challenging second half of 2024, with expectations of continued sales declines early in 2025, moderating as the year progresses [44] - There is optimism about long-term industry prospects, with plans to invest in higher-margin proprietary brands and diversify revenue streams [37] - Management is focused on improving operational efficiencies and reducing costs, with expectations of further SG&A reductions in 2025 [36] Other Important Information - The company completed significant reductions to its manufacturing and distribution center footprint as part of its restructuring plan [27] - Adjusted SG&A expenses were $10.8 million in Q4, a 10% reduction compared to the previous year [29] - The company achieved a 17% reduction in adjusted SG&A for the full year due to lower expenses in several areas [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the dynamics of the broader environment in your categories as you look forward to 2025? - Management noted that optimism in early 2024 was reset due to political changes and industry conditions, expecting double-digit sales declines early in the year [42][44] Question: What can we look forward to in terms of incremental benefits from cost-cutting initiatives in 2025? - Management indicated opportunities for further savings through optimizing the distribution center network and reducing SG&A costs, with potential savings of $2 million to $3 million identified [49][51] Question: How might tariffs and regulatory changes impact the company? - Management acknowledged the fluid situation regarding tariffs and indicated plans to pass along costs to customers, with no significant volume impact expected currently [56][58] Question: Can you elaborate on the company's M&A strategy? - Management is monitoring opportunities for acquisitions that could enhance shareholder value, including potential tuck-in acquisitions and strategic combinations [70][71]