Core Insights - Momo, once a leading social app, is facing significant challenges as evidenced by its parent company, Zhihu Group, reporting a total revenue of 10.563 billion, a year-on-year decline of 11.99%, and a net profit of only 1.04 billion, down 46.89% [2] - The decline in Momo's performance reflects a broader trend in the stranger social networking sector, where no new giants have emerged to replace it, indicating a shift in user preferences towards "light social" interactions [2][6] Industry Trends - The mobile internet landscape is shifting, with short video and chat applications dominating user engagement; average daily usage time for short videos is 138.4 minutes compared to 68.5 minutes for chat applications [3] - Community social applications have seen a growth rate of 9.2% in monthly usage time, aligning with the rise of platforms like Douyin and Xiaohongshu, which cater to younger users' preferences for low-cost, emotionally rewarding social interactions [5] User Behavior Changes - A survey indicated that 77.4% of young respondents believe "light social" interactions are becoming more common, with 81.9% of those from the post-2000 generation agreeing [5] - Young users are increasingly favoring platforms that allow for interest-based connections over traditional stranger social apps, which focus on quick matching [6][7] Challenges for Stranger Social Apps - Despite the rise of interest-based social products, many have failed to achieve sustainable growth, with examples like Jimo and QQ's interest community shutting down [8][9] - The core issue for stranger social apps lies in their inability to create a rich content environment that fosters genuine interest-based connections, leading to user disengagement [11] Economic Factors - The "loneliness economy" has led to a rise in alternative companionship options, such as pet ownership and AI companionship, which are increasingly preferred by young people over traditional social networking [14][12] - The commercial viability of stranger social apps is under scrutiny, as evidenced by Momo's declining revenue from live streaming services, which fell by 22.6% to 16.1% from 2020 to 2024 [15][17] Commercialization Issues - The monetization strategies of stranger social apps often fail to resonate with users, leading to a lack of willingness to pay for services that do not guarantee quality interactions [18] - The disparity in user expectations based on gender has created a challenging environment for monetization, with many male users feeling exploited in the pursuit of female attention [18][19]

Core Viewpoint - Haidilao is increasingly adopting a price reduction strategy to attract more customers and adapt to the competitive market environment, introducing smaller portion sizes and lower-priced menu items to cater to the "solitary economy" trend [1][3][6]. Pricing Strategy - Haidilao has launched a "small pot" model priced between 16-22 yuan and introduced 35 types of small dishes priced between 4-25 yuan, aiming to lower the consumption threshold [1][3]. - The average customer spending has decreased from 110.1 yuan in 2020 to 97.5 yuan in 2024, reflecting a shift towards more affordable dining options [4][8]. - The company has implemented various pricing strategies, including high-value meal packages and discounts for students, to maintain customer traffic despite declining average spending [6][8]. Market Trends - The hot pot industry is experiencing a general decline in average spending, with consumer preferences shifting towards value for money, leading to a decrease in average spending from over 80 yuan in late 2023 to below 70 yuan by the end of 2024 [6][8]. - Haidilao's table turnover rate has improved to 4.1 times per day, indicating effective management despite the drop in average spending [6][8]. Expansion and Business Model - In 2024, Haidilao opened 62 new stores but had a net decrease of 6 stores, bringing the total to 1,368 [8]. - The company is cautiously exploring a franchise model to expand its reach while managing costs, with a high entry barrier for potential franchisees [10][11]. - Haidilao has also initiated a diversification strategy, launching multiple new restaurant brands under the "Red Pomegranate Plan" to innovate and expand its market presence [12][14]. Operational Adjustments - The company has decentralized decision-making to regional managers, allowing for localized menu adaptations and improved customer satisfaction [16][17]. - Haidilao is focusing on enhancing customer engagement through unique in-store experiences and personalized service, which may help in retaining customer interest amid competitive pressures [15][17].

今天的逛购物中心，已经变成了一个换个地方去买同样的东西的无聊游戏，这就是内卷。 为什么会卷？是因为大家都做着同样的事情。 内容来源：刘润公众号（runliu-pub） 到底什么叫做卷？ 举几个例子， 中国好几个非常知名的风情街，看上去是不是长得几乎一模一样？ 我们去风情街，不就是为了尝一尝本地的特色美食，买一些本地的特色纪念品，体验下本地的 原生原味吗？ 但是， 今天的风情街都是一样的臭豆腐，一样的玻璃珠，一样的砖瓦墙。 我们再看 中国四个非常著名的购物中心，也非常雷同。 我们去购物中心，你会发现一楼几乎是同样的奢侈品，楼上几乎是同样的服装品牌，电影院放 着是同样的电影，地下的超市卖的是同样的日用品。 三浦展老师 是非常著名的日本社会心理学家， 他写过一些大家可能听说过的书，比如 《孤独 消费论》、《第四消费时代》、《下流社会》 等。 老师跟我们分享了很多，但是只有当他聊起 "下北泽" 这个地方的时候，两个眼睛才开始放 光。 下北泽，是在东京的一个社区，这个社区有两条地铁线经过，很多集市都在这个地方。 这让下北泽一直都是一个非常热闹的集市，非常热闹的社区。 但是也因为这个原因，越来越多的加盟连锁店进入到了下北 ...

Core Insights - The popularity of hot pot among young people is declining, with many opting for alternatives due to factors like high prices, long wait times, and the emergence of healthier or cheaper options [21][22][35]. Group 1: Hot Pot Preferences - The most popular hot pot base among young people is spicy hot pot, favored by 74.2% of respondents, followed by Chaozhou beef hot pot at 57.5% and tomato hot pot at 40.4% [7][8]. - Preferences vary by age group, with 95s showing a strong preference for spicy hot pot (77.6%), while 00s lean towards tomato hot pot (over 50%) [9][10]. - Regional preferences also play a role, with different cities favoring specific types of hot pot, such as spicy hot pot in Chengdu and tomato hot pot in Suzhou [12][14]. Group 2: Hot Pot Dining Frequency - The frequency of hot pot dining among young people is decreasing, with an average of less than two visits per month, particularly among the younger age groups [24][25]. - The average score for hot pot cravings is lowest among 00s, indicating a generational shift in interest [22][24]. Group 3: Brand Preferences - Haidilao is the most frequented hot pot brand, chosen by 65.6% of respondents, followed by Xiaolongkan at 19.2% and Jiabujia at 18.7% [27][28]. - While taste is the primary factor influencing brand choice (90.2%), other factors like price, freshness, and wait times are becoming increasingly important [30][29]. Group 4: Market Trends - The hot pot market is facing competition from emerging dining trends such as small hot pots, grilled fish, and mala tang, which are gaining popularity due to their lower price points and convenience [40][41][43]. - The number of small hot pot establishments is expected to grow significantly, with a projected annual growth rate of 33.5% [40]. Group 5: Consumer Behavior - Young consumers are becoming more price-sensitive, with over half willing to pay between 100-200 yuan per person for hot pot, and nearly 40% preferring options under 100 yuan [35][36]. - The rise of "one-person meals" and the decline of large group dining indicate a shift in social dining habits among young people [45][56].

Core Insights - The article discusses the evolving preferences of young consumers regarding hot pot, highlighting a shift in taste and dining frequency, as well as the emergence of alternative dining options. Group 1: Hot Pot Preferences - The most popular hot pot base among young people is "spicy hot pot," favored by 74.2% of respondents, followed by "Chaozhou beef hot pot" at 57.5% [2][3] - Different age groups exhibit varying preferences, with 77.6% of post-95s favoring spicy hot pot, while over 50% of post-00s prefer tomato hot pot [5][6] - Regional preferences show that spicy hot pot is most popular in Chengdu, while other cities have their own favorites, such as sour soup hot pot in Guangzhou and tomato hot pot in Suzhou [8][10] Group 2: Hot Pot Ingredients and Dipping Sauces - Beef is the most favored hot pot ingredient, chosen by 86.6% of young consumers, followed by shrimp paste at 57.1% and lamb at 53.0% [11][12] - The most popular dipping sauce is sesame oil, with a 62.8% preference, followed by minced garlic and sesame paste [14][15] Group 3: Dining Frequency and Brand Preferences - Despite a strong interest in hot pot, the frequency of dining out has decreased, with many young people eating hot pot less than twice a month [21][22] - "Haidilao" is the leading hot pot brand, preferred by 65.6% of respondents, indicating its strong market position [23][24] Group 4: Factors Influencing Hot Pot Choices - Key factors influencing hot pot choices include taste (90.2%), freshness of ingredients (60.9%), and price (76.0%), with waiting time also becoming a significant concern [26][27] - Young consumers are increasingly price-sensitive, with over 50% willing to pay between 100-200 yuan per person for hot pot, and nearly 40% preferring options under 100 yuan [32][34] Group 5: Emerging Trends in Dining - The article notes a rise in alternative dining options such as small hot pots, grilled fish, and skewers, with small hot pot establishments growing at a rate of 33.5% [36][37] - The shift towards "one-person meals" reflects changing consumer behavior, as young people seek more affordable and convenient dining experiences [43][55]