Core Insights - The report titled "2025 Store Evolution: A Data-Driven Analysis of Boutique and Health Management Stores" highlights a fundamental shift in the operational logic of boutique stores, moving from a focus on "source differentiation" to "user relationship differentiation" [1] Group 1: Market Overview - The current estimated number of maternal and infant stores is approximately 140,000 to 150,000, with boutique stores theoretically accounting for 5% to 7% (7,000 to 9,000 stores) [4] - Despite the theoretical capacity for boutique stores nearing 10,000, only about 4,000 to 5,000 are operational due to market pressures, indicating a structural surplus [4] Group 2: Regional Differences - Eastern China is identified as the core boutique market, facing high rent and competition, leading some stores to transition towards "health management" or "functional nutrition" [5] - Southern China is emerging as a new consumption area for refined parenting, with severe consumption stratification and a shift of high-end consumers to online platforms [5] - Central and Northern China are experiencing fluctuations in new middle-class consumption, with declining survival rates for boutique stores [5] - In Southwest and Northwest regions, boutique stores are primarily located in major cities, with a focus on community-based, high-experience stores [5] Group 3: Consumer Behavior and Trends - Parents' mindset has shifted from "imported is better" to "reasonable ingredients + cost-effectiveness," diminishing the advantages of imported products in boutique stores [7] - Nutritional products are becoming the primary growth driver for boutique stores, especially functional nutrition products that build trust and encourage repeat purchases [7] - The introduction of trendy interactive products, such as blind boxes and educational toys, is seen as a new direction for boutique store transformation, catering to the interests of younger parents [7] Group 4: Future Directions - To navigate market changes, channel distributors must overcome homogenization by restructuring product offerings and focusing on store value to seize structural growth opportunities [7]