Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the articles highlights the transformation of convenience stores into comprehensive ecosystems that integrate retail, services, and experiences, driven by the need to differentiate in a saturated market [2] - The convenience store industry in China is facing challenges such as homogenization and competition from other retail formats, with total sales reaching 424.8 billion yuan in 2023 and store numbers exceeding 320,000, while average daily sales per store have declined from 5,117 yuan in 2021 to 4,634 yuan in 2024 [2] - The market is characterized by a "multi-polar" structure, with brands like Meiyijia leading with 33,800 stores, followed by Sinopec's Easy Joy and PetroChina's Kunlun, while foreign brands like 7-ELEVEn and FamilyMart focus on high-end markets in first and second-tier cities [2] Group 2 - The beverage category continues to dominate convenience store sales, with water and beverages occupying 58 positions in the top-selling products list for 2024, indicating a structural adjustment in the beverage market [3] - The shift from merely selling products to building brand loyalty is evident, as convenience stores like 7-ELEVEn and FamilyMart are evolving their beverage offerings into brand assets, focusing on high-frequency, high-margin categories like coffee and hand-shaken tea [9][10] - The introduction of new product categories in convenience stores involves a meticulous process of market research, product testing, and performance evaluation to ensure successful brand transformation and market expansion [11][12][13] Group 3 - 7-ELEVEn's "Incredible Tea Bar" represents a significant experiment in brand development, transitioning from a product-focused approach to creating a recognizable brand in the tea market, with plans for independent store openings [22][23] - FamilyMart's strategy includes deepening its coffee brand "Let's Cafe" and expanding its tea offerings under "Let's Tea," showcasing a dual approach to brand development and market penetration [24][28] - The future trend indicates that convenience stores will increasingly focus on brand building and customer engagement, moving beyond traditional product sales to create unique consumer experiences [29][30][31]