Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q2 2025 were $115.5 million, down from $124.8 million in Q2 2024, primarily due to a 9.2% decline in comparable sales [32][34] - Gross margin rate decreased to 45.2% from 48.2% year-over-year, with a 300 basis point decrease attributed to higher occupancy costs and increased markdowns [34] - EBITDA for the quarter was $4.6 million, down from $6.5 million in the same quarter last year, driven by lower sales [37] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comparable store sales declined 7.1%, while direct sales were down 14.4% [6][7] - Sequential improvement in comparable sales was noted, with declines of 10.4% in May, 9.6% in June, and 7% in July [6][34] - Clearance penetration remained at 10.2%, consistent with long-term targets [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The macro environment remains dynamic and uncertain, impacting consumer spending behavior [5][6] - The company observed a shift towards lower-priced goods and selective promotions among consumers [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is shifting its assortment strategy to prioritize private brands, aiming to increase private brand sales penetration from 56.5% today to over 60% in 2026 and over 65% in 2027 [15][51] - A focus on enhancing the private brand portfolio is intended to improve margins and customer loyalty [15][17] - The company is also addressing increased competition in the big and tall apparel space from traditional retailers and direct-to-consumer brands [17][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about future business prospects despite current sales challenges, with expectations for improvement in the second half of 2025 [6][34] - The company is actively monitoring tariff impacts, estimating a potential increase in inventory costs of nearly $4 million for fiscal 2025 [21][22] - Efforts are underway to implement strategic pricing adjustments to mitigate tariff risks and enhance profitability [25] Other Important Information - The company has opened six new stores in the past two years, with plans to open two more in Q3 2025, although new store performance has been below expectations [28][30] - A seven-year lease extension for the corporate headquarters and distribution center was signed, providing operational stability [39] - The company has extended its credit facility with Citizens Bank for five years, ensuring financial security [40] Q&A Session Summary Question: Strategy of shifting to more private brands - The company is currently at 56.5% private brand penetration and expects to reach over 60% by fall 2026 and over 65% by 2027, with private brands offering higher margins compared to national brands [47][51] Question: Impact of tariffs for fiscal 2025 and 2026 - The estimated impact of tariffs for fiscal 2025 is just under $4 million, but the unpredictable nature of tariffs makes it difficult to project for 2026 [21][55] Question: Capital expenditure plans for 2026 - The company is pausing new store development and anticipates maintenance CapEx to be in the range of $5 million to $12 million annually, depending on business stabilization [58][59] Question: In-store media strategy - The company utilizes in-store audio and digital signage to enhance customer experience rather than direct promotions, focusing on fit and brand relevance [62][66]

Summary of Beverage Industry Conference Call Industry Overview - The beverage market is experiencing overall growth, with major brands like Nongfu Spring and Huazhu showing significant sales increases. Nongfu Spring's overall growth is close to 20%, with its Dongfang Shuye brand growing over 20% and accounting for more than one-third of total sales [2][9]. - The dairy product industry is facing substantial inventory pressure, currently at one and a half months, with a decline in sales starting from March [1][5]. Key Points by Company Nongfu Spring - Dongfang Shuye's sales are strong, but overall terminal sales are sluggish, with inventory nearing 40 days [1][2]. - The green water product line accounts for about 30% of sales, with promotional efforts slowing down [9]. - Price adjustments have been made for bulk products, increasing from 9.9 yuan to 11.9 yuan [10]. Huazhu (怡宝) - Focused on high-end channels such as gas stations and schools, reducing traditional channel investments [2][4]. - A collective market action in May is expected to temporarily boost sales [11]. - The no-sugar tea segment has seen over 20% growth, although profit margins are declining due to increased competition [15]. Wahaha - Currently facing challenges with team stability and a weak foundation, despite achieving an 80% distribution rate [8]. - The company has reduced market investments, impacting overall growth [8]. Dongpeng Special Drink - Initiated a 100-day promotional campaign, with significant growth in Guangdong, particularly in Shenzhen (over 18%) and other cities exceeding 20% [1][6]. - Juice tea has a 90% market penetration but has recently seen a slowdown in sales, with promotional winning rates reduced to 30% [18]. Master Kong (康师傅) - Unified pricing for small bottled iced tea at three yuan to stimulate sales [7]. - The company is actively recruiting talent to address team structure issues, maintaining inventory at about one month [7]. Yili - The company has faced sales difficulties in March and April, with inventory pressures increasing to over 40 days [19]. - Despite a strong start in January and February, Yili's constant milk segment is expected to see no positive growth until next year [19][21]. - Low-temperature milk continues to perform well, maintaining growth since the pandemic [20]. Mengniu - Underwent organizational restructuring, including layoffs, to improve internal efficiency [23]. - The company is still experiencing a decline in constant milk sales, although there are signs of improvement [23][26]. Industry Trends - The beverage industry is shifting towards more precise promotional strategies, focusing on high-return channels rather than low-end markets [4][10]. - The dairy sector is more complex in terms of inventory management and sales dynamics compared to the beverage sector, with significant pressure on sales and inventory management [21]. - Low-temperature milk has shown a recovery trend, with double-digit growth rates expected in 2025 due to a low base from previous years [22][29]. Additional Insights - The competitive landscape is intensifying, with brands competing on price and brand recognition, particularly in the no-sugar tea segment [15]. - The restructuring and talent management strategies within companies like Mengniu and Yili are aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and market responsiveness [23][43]. - The overall market dynamics indicate a need for companies to adapt to changing consumer preferences and competitive pressures, particularly in the context of post-pandemic recovery [27].