Core Viewpoint - 85°C is undergoing a painful transformation amidst a brutal reshuffle in the baking industry, with a retreat from core business areas and an attempt to innovate through the launch of a new donut store concept, "85℃ DONUt" [1][6] Company Strategy - The new donut stores have opened in Quanzhou, Shanghai, and Suzhou, utilizing a "store within a store" model, occupying about 10 square meters within existing 85°C locations [1][6] - The donut store features a vibrant design with high-saturation yellow, contrasting with the more subdued aesthetic of traditional 85°C stores, aiming to attract a younger demographic [3][6] Product Offering - The donut store offers 14 SKUs, including 13 types of donuts and one sandwich, with prices ranging from 6 to 10.8 yuan [3][6] - The focus is on "raw donuts," emphasizing freshness and a moist texture, differentiating from traditional baked goods [5][6] Market Context - 85°C has faced significant challenges in the domestic market, with over 40 store closures expected this year, marking the largest adjustment in five years [6][8] - Despite a slight overall revenue increase of 1.32%, the mainland market revenue has declined by 11.08% to 35.22 billion New Taiwan dollars (approximately 8.22 billion yuan) [6][8] Consumer Trends - The introduction of donuts aligns with the "single product economy," allowing for standardized supply chains and lower operational costs, which is a shift from the heavy asset model [7][8] - The strategy also taps into consumer behavior during economic downturns, where lower-cost, visually appealing products can provide instant gratification, reflecting the "lipstick effect" [7][8] Brand Repositioning - The move to launch donut stores represents a brand rebranding and cost restructuring effort, aiming to leverage supply chain advantages for better pricing and efficiency [8] - If successful, this could help 85°C transition from a heavy asset model to a high-efficiency small store model, potentially serving as a lifeline during challenging market conditions [8]