Core Insights - The post-holiday sales slump has led to significant inventory issues for various food products, with many retailers struggling to sell seasonal items that typically perform well during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays [3][5][9] Group 1: Market Trends - The average daily trading volume of soft-seed pomegranates dropped from 300 tons before the holiday to 114 tons after, with prices falling from 12 yuan to 5 yuan per pound [3] - High-end tea gift boxes saw an average return rate of 30% post-holiday, with some small to medium tea merchants experiencing inventory accumulation rates exceeding 50% [5] - The wholesale price of live crabs decreased from 80 yuan per pound before the holiday to 45 yuan after, with daily sales averaging less than 200 pounds [5][7] Group 2: Consumer Behavior Changes - Consumers are increasingly prioritizing convenience and health, leading to a decline in traditional festive foods like mooncakes, with a notable shift towards healthier options [9][13] - A survey indicated that 73% of respondents are now more conscious of food ingredient labels, and 64% are actively reducing their intake of high-sugar and high-fat foods [9] - The preference for practical gifts over luxury items has grown, with sales of smart home products increasing by 14.3% during the holiday period [11] Group 3: Retailer Challenges - Many retailers overestimated demand based on previous years' sales data, resulting in excess inventory that is difficult to move [11][21] - Seasonal consumption patterns have shifted, with consumers no longer feeling the need to stock up on food items for holidays, leading to a rapid decline in post-holiday sales [9][19] - Retailers are experimenting with product adjustments, such as offering lower-sugar versions of traditional pastries, but face challenges in maintaining customer satisfaction with these changes [17] Group 4: Regional and Demographic Insights - There are significant regional differences in sales performance, with high-end gift items struggling particularly in East China, while basic food items remain stable in South China [25] - The gap between urban and rural consumption is narrowing, with rural consumers becoming more selective and quality-conscious in their purchases [26]