Core Insights - The transition from Yonghui Supermarket to Hema Fresh in various shopping malls reflects a strategic shift in the retail landscape, driven by the need for improved space efficiency and brand upgrades [2][6]. Group 1: Company Transitions - Hema Fresh is rapidly taking over locations previously occupied by Yonghui Supermarket, with instances of transition occurring within as little as three months to nine months [1]. - The recent opening of Hema Fresh in Suzhou's Wuyue Plaza was a result of the closure of Yonghui Supermarket eight months prior, indicating a trend of quick replacements [3]. Group 2: Strategic Goals and Performance - Shopping malls are introducing Hema Fresh to meet ambitious sales targets, with one mall aiming for a 20% to 30% increase in sales by 2025 [3]. - Yonghui Supermarket plans to close 250 to 350 underperforming stores by 2025 as part of its strategic transformation, having already closed 232 stores in 2024 [4]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - Hema Fresh has seen a 27.1% year-on-year sales growth, reaching a total sales figure of 75 billion yuan, while Yonghui Supermarket's sales have declined by 14.4% to approximately 73.2 billion yuan [6]. - The number of Hema Fresh stores has increased by 16.7% to 420, contrasting with Yonghui's 23.2% decrease in store count to 775 [6].

Core Insights - The 2025 China Convenience Store Development Report indicates that the convenience store industry in China will maintain resilience in 2024 despite challenges such as declining foot traffic and rising operational costs. The number of stores continues to grow, with a focus on community-based outlets [1][9][12]. Economic and Consumer Trends - In 2024, the total retail sales of consumer goods in China reached 48.78 trillion yuan, with final consumption expenditure contributing 44.5% to economic growth. Policies promoting green consumption and trade-in programs are expected to stimulate market recovery [1][18][24]. - The convenience store sector is experiencing a shift towards food service, with many stores introducing freshly prepared meals and coffee offerings to enhance customer engagement and increase average transaction values [2][10][25]. Industry Development Overview - The top ten convenience store brands, including Meiyijia and Yijie, continue to expand, with community stores accounting for 59.6% of the market. However, the average daily revenue per store is 4,634 yuan, reflecting a 7.1% year-on-year decline in sales per square meter [1][45]. - The product mix is evolving, with an increase in the sales share of cigarettes and private label products, while the share of fresh food and coffee has slightly decreased. Private label products are gaining traction by offering high quality at lower prices [1][2][45]. Innovations and Challenges - The convenience store industry is accelerating its transformation towards a food service model, exploring "convenience store + cafeteria" concepts. Nearly 40% of companies have launched instant retail services, with sales from this segment increasing by 11.4% [2][10][45]. - To counter the impact of discount snack stores, convenience stores are enhancing membership operations and utilizing cloud-based technology for 24-hour service, while also focusing on regional specialty products [2][10][45]. Future Outlook - The industry is expected to seek breakthroughs through technological innovation, supply chain integration, and scenario fusion, balancing scale expansion with store efficiency to address rational consumption and competitive pressures [2][10][25].