Core Viewpoint - The recent salary cuts at Peak Group have sparked significant backlash from employees and consumers, highlighting a shift in consumer behavior where employee treatment influences purchasing decisions [1][4][12]. Group 1: Company Actions and Reactions - Peak Group announced a collective salary reduction without adequate employee consultation, leading to unrest among staff [1][2]. - Employees reported that those who did not comply with the salary cuts were required to submit a self-criticism by October 14 to avoid salary suspension [1][2]. - The company had previously made a charitable donation of 100 million yuan shortly before the salary cuts, which led to public criticism of prioritizing donations over employee compensation [2][14]. Group 2: Consumer Sentiment and Behavior - Consumers are increasingly using employee treatment as a criterion for their purchasing decisions, with some actively boycotting brands perceived as mistreating their staff [4][5]. - A growing trend among consumers is to inquire about employee experiences at companies before making purchases, reflecting a desire to support businesses that treat their employees well [5][8]. - The notion that every purchase is a vote for the kind of world consumers want is gaining traction, indicating a shift towards ethical consumerism [8][18]. Group 3: Industry Context and Implications - The competitive landscape for Peak Group is challenging, as it lags behind peers like Anta and Xtep in revenue, with a reported annual revenue of only 5.86 billion yuan [12][14]. - The company's internal struggles, including a reported loss of 130 million yuan in its direct sales segment from January to July, have compounded its difficulties [12][14]. - The evolving consumer expectations suggest that brands must align their internal practices with external values to maintain a positive reputation and consumer loyalty [17][20].