Core Viewpoint - The snack retail industry, particularly the bulk snack stores, continues to thrive despite a wave of store closures, with significant revenue growth reported by leading companies in the sector [3][5][24]. Group 1: Industry Trends - The bulk snack industry is experiencing a "violent rise," with major players like Mingming Hen Mang and Wancheng Group achieving nearly 200% compound annual growth rate in revenue from 2022 to 2024 [3][5]. - In the first quarter of this year, 1,094 snack stores closed, while 1,400 new stores opened, indicating a dynamic and competitive market [5][24]. - The average annual revenue for successful snack stores can reach 6 million, with some owners reportedly making their first million [3][10]. Group 2: Business Model and Consumer Behavior - The business model of bulk snack stores relies heavily on low pricing and high SKU variety, with many stores offering private label products that do not carry brand premiums [10][11]. - The strategy of offering low prices is supported by economies of scale, allowing larger brands to negotiate better prices with suppliers [10][11]. - High customer retention is evident, with Mingming Hen Mang reporting 16 billion transactions in 2024 and a repurchase rate of 75% [10][11]. Group 3: Challenges and Competition - The market is becoming increasingly saturated, with reports of aggressive competition leading to price wars among stores [18][20]. - Franchisees face pressure from brand headquarters to lower prices and increase product variety, which can lead to diminishing returns for individual store owners [20][22]. - The rapid expansion of stores in close proximity has resulted in a zero-sum game, where one store's gain is another's loss, leading to significant revenue declines for many [18][20]. Group 4: Location and Market Dynamics - The success of snack stores is often linked to their location, with rural areas showing stronger consumer demand compared to urban settings, where competition and costs are higher [16][24]. - Store owners have reported that poor location choices can lead to significant financial losses, emphasizing the importance of market research before opening a new store [16][24]. - The trend of opening stores in lower-income areas is seen as a strategy to capture a more engaged customer base, as these consumers are less likely to shop online [16][24].