Group 1: Industry Overview - As of April 29, among 144 wholesale and retail companies that have released their 2024 annual reports, 80 companies reported a year-on-year decline in net profit, and 27 companies incurred losses, primarily due to intense industry competition leading to pressure on store sales [1] - Traditional retail companies face challenges such as outdated product presentation, insufficient services, and product homogeneity, which hinder their ability to generate profits [1] - "Store adjustment" has become a consensus in the industry, as highlighted in annual reports from companies like Zhongbai Holdings Group and Nanjing Central Market Group [1] Group 2: Supply Chain Dynamics - The retail industry's supply chain is undergoing challenges such as demand differentiation, pressure from private labels, and efficiency tests, transitioning from a competitive to a collaborative model [2] - The core of traditional supply chain competition has shifted from "cost competition" to "value competition," emphasizing quality upgrades rather than mere differentiation [2] - Companies are focusing on core suppliers to build a supply chain that emphasizes quality, pricing, and long-term relationships [2] Group 3: Future Trends - Flexibility and responsiveness of the supply chain are becoming key competitive factors, with an increasing emphasis on information sharing and digital collaboration [3] - The relationship between retailers and suppliers is evolving from a transactional nature to a value community, moving from cost competition to shared innovation [3] - The retail supply chain transformation is expected to deepen as new retail infrastructure becomes more established [3]