Core Viewpoint - Hema has decided to completely shut down its membership store format, which was initially seen as a "second growth curve" and aimed to compete with Costco [5][10]. Group 1: Business Closure - All Hema membership stores have ceased operations, with the last store in Shanghai confirming closure by August 31 [1][5]. - The closure follows a series of shutdowns, including stores in Beijing, Suzhou, and Nanjing, which were announced in late July [1][2]. - The decision to close the membership stores is part of a strategic business adjustment by Hema, focusing on its core fresh food retail and outlet formats [10]. Group 2: Membership Store Development - The first Hema X membership store opened in Shanghai in October 2020, and it was positioned as a competitor to Costco [7]. - By October 2023, Hema X had opened a total of 10 stores across major cities, including Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing, and Suzhou [7]. - The membership model included annual fees of 258 yuan for gold members and 658 yuan for diamond members, targeting middle-class and high-end consumers [10]. Group 3: Industry Context - The retail industry, particularly chain supermarkets, is facing significant challenges, with 57.4% of surveyed companies reporting a decline in sales [12]. - Consumer behavior is shifting towards online shopping, with many preferring home delivery services over visiting physical stores [12]. - Traditional supermarkets are adapting by enhancing their operational capabilities and exploring new business models, such as front warehouses for faster delivery [12][13].

Core Viewpoint - Suning.com plans to sell four subsidiaries of Carrefour China for a total of 4 yuan, marking a significant decline in value since its acquisition six years ago for 4.8 billion yuan [1][3]. Group 1: Company Actions and Financial Impact - Suning.com announced the sale of 100% equity in four Carrefour subsidiaries to Shanghai You'an Law Consulting Co., Ltd. for 1 yuan each, totaling 4 yuan [1][3]. - The subsidiaries being sold include Ningbo Carrefour, Hangzhou Carrefour, Zhuzhou Carrefour, and Shenyang Carrefour, all of which have ceased operations and carry significant negative net assets [4]. - The transaction is expected to improve Suning.com's financial situation, with an estimated increase in net profit of approximately 572 million yuan post-transaction [4]. Group 2: Carrefour's Operational Challenges - Carrefour China has faced a "collapse-style" crisis since 2022, with numerous store closures and operational difficulties, leading to a drastic reduction in the number of stores from over 200 to just 4 [6]. - The company has struggled with liquidity issues, which have hindered its ability to support its operations and maintain supplier relationships, resulting in a cycle of debt and operational failures [6][8]. - Carrefour attempted to innovate its business model by transitioning to a membership store format, but these efforts did not yield the desired results, leading to the closure of its first membership store in 2023 [7][8]. Group 3: Market Context and Competitive Landscape - The retail landscape for hypermarkets like Carrefour is declining, with competitors such as RT-Mart and China Resources Vanguard gaining market share [2]. - Suning.com has shifted its strategic focus to core home appliance and 3C businesses, indicating a move away from non-core operations like Carrefour [3].

Core Insights - The market share of RT-Mart in Beijing is gradually shrinking, with the recent closure of its Xihongmen store, leaving only one store remaining in the city [1][4] - RT-Mart's parent company, Gao Xin Retail, reported a revenue of 71.552 billion yuan and a net profit of 386 million yuan for the fiscal year 2025, indicating a turnaround from previous losses [1][8] - The company is undergoing significant operational restructuring, including the closure of several stores and a reduction in operational zones from five to four [6][7] Store Closures - The Xihongmen store has officially ceased operations, with its space being replaced by a 7FRESH supermarket, and the remaining RT-Mart store in Beijing is located in Fengtai District [4] - Consumers expressed mixed reactions to the closure, with some noting the outdated environment and average product value [4] - RT-Mart has proactively closed several stores across various regions, including Wuhan and Jiangsu, to adapt to market challenges [4][5] Financial Performance - Gao Xin Retail has closed eight large stores and one medium-sized supermarket, with one large store being converted into a membership store [5] - The company has faced significant losses over the past three fiscal years, totaling 3.45 billion yuan, prompting a need for cost-cutting measures [6][8] - The reported profit turnaround was largely achieved through a reduction in sales and marketing expenses by 2.95 billion yuan, alongside a decrease in personnel costs [8] Management Changes - Following a significant share sale to Dehong Capital, Gao Xin Retail has undergone management changes, including the resignation of its founder from the board [6][7] - The new management is focused on restructuring operational zones and improving efficiency to better adapt to market demands [7] Strategic Shift - RT-Mart is shifting its focus towards the more popular medium-sized supermarket format, RT-Mart Super, which has shown promising sales growth of 5.9% [8][9] - The medium-sized supermarkets are designed to be more flexible and better suited to current consumer preferences, with a smaller footprint and a curated selection of products [9] - The transition to this new format may involve challenges in supply chain management and operational adjustments [9]