Core Insights - The article discusses the challenges and strategies of managing Gen Z employees in the milk tea industry, highlighting the importance of respect, understanding, and a positive work environment [1][3][20] Group 1: Employee Management - Gen Z employees prioritize a respectful and understanding work environment over high salaries, often feeling that a monthly income of 4,000 to 5,000 is sufficient [3][8] - Effective management of Gen Z requires patience and teaching rather than criticism, as many are inexperienced and may not possess basic skills [3][10] - Creating a friendly atmosphere and showing care, such as providing transportation during bad weather, significantly enhances employee satisfaction [5][10] Group 2: Employee Engagement - Encouraging employees through recognition and rewards fosters a sense of responsibility and initiative, which is crucial for retaining Gen Z workers [10][11] - Managers should focus on providing emotional value to employees, which in turn enables them to deliver better service to customers [11][20] - The importance of visibility and acknowledgment in the workplace is emphasized, as Gen Z employees need to feel seen and appreciated [8][19] Group 3: Leadership Style - A leadership style that avoids authoritarianism and promotes open communication is essential for reducing turnover rates among Gen Z employees [19][20] - The article notes that many Gen Z employees leave jobs due to feeling unheard by management, indicating a need for more empathetic leadership [19][20] - Successful managers in the industry maintain low turnover rates by fostering a friendly and respectful relationship with their employees, leading to better overall performance [19][20]

Group 1 - The rise of snack stores is a significant consumer trend in China, comparable to the popularity of milk tea shops [1][2] - Snack stores primarily cater to consumers outside of first-tier cities, tapping into a vast market [2][3] - The appeal of snack stores lies in their variety and affordability, allowing consumers to purchase multiple flavors at a low cost [3][5] Group 2 - Snack stores fulfill two consumer desires: the craving for variety and the need for affordable indulgence [5][6] - The low investment and operational requirements make snack stores attractive for franchisees, contributing to their rapid expansion [10][11] - The uniform demand for snacks across different regions facilitates quicker establishment of snack stores compared to restaurants [12][13] Group 3 - Despite their growth, snack stores face challenges, particularly low profit margins, with "Mingming Hen Mang" reporting a gross margin of 7.5% and a net profit margin of 2% [14][15] - The average gross margin for franchisees in the snack industry is around 20%, while the parent company retains a lower margin [16] Group 4 - The entry of new players, such as "Chayan Yuesheng," a well-known milk tea brand, into the snack market indicates the sector's attractiveness [21][22] - Chayan Yuesheng's strategy involves developing its own snack products, differentiating itself from typical snack stores that rely on existing brands [24][26] - The brand's expertise in flavor development from its milk tea business enhances its ability to create appealing snack products [27][28] Group 5 - Chayan Yuesheng's expansion into snacks is a response to local market saturation and aims to attract repeat customers [30][31] - The integration of snack offerings at milk tea locations allows for cross-selling opportunities, enhancing customer experience [34][36] - The ability to sell self-branded snacks through e-commerce platforms broadens market reach beyond local areas [37][38] Group 6 - Chayan Yuesheng's approach of combining high-margin milk tea with low-margin snacks can improve overall profitability [41]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the innovative strategy employed by Gu Ming, a tea brand, to sell ice water for one yuan, which serves as a clever marketing tactic to attract customers into their stores and increase overall sales of higher-margin products [2][4][6]. Group 1: Marketing Strategy - The one yuan ice water acts as a "bait" to draw customers into the store, addressing the common challenge of attracting foot traffic to tea shops [2]. - This strategy leverages high-frequency demand for cold beverages in summer, making it a necessity for customers, thus increasing the likelihood of additional purchases [2]. - The approach is described as "Come Here, You Might as Well Buy" economics, where low-cost items lead to higher-margin product sales [2]. Group 2: Data and Customer Engagement - Customers can order the ice water through a mini-program or in-store, allowing Gu Ming to collect valuable consumer data for future targeted marketing [4]. - By encouraging customers to use their mini-program, Gu Ming aims to reduce reliance on external platforms, thereby lowering customer acquisition costs [4]. - The strategy also enhances customer loyalty through a points system tied to the purchase of ice water, potentially leading to increased sales of other products [4]. Group 3: Competitive Positioning - The one yuan ice water serves as a price anchor, positioning Gu Ming as a cost-effective option in the minds of consumers, which can influence their perception of the brand's other products [6]. - This tactic not only helps in brand recall but also creates a competitive edge by attracting customers who might otherwise choose competitors [6][7]. - The article highlights that while competitors may recognize this strategy, they face challenges in replicating it without compromising their own pricing structures [9]. Group 4: Cost Efficiency - The cost of producing ice water is minimal, primarily involving ice machines, water, and disposable cups, making it a financially viable product for Gu Ming [9]. - The strategy is designed to maximize profitability by utilizing existing resources while simultaneously creating a headache for competitors [9].