Overview - The small hot pot industry is characterized by its strong fast-food attributes and lower social interaction compared to traditional hot pot, catering to the "light social" needs of the younger generation [1][5] - The "one-person meal" trend aligns with the independent dining preferences of single consumers, and the high cost-performance ratio meets the demands of the lower-tier market [1][5] - The market size of China's small hot pot industry is projected to reach 58.8 billion yuan in 2024, with a year-on-year growth of 12.07%, accounting for 9.52% of the overall hot pot market [1][10] Development History - The small hot pot concept originated in Japan and was introduced to Taiwan in the 1990s, with the first store in mainland China opened by Xiaobuxia in 1999 [3][11] - The rise of the "one-person meal" culture since 2020 has led to increased demand for small hot pots, especially during the pandemic, which has created new growth opportunities [3][4] - Major traditional hot pot brands are now entering the small hot pot market, enhancing competition and quality standards [4][10] Market Policies - The Chinese government has issued various policies to support the development of the restaurant industry, including small hot pots, creating a favorable environment for growth [4][5] Industry Chain - The upstream of the small hot pot industry includes suppliers of vegetables, fruits, meats, seafood, and kitchen equipment, while the downstream consists of dining and takeaway channels [5][6] - China's agricultural output remains stable, providing sufficient raw materials for the small hot pot industry [7][8] Consumer Insights - Female consumers dominate the small hot pot market, accounting for 51.4%, with the majority aged between 20-39 years [9] - The "one-person meal" scenario represents 44.2% of consumption, indicating a strong preference for individual dining experiences [9] - Price sensitivity is high among consumers, with the most accepted price range being 20-40 yuan [9] Competitive Landscape - The small hot pot market is becoming increasingly competitive, with major brands launching their own small hot pot products [10][11] - Xiaobuxia leads the market, followed by other brands like Qianwei Yiding and Weila Xiaohotpot [10][11] Future Trends - The small hot pot industry is expected to undergo rapid consolidation, with leading brands emerging based on supply chain advantages and brand influence [12] - Integration with new retail models and advancements in technology, such as smart ordering systems, will drive innovation in the industry [12][13]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rapid expansion of the restaurant industry in shopping malls, highlighting the dominance of four key segments: tea and coffee, baking, hot pot, and noodle shops, which are becoming essential players in mall transformations [8][10][19]. Group 1: Industry Trends - The restaurant industry is expanding at an unprecedented rate in both high-end and community shopping centers [7]. - The four key segments—tea and coffee, baking, hot pot, and noodle shops—are becoming the main players in mall openings [10]. - In April, the Shenzhen iN City Plaza reopened with a significant presence of food and beverage brands, indicating a shift away from luxury brands [9]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - In Q2 of this year, the proportion of new restaurant openings in high-end malls reached 30%, with a store opening-to-closing ratio of 1.51 [9]. - The increasing number of restaurant stores is a response to the declining performance of apparel and beauty brands, which have seen significant store closures [19][20]. - The average rental price in Shanghai's core shopping districts was reported at 1,877 RMB per month per square meter in Q2 2025, indicating the financial viability of these restaurant segments [26]. Group 3: Consumer Behavior - The restaurant segments are characterized by a high turnover rate, with some malls reporting over 30% annual turnover in their restaurant offerings [23]. - The tea and coffee segment alone has nearly 900,000 stores nationwide, while the baking segment has reached 338,000 stores [23]. - The rapid expansion of these segments is driven by a large influx of entrepreneurs, making it a popular area for new business ventures [23]. Group 4: Strategic Importance - The "four kings" of the restaurant industry are seen as crucial for malls facing high vacancy rates, as they can attract foot traffic and generate stable rental income [22][26]. - Malls are increasingly viewed as essential platforms for restaurant brands to enhance their visibility and expand their market presence [28][30]. - The standardized operations of these restaurant segments make them well-suited for mall environments, allowing for quicker openings and brand updates [34].

Core Insights - The shift in retail landscape is evident as fast fashion brands like H&M are being replaced by dining establishments such as SHAKESHACK, indicating a broader trend of dining brands taking over retail spaces previously occupied by apparel and beauty brands [1][3]. Retail Landscape Changes - High-end malls, such as Shenzhen's iN City Plaza, have seen a significant transformation, with 50% of their space now occupied by dining brands like Mixue Ice City and Luckin Coffee, reflecting a nationwide trend of retail contraction [3][4]. - In Q2 of this year, dining establishments accounted for 30% of new openings in malls, with high-end malls seeing a ratio of 1.51 for dining openings to closures, highlighting an accelerated shift in retail dynamics [3][4]. Dining Brand Competition - Four main categories—tea and coffee, baking, hot pot, and noodle shops—are intensifying competition within mall dining spaces, with numerous brands clustering in prime locations [3][6]. - New tea brands are frequently appearing in key positions within malls, while baking brands are also expanding their presence, indicating a strategic focus on high-traffic areas [3][6]. Market Pressures and Opportunities - Shopping centers are increasingly reliant on dining brands due to rising vacancy rates, with projections indicating a 27% increase in empty spaces by mid-2025, particularly in tier-three cities [4][6]. - The apparel sector is facing significant challenges, with brands like ZARA reducing their store count from 183 to under 80, and others like GAP and H&M frequently closing stores [4][6]. New Market Entries - Over 120 new commercial projects were launched in the first half of this year, totaling approximately 9 million square meters, indicating a trend of continuous market entry despite existing vacancies [6]. - The restaurant sector is favored for its ability to attract customers, high turnover rates, and stable rental income, making it a preferred choice for mall operators [6][7]. Strategic Value of Malls for Dining Brands - Dining brands are increasingly recognizing the strategic value of mall locations, with 30% of Bawang Tea's stores situated in malls, primarily on the first floor, enhancing brand visibility [6][7]. - The standardized nature of the four main dining categories allows for quick adaptation and brand turnover, reshaping the commercial real estate landscape in China [7].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article is that the small hot pot industry in China is experiencing significant changes, including market contraction, evolving consumer preferences, and increasing competition from established brands [1][2][5][34] - The number of small hot pot enterprises has decreased significantly, with over 4,000 new establishments in 2024 compared to nearly 7,000 in 2019, indicating a contraction in the market [2][5] - As of July 2025, there are approximately 23,000 small hot pot outlets in China, accounting for 5.5% of the total hot pot stores, with a projected market size nearing 65 billion yuan by 2025 [5][34] Group 2 - The leading provinces for small hot pot enterprises are Shandong with over 2,500, followed by Sichuan and Shaanxi, which both exceed 2,000 [7][9] - The East China region shows the highest enthusiasm for small hot pots, with over 25% of the total store count, followed by North China, Southwest, and Central China [7][9] Group 3 - The small hot pot industry is witnessing operational model innovations, including category integration, a shift towards fast-food attributes, and diversified consumption scenarios [10][12] - Notable small hot pot brands include Jia Bu Xia Bu with over 700 stores and an average spending of over 60 yuan, and Guo La Xiao Huo Guo with around 900 stores and a price range of 20-40 yuan [11] Group 4 - Consumer insights reveal that the majority of small hot pot consumers are young individuals aged 20-40, who prioritize personalized and convenient dining experiences [14][17] - Price sensitivity is high among consumers, with 36.4% willing to pay between 20-40 yuan, and 25% preferring prices below 20 yuan [22][25] Group 5 - The small hot pot industry faces challenges such as homogenization, poor service quality, limited ingredient variety, and freshness issues [29][32] - Consumer feedback highlights that many small hot pot brands struggle to differentiate themselves in terms of product offerings and service quality [32] Group 6 - The outlook for the small hot pot industry includes continued market expansion, accelerated brand and chain development, and a focus on product and model innovation [34][35] - Supply chain optimization is expected to become a core competitive advantage for leading brands, with an emphasis on health and quality in product offerings [34][35]