Core Insights - Mixue Ice City has launched a new breakfast product line, including four milk-based drinks priced at 5 yuan each, and is conducting consumer surveys to gather data for future product adjustments [1][2][6] Company Developments - The breakfast initiative is currently in a trial phase in cities like Dalian, Xi'an, Nanning, and Hangzhou, with no plans for large-scale rollout yet [2] - Mixue Ice City has a strong presence with nearly 42,000 operating stores in China, which allows for rapid consumer reach for new products [7] - The company has recently expanded its business scope by acquiring a majority stake in the parent company of "Fresh Beer Fu Lu Jia," diversifying its offerings beyond tea and coffee [9] Industry Trends - The breakfast market in China is projected to reach 1.35 trillion yuan by 2025, with an annual growth rate of 7%-8% [4] - The breakfast sector is currently fragmented, with the top five brands holding only 23.5% market share, indicating significant opportunities for new entrants [4] - Competitors like Tims and Starbucks have already established breakfast offerings, and other brands are also looking to enter this space to drive growth [5]

Core Insights - The article highlights the resilience of certain industries that continue to thrive despite economic downturns and the ongoing pandemic, revealing hidden profit opportunities in seemingly mundane sectors [1][6]. Group 1: Eyewear Industry - The eyewear industry is characterized by high profit margins, with frame costs ranging from a few dozen to over a hundred yuan, while retail prices can reach hundreds or even thousands of yuan [1]. - Average gross profit margins for eyewear stores are reported to be at least 45%, although high rent and labor costs can compress net profit margins [1]. Group 2: Breakfast Industry - The breakfast industry, despite its labor-intensive nature, offers significant profit potential, as illustrated by a couple selling scallion pancakes, where the cost per pancake is less than 0.5 yuan, but the selling price is around 3 yuan [3]. - If they sell 1,000 pancakes daily, their income can reach 2,500 yuan, indicating a lucrative return on their efforts [3]. Group 3: Vegetable Retail Industry - Vegetable vendors face demanding work hours but can achieve substantial profits, with purchasing costs often only a few cents to a couple of yuan per kilogram, while selling prices can range from 5 to over 10 yuan per kilogram [5]. - Strategic location near large residential areas can enhance profitability for vegetable shops, despite costs associated with spoilage and rent [5]. Group 4: Funeral Industry - The funeral industry is known for its high profit margins, particularly in the sale of funeral services and products, such as urns that can be sold for thousands to tens of thousands of yuan, despite their low purchase cost [5]. - The sale of burial plots also presents significant profit opportunities, with prices for a one-square-meter plot often exceeding tens of thousands of yuan [5]. Group 5: Recycling Industry - The recycling industry, often overlooked, presents lucrative opportunities, as waste materials can be sold at multiples of their purchase price after processing [5]. - For instance, scrap metal from old wires can be sold for a higher price after extraction, and old mobile phones can yield profits when resold to repair shops [5]. Conclusion - The article concludes that despite challenging economic conditions, there are numerous "quietly profitable" industries that can provide substantial earnings for operators willing to engage in them [6].

Core Viewpoint - The return of "鹿角巷" (The Alley) marks a significant comeback in the tea beverage market, aiming to regain its former popularity amidst fierce competition and evolving consumer preferences [1][5][17]. Company Overview - 鹿角巷 originally opened its first store in Shanghai in 2017, quickly gaining fame with its signature black sugar pearl milk tea, which led to a surge in popularity and the emergence of the "dirty tea" trend [5]. - At its peak, 鹿角巷 had over 7000 imitations across the country, while only 114 authentic stores existed, leading to significant brand dilution [5]. - The company invested over 100 million yuan in anti-counterfeiting efforts from 2018 to early 2022 [5]. Recent Developments - In June 2023, 鹿角巷 announced the opening of 30 new stores across various cities, including Beijing and Shenzhen, as part of its strategy to rebuild brand influence [7]. - As of now, 鹿角巷 has established nearly 40 stores in 25 cities nationwide [9]. Product and Pricing Strategy - 鹿角巷 continues to focus on its black sugar pearl series while introducing new products like rainbow crushed ice and freshly brewed tea, emphasizing the use of fresh milk [9]. - The pricing strategy positions most products in the range of 15-20 yuan, with an average consumption of 16 yuan at the Beijing flagship store, maintaining a mid-range price point [11]. Store Format and Marketing - The new store format has shifted from larger spaces to smaller ones, approximately 20-30 square meters, aligning with current market trends [11]. - The brand employs a "one-day store manager" marketing strategy to attract customers, featuring guest appearances from celebrities [11]. Market Context - The return of 鹿角巷 coincides with a broader trend of nostalgic brands re-entering the market, such as 桃园眷村 and LADY M, which also aim to leverage their past popularity [12][14]. - The competitive landscape has evolved significantly, with new brands like 喜茶 and 奈雪 enhancing their product offerings and supply chains, while price wars are becoming prevalent in the industry [18].