Core Viewpoint - The retail industry is increasingly shifting towards hard discount models, with companies like Zhongbai Group and Wumart actively participating in this trend to meet consumer demands for lower prices and essential goods [1][2][6]. Company Developments - Zhongbai Group has opened its first discount store, Zhongbai Warehouse Wuhan Lidu International Xiaobaihui, focusing on community and family needs with a hard discount and livelihood product model [2][4]. - The store covers over 600 square meters and offers more than 2,000 SKUs, with prices 20% to 30% lower than market rates for essential items [2][3]. - Zhongbai plans to replicate this model, aiming to open five similar stores within the year, emphasizing a strategy of centralized procurement and regional adaptation [3][4]. Industry Trends - The hard discount model is gaining traction among various retailers, including Wumart and Jiajiayue, as they adapt to changing consumer preferences and competitive pressures [6][10]. - The model emphasizes simplified supply chains, low-cost operations, and a focus on high-frequency essential items, with stores typically having fewer than 1,000 SKUs and operating in smaller spaces [6][7]. - The shift towards hard discounting is driven by the need for efficiency in operations and supply chains, as traditional supermarkets face challenges in management complexity and cost control [8][9]. Competitive Landscape - Companies are differentiating themselves through unique strategies, such as Zhongbai's focus on hard discount and essential goods, which helps enhance inventory turnover and capital efficiency [3][6]. - The hard discount sector is expected to grow significantly, with potential market space reaching nearly 700 billion yuan if penetration rates align with global averages [10]. - The competitive environment is characterized by both established players leveraging existing supply chains and new entrants with tailored supply models, each bringing distinct advantages to the hard discount market [10].