Summary of Xtep International Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Xtep International - **Industry**: Sportswear and Footwear Key Points Sales Performance - Xtep International's recent sales performance has outpaced competitors, driven by new product launches such as the 160×7 and X7 Pro, with the champion series carbon plate running shoes expected to sell 8 million pairs, achieving a 50% market share in marathons, significantly surpassing Nike [2][6][4] Product Strategy - The company covers a wide range of consumer segments through different price tiers, with high-end products priced between 160, 260, and 360 series, and mass-market offerings like the Qingyun series priced from 299 to 799 yuan, catering to various consumer needs [2][7] - The children's apparel segment is growing faster than adult products, focusing on functional products for ages 8 to 12, developed in collaboration with universities to enhance product competitiveness and parental trust [2][8] Financial Metrics - Despite a decline in gross margin in the first half of 2025 due to an increased proportion of lower-margin apparel products, the company anticipates a gradual recovery in gross margin as scale effects and brand strength improve [2][9] Inventory and Sales Growth - Inventory turnover remains stable at approximately 4 to 4.5 months, with discounts maintained between 70% to 75% [3] - Same-store sales growth exceeded 25% in the first half of 2025, with e-commerce single-store sales surpassing 400,000 yuan [5][11] E-commerce and Marketing - E-commerce sales are projected to continue double-digit growth, with a focus on major platforms and live-streaming channels to enhance brand exposure [21] - The company plans to increase marketing investments in the Saucony brand while ensuring stable growth for the main brand [12][14] International Expansion - Xtep's overseas market share has rapidly increased to about 1%, with strategic focus on Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the broader Russian region, utilizing a distributor model for market penetration [19][20] Future Outlook - For 2025, the main brand is expected to maintain stable growth, while Saucony is projected to achieve a 30% to 40% increase in sales, with plans to expand product categories and reach a scale of at least 2 billion yuan by 2027 [22][23] Differentiation Strategy - Xtep differentiates itself from competitors by focusing on professional running shoes and sponsoring major running events, positioning itself as a leader in marathon participation rates [15] Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Strategy - The company plans to transition 100 to 200 stores to a DTC model in 2025, with an aim to enhance operational efficiency and control over sales channels [16][17] Children's Footwear Strategy - Xtep is implementing a comprehensive service system for children's footwear, including testing and recommending suitable products, which has led to increased gross margins in this segment [9] Additional Insights - The company is leveraging collaborations with educational institutions to develop products that meet children's developmental needs, enhancing brand trust among parents [8]