Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Positive" investment rating for the retail industry [9] Core Insights - The report focuses on the skincare segment, using Lancôme as a case study to explore the strategies of high-end beauty brands in skincare, providing a reference for the growth of Maogeping [2][4] - Lancôme has become the largest high-end beauty brand in China, attributed to its comprehensive product portfolio, youthful customer base, and strict price control [5][14] - Maogeping has established a well-structured product lineup with effective price control, showing good growth momentum in its skincare line [6][47] Summary by Sections Lancôme China: Refined Product Portfolio and Youthful Appeal - Lancôme entered China in 1993 and has developed into the leading high-end beauty brand, with skincare, makeup, and fragrance sales of 16.5 billion, 2.9 billion, and 140 million respectively in 2024, representing 84%, 15%, and 1% of total sales [14] - The brand's success is attributed to a comprehensive product mix, a youthful customer demographic, and strict price management [22][23] - Lancôme's product range includes six major skincare series, covering various functions and price points, allowing for broader customer reach [22][23] Maogeping: Structured Development and Price Control - Maogeping's skincare line includes six series with prices ranging from 190 to 1880 yuan, effectively covering various customer segments [47][48] - The brand has accelerated product upgrades since 2022, enhancing the efficacy of its offerings to align with industry trends towards "scientific skincare" [49] - Maogeping's direct sales ratio is high, allowing for better control over pricing and brand positioning [54] Investment Recommendations - The report suggests that the growth of high-end beauty brands in skincare requires balancing customer coverage and maintaining brand prestige through strategic pricing and marketing [7] - Maogeping's current pricing structure and product efficacy upgrades position it well for expanding its customer base and enhancing brand perception [7][49]