Core Insights - The article discusses the rapid expansion of the coffee brand Lucky Coffee, which aims to reach 10,000 stores by 2025, having already established 7,000 stores as of July 2023. The competitive landscape has changed significantly since the establishment of its parent company, Mixue Ice City, which also had a similar growth trajectory [1][2][3]. Expansion Strategy - Lucky Coffee has lowered the franchise entry barriers, offering a support policy that reduces the first-year franchise fee to 17,000 yuan. In key provinces and high-potential locations, franchise fees and management costs are waived. In major cities, total subsidies can reach up to 34,000 yuan per store [2][3]. - The company has doubled its market personnel to over 400 to accelerate store openings, with each market team responsible for 1,000 to 3,000 stores [2][3]. Historical Context - Lucky Coffee was incubated by Mixue Group in 2017 and became an independent brand after a full acquisition in 2020. The initial goal was to replicate the success of Mixue Ice City, which had reached 7,000 stores at that time [3][4]. - The brand's vision focuses on providing high-quality, affordable coffee globally, which led to significant price reductions for its products [3][4]. Market Positioning - Lucky Coffee initially targeted third to fifth-tier cities, filling a market gap where few chain coffee shops existed. This strategy positioned it among the top three brands in terms of store count by 2020 [7]. - The competitive landscape has intensified, with major players like Luckin Coffee and Kudi rapidly expanding their presence in the market [8][9]. Financial Performance - In 2022, Lucky Coffee experienced rapid growth, increasing its store count from 465 to 2,301, driven by the introduction of popular products and effective marketing strategies [6]. - The average single-cup price is around 7 yuan, providing a competitive edge against price wars initiated by rivals [8][9]. Supply Chain and Operational Efficiency - Lucky Coffee has adopted cost-saving measures, such as using semi-automatic coffee machines instead of more expensive fully automatic ones, which helps keep franchise costs lower [12]. - The brand benefits from a shared supply chain with Mixue Group, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs [15][16]. Future Outlook - The coffee market in China is expected to grow significantly, with per capita coffee consumption projected to increase. Lucky Coffee aims to leverage this growth potential to expand its store network further [15]. - Despite the competitive pressures, Lucky Coffee believes it has a strong foundation due to its backing from Mixue Group and its established supply chain [16].

Core Viewpoint - The company aims to replicate the success of its tea brand, Mixue, with its coffee brand, Lucky Coffee, targeting 10,000 stores by 2025, despite facing a competitive market environment with established players like Luckin and Kudi [2][14]. Expansion Strategy - As of July 2023, Lucky Coffee has reached 7,000 stores and plans to double its market personnel to over 400 to accelerate store openings [3]. - The company has lowered the franchise fee to 17,000 yuan for new stores signed before August 1, 2023, and offers various subsidies in key provinces and major cities, with total discounts reaching up to 34,000 yuan in six major cities [3][14]. - Lucky Coffee has organized its expansion strategy by dividing regions into areas with 1,000 to 3,000 stores, assigning market personnel to support franchisees in operations and marketing [3]. Market Positioning - Lucky Coffee was established in 2017 and became an independent brand under Mixue Group in 2020, with a vision to provide high-quality, affordable coffee globally [4][5]. - The brand initially focused on lower-tier cities and university towns, filling a market gap where few chain coffee shops existed [13]. Pricing Strategy - Lucky Coffee has significantly reduced prices, with medium Americanos dropping from 8 yuan to 5 yuan and large lattes from 12 yuan to 9 yuan [6]. - In response to market competition, Lucky Coffee launched a promotional campaign offering all items at 6.6 yuan, resulting in a 44% increase in sales on the first day [16][17]. Competitive Landscape - The coffee market has become increasingly competitive, with major players like Luckin and Kudi rapidly expanding their store counts, while Lucky Coffee has seen a decline in new store openings [14][15]. - Despite the competitive pressure, Lucky Coffee maintains a competitive advantage with an average cup price of around 7 yuan [14]. Supply Chain and Operational Efficiency - Lucky Coffee benefits from a shared supply chain with Mixue Group, which enhances its operational efficiency and cost management [23]. - The company has opted for semi-automatic coffee machines to reduce costs, contrasting with competitors who have switched to more expensive fully automatic machines [18]. Financial Performance and Future Outlook - Mixue Group's revenue model heavily relies on selling equipment and raw materials to franchisees, with franchise fees contributing only 2.5% of total revenue [21][22]. - The company anticipates significant growth potential in the coffee market, with projections indicating a future increase in store numbers [22].