Core Insights - WS Jiangtun Membership Store, the first local membership store in Wuhan, officially opened on July 29, 2023, featuring a paid membership model with annual fees of 199 yuan for regular members and 580 yuan for diamond members [1][2] Group 1: Business Model and Strategy - The store operates on a "paid membership + selected products" model, aiming to differentiate itself in the competitive membership retail market [1] - The product selection at Jiangtun Membership Store differs by over 80% from traditional large supermarkets, utilizing a proprietary supply chain to source high-quality goods through private labels, custom products, and direct procurement [1] - The store features a variety of international products, including Japanese ceramics, English tea sets, Turkish glassware, and wines from Chile and South Africa, alongside domestic high-quality goods like the "Jiangtun Preferred" series [1] Group 2: Product Quality and Pricing - A highlighted product, a 120-thread count Xinjiang cotton item, is priced at 299 yuan, significantly lower than similar products in the market, which typically start at 700 yuan [2] - The buying team is composed of experienced professionals with extensive backgrounds in their respective categories, ensuring a deep understanding of local preferences and international trends [2] Group 3: Customer Experience and Services - The store offers over a hundred member benefits, including exclusive discounts, private tasting events, and rapid delivery services, enhancing the overall customer experience [2] - A transparent quality inspection room allows customers to verify food quality on-site, with clear public displays of testing results and contact information for the quality assurance team [3] - The company aims to align with consumer upgrade trends by integrating international perspectives with local characteristics, focusing on "quality selection + exclusive rights + scarce products + immersive experiences" as its core advantages [3]

Core Viewpoint - Wushang Group is undergoing a strategic transformation by entering the warehouse membership store sector, responding to declining traditional retail revenues and profits while aiming to capture new consumer trends [1][2][23] Financial Performance - In 2024, Wushang Group reported operating revenue of 6.70 billion yuan, a decrease of 6.6% year-on-year, while net profit attributable to shareholders was 216 million yuan, a slight increase of 3.31% [2][3] - The net profit after excluding non-recurring gains was 138 million yuan, reflecting a significant increase of 66.83% year-on-year, indicating challenges in core business growth [2][3] - The company closed 11 supermarket stores in 2024, highlighting the high operational costs of labor-intensive formats [6][14] Market Position and Competition - Wushang Group's entry into the warehouse membership store market is set against a backdrop of intense competition in Wuhan, where major players like Sam's Club have established a strong presence [12][18] - Sam's Club operates three stores in Wuhan with a fourth under construction, leveraging a robust supply chain and high customer loyalty [12][18] - Wushang Group's strengths include its extensive local presence and property resources, with over 90% of its properties owned, providing a strategic advantage for new store locations [12][19] Strategic Initiatives - The establishment of Wushang Jiangtun Membership Store marks a significant shift towards a high-margin, high-loyalty business model [1][19] - The company aims to leverage its local supply chain and digital marketing capabilities to enhance its competitive edge in the membership store sector [12][21] - Wushang Group is exploring a "light asset operation model" to facilitate rapid replication of its membership store format, potentially allowing for a broader regional presence [21][23] Challenges and Considerations - The company faces challenges in building a compelling membership ecosystem, particularly in competing with established brands like Sam's Club that offer a combination of products and services [14][19] - There is a need for a skilled team capable of managing both product sourcing and membership operations, as well as overcoming supply chain restructuring difficulties [19][21] - Consumer acceptance of the paid membership model in Wuhan remains uncertain, especially with existing competition already capturing significant market share [19][23]