Core Viewpoint - The well-known chain brand "Xifainxiong" (洗脸熊) has been reported to have multiple stores shutting down, leading to consumer complaints about uncontactable stores and unusable membership cards [1][2] Group 1: Company Response - The founder of Xifainxiong, Tang Huabo, expressed deep regret over the company's inadequate supervision and committed to protecting consumer rights [1] - On January 2, Xifainxiong issued a formal statement indicating that some stores had closed without proper communication with headquarters, violating cooperation agreements, and legal accountability procedures have been initiated [1] - The company will continue to monitor and publicly disclose the progress of the cases, ensuring that affected stores process refunds and handle subsequent matters [1] Group 2: Consumer Complaints - Consumers from Guangdong, Zhejiang, Hubei, and Shanghai reported difficulties in obtaining refunds after stores closed, with membership cards not being usable at other locations [1][2] - Some consumers noted that stores were promoting services on social media the day before closing, raising suspicions about premeditated shutdowns [1] Group 3: Regulatory Oversight - The Haizhu District Business Department in Guangzhou has received multiple complaints and noted that Xifainxiong primarily operates on a franchise model, lacking unified management over prepaid services [2] - The Guangzhou Market Supervision Bureau is aware of the situation and will strengthen oversight of the company's headquarters, taking legal action if any violations are found [2] Group 4: Industry Context - Xifainxiong is part of a growing market segment focused on facial cleaning services, competing with brands like "Xifainiao" (洗脸猫) and "Jiexiaobai" (洁小白) [2] - The business model of Xifainxiong is characterized as "brand franchise + light beauty services," achieving success in market positioning and expansion, but recent issues have highlighted flaws in financial control and brand responsibility within its franchise system [2]

Core Viewpoint - The facial cleansing care chain brand "Washing Bear" has faced multiple store closures across various regions, leading to consumer complaints about the inability to contact stores and use membership cards at other locations. The founder expressed regret over inadequate supervision and pledged to protect consumer rights [1][2][3]. Group 1: Company Response - The founder of Washing Bear, Tang Huabo, acknowledged the company's shortcomings in supervision and committed to addressing consumer concerns [2][3]. - On January 2, Washing Bear issued a statement indicating that some stores had closed without proper communication with headquarters, violating cooperation agreements. Legal action has been initiated against these stores [1][3]. - The company has organized a special team to handle the situation and is actively working to ensure refunds for affected consumers [3]. Group 2: Market Context - Washing Bear operates over 2,600 stores nationwide, and the company claims that services remain unaffected despite the closures [2][3]. - The brand, endorsed by celebrity Louis Koo, focuses on skin cleansing and targets a growing market segment that includes young men and women increasingly interested in skincare [7][9]. - The price range for single cleansing services varies from tens to hundreds of yuan, with specific packages priced between 53 yuan and 240 yuan [6][9]. Group 3: Industry Challenges - The incident highlights issues within the franchise model, where inadequate evaluation systems and oversight can lead to inconsistent franchisee quality and consumer protection failures [9][11]. - Regulatory bodies in Guangzhou have received multiple complaints regarding Washing Bear and are increasing oversight of the company's operations, particularly concerning prepayment management [11].