Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant brand upgrade of Hema NB, transitioning from "Hema NB" to "Chao He Suan NB," which reflects a strategic shift aimed at enhancing brand independence and aligning with consumer demand for high cost-performance products [3][5][18]. Brand Upgrade Surface and Deep Motives - The brand change signifies a move away from the "Hema" identity, addressing the conflict between Hema NB's low-price positioning and Hema Fresh's premium image [5][6]. - Hema NB has evolved into a retail brand with hundreds of stores and over 10 billion in annual sales, necessitating an independent brand identity and supply chain [5][6]. Retail Industry Context - The retail landscape is increasingly competitive, with hard discount formats like Aoleqi and Hitegou gaining traction by appealing to price-sensitive consumers [6]. - Consumer preferences are shifting towards rational and practical purchasing decisions, emphasizing the importance of price and quality [7]. Core Strategic Intentions 1. **Strengthening Brand Positioning**: The upgrade aims to clarify Hema NB's focus on extreme cost-performance, making it more appealing to price-sensitive consumers [8][9]. 2. **Enhancing Brand Recognition**: The new name "Chao He Suan" improves brand memorability and differentiates it from competitors, facilitating consumer understanding of its value proposition [10][11]. 3. **Catering to Lower-tier Market Needs**: The brand aims to resonate with lower-tier market consumers who prioritize cost-performance, enhancing its appeal in these segments [12]. 4. **Facilitating Capital Operations**: Brand independence will simplify future financing and potential spin-off opportunities, avoiding valuation confusion associated with the Hema brand [13]. Development Predictions 1. **Building an Independent Supply Chain**: Hema NB will accelerate the establishment of its own supply chain, moving away from reliance on Hema Fresh [14]. 2. **Expansion Plans**: Hema NB aims to increase its store count to 1,000 by 2025, with over 350 stores already signed [15]. 3. **Redefining Product Strategy**: The focus will shift towards proprietary products, with expectations that private label sales in hard discount stores could exceed 60% [16]. 4. **Integrating Instant Retail**: The brand will deepen its integration with instant retail, leveraging increased private label sales to improve profitability [17]. Conclusion - The brand upgrade of Hema NB is a strategic response to the evolving retail environment and consumer needs, marking a significant shift in the discount retail sector in China. This transformation is expected to establish new standards in the industry, emphasizing a three-in-one channel integration model and a consumer-centric approach [18].