Core Viewpoint - The retail industry is experiencing a structural differentiation, with resource-based giants making strides while smaller players are gradually fading or being restructured [38][69]. Group 1: Retail Expansion and Strategies - Major players in the "new retail" sector are actively opening new stores, indicating a potential recovery in the supermarket industry [3][35]. - JD's Seven Fresh has transformed from an "online grocery" model to an instant retail platform with physical store experiences and supply chain capabilities [6]. - Hema is expanding aggressively in the Yangtze River Delta, with a focus on county-level markets to tap into consumer potential [9][10]. - Hema's strategy has evolved to include multiple formats, emphasizing community experiences and instant delivery [10][20]. - By early 2025, Hema achieved its first annual profit since its inception, with nearly 430 stores across 50 cities [21][22]. Group 2: Regional Players and Market Dynamics - Regional supermarket leaders like Biyoute are also expanding, with plans to open 14 new stores in 37 days across northeastern provinces [26][30]. - Fresh Legend plans to double its store count, aiming for 500 locations by 2026, indicating a strong regional focus [32]. - The expansion efforts of these companies are not blind but are based on a strategy of integrating warehouses and stores with strong supply chains [34]. Group 3: Industry Challenges and Performance - Despite some positive signals from leading companies, many traditional small and medium-sized supermarkets are still in an adjustment phase, with store closures being common [35][37]. - A survey by CCFA revealed that 57.4% of surveyed supermarket companies experienced a decline in total sales, indicating significant pressure on the industry [42]. - The phenomenon of "increased revenue without increased profit" is prevalent, with 53.2% of supermarkets reporting a decline in net profit [45][46]. - The overall number of stores in the sample decreased by approximately 1.8% in 2024, reflecting a reduction in expansion desires [47]. Group 4: Performance of Listed Retail Companies - Among 10 listed retail companies, 6 reported a decline in revenue in the first quarter of 2025, with notable drops from Yonghui Supermarket and Zhongbai Group [57][58]. - Only two companies, Bubugao and Sanjiang Shopping, achieved both revenue and profit growth in the same period [63]. - The overall performance of the supermarket industry in 2025 does not indicate a full recovery but rather a new phase of intensified differentiation [64][69]. Group 5: Future Outlook - The future retail market is expected to be dominated by strong players, with instant retail, membership stores, and community commerce becoming the main competitive arenas [66][67]. - Companies that can adapt to new consumer trends and leverage supply chain and digital capabilities are likely to survive and seize new opportunities in the industry restructuring [67].