Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the strategic expansion of the company "足力健" (Zulijian) from its core business of elderly footwear into the organic food sector, aiming to create a comprehensive ecosystem that addresses the needs of the elderly population [5][20]. Group 1: Business Expansion - 足力健 is diversifying its offerings to include organic food, aiming to cover four major needs of the elderly: footwear, clothing, daily necessities, and food [5][20]. - The company has opened approximately 32 organic food membership stores in Zhengzhou since June, with plans to expand to 1,000 stores in Henan province by the end of next year [8][13]. - The membership model requires an initial deposit of 300 to 600 yuan, with a reported membership base of 80,000 as of August [11]. Group 2: Strategic Shift - The founder, 张京康, views the entry into the organic food market as a strategic decision made in 2019, aligning with the company's broader goal of serving the elderly demographic [20][22]. - The company plans to adopt a combination of direct sales and partnership models for store expansion across various provinces [12]. - The brand "足力健" is seen as a versatile platform that can support multiple product categories under a single brand, similar to strategies employed by other successful companies [22]. Group 3: Financial Challenges - The company faces significant financial pressures, with 70-80% of its annual revenue allocated to debt repayment, amounting to approximately 1.8 billion yuan in repayments for 2023 [31]. - As of 2024, the company still has around 700 million yuan in debt, and its core enterprises have faced multiple legal and financial challenges [32][33]. - Despite these challenges, the company continues to seek growth opportunities in the elderly footwear market, aiming to enhance its brand appeal among younger consumers [35].

Core Viewpoint - The emergence of "Zulijian Dumplings" signifies a significant shift in the company's strategy, moving from its traditional focus on elderly shoes to the food retail sector, aiming to address financial challenges and debt repayment [2][4][25]. Group 1: Company Background and Evolution - Zulijian, founded by Zhang Jingkang, initially gained fame through the "Liuchao Elderly Shoes" in collaboration with Qingdao Double Star in 2014, which became a successful product [6]. - By 2018, Zulijian's revenue reached 1.8 billion RMB, and by 2019, it peaked at 4 billion RMB with over 5,000 stores nationwide, but this rapid expansion led to significant debt and inventory issues [11][12]. - The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues, resulting in a revenue drop back to 1.8 billion RMB in 2020, marking a significant decline in the company's fortunes [11][12]. Group 2: Current Business Strategy - In May 2023, Zulijian opened its first organic food store in Zhengzhou, offering affordable products like frozen dumplings priced at 4.9 RMB, aiming to attract a broad customer base [2][25]. - The company has adopted a light-asset operation model, focusing on brand management and reducing direct store operations, which has led to a strategy of zero inventory through a made-to-order approach [24]. - Zulijian's new product line includes organic foods and health products, with a focus on low-GI and short shelf-life items, appealing to health-conscious consumers [27][28]. Group 3: Market Position and Future Outlook - The brand has successfully established itself in a niche market with limited competition, but faces challenges from established sports brands that are expanding their product lines to cover broader consumer needs [20][21]. - The company aims to open 600 organic food stores in the next two years, while also planning to develop a leisure shoe brand targeting younger consumers [28][33]. - Zhang Jingkang's proactive approach to adapt to market trends and consumer preferences reflects a commitment to revitalize the brand and ensure its sustainability in a competitive landscape [33].