Core Viewpoint - The closure of all BreadTalk stores in Chengdu has raised consumer concerns regarding difficulties in refunding stored value cards and the inability to use them in other locations [2][3][4]. Group 1: Company Operations - The closure of Chengdu stores is attributed to the expiration of franchise agreements, which is described as a normal business transition [4]. - Shenzhen Xinyu Catering Management Co., responsible for the brand's operations in the Greater Guangzhou area, clarified that it has no legal or operational ties to the Chengdu stores [4]. - The Chengdu operations are managed by Sichuan Xinyu Catering Management Co., which is a separate entity from Shenzhen Xinyu [4]. Group 2: Consumer Issues - Consumers reported issues with refunding stored value cards, with some stating that refunds require proof of purchase, leading to frustration [3][5]. - The Chengdu office of urban management acknowledged the complaints and stated that they are addressing the situation [3]. - Legal experts suggest that consumers may need to pursue administrative complaints or judicial avenues for resolution, as the operators in different regions are not legally bound to each other [5].

Core Viewpoint - The closure of all BreadTalk stores in Chengdu has raised consumer concerns regarding difficulties in refunding stored value cards and the inability to use them in other locations [1][2][3] Group 1: Store Closures and Consumer Issues - All 11 BreadTalk stores in Chengdu have closed, with reports of consumers unable to refund their stored value cards [2][3] - The Chengdu operation claimed that the closure was due to the expiration of franchise agreements, which is considered a normal business transition [1][3] - Consumers reported difficulties in contacting the business and issues with refunding stored value cards without purchase receipts [3][6] Group 2: Company Responses and Legal Context - Shenzhen Xinyu Catering Management Co., responsible for the brand's operations in the Guangdong and Shenzhen regions, stated that there is no legal or operational relationship with the Chengdu stores [1][4] - Legal experts indicated that consumers can only claim breach of contract from the service provider, and the lack of a legal relationship between different regional operators complicates the situation [5][6] Group 3: Brand Performance and Market Presence - BreadTalk has seen a net reduction of 179 stores in China over the past four years, indicating a declining market presence [7][9] - The brand has previously exited multiple cities, including Xi'an and Fuzhou, due to various operational challenges [7][9] - As of June 2023, BreadTalk had 173 stores across China, with the majority located in Guangdong province [9][10] Group 4: Financial and Operational Insights - The estimated startup cost for a 70-square-meter BreadTalk store is around 2 million yuan, significantly lower than previous reports of 5-6 million yuan [10] - The brand's parent company, BreadTalk Group, has faced financial difficulties, including a net loss of 580,000 Singapore dollars in 2019 [9]