Core Insights - The ready-to-drink tea market is showing signs of recovery, with a total of 122,027 stores as of July 2025, an increase of 5,049 stores from June, despite a month-on-month decrease in new store openings [1][3]. Store Opening Performance - In July, 2,597 new stores were opened, a decrease of 16.70% month-on-month and a decline of 22.29% year-on-year [1][2]. - The leading brand, Mixue Ice City, opened 950 new stores in July, maintaining a strong expansion despite a gradual decline in monthly openings over the past three months [3][4]. - Gu Ming opened 316 new stores in July, marking a year-on-year increase of 90.68%, attributed to market recovery and adjusted expansion strategies [3][4]. - Other notable brands include Hu Shang A Yi with 265 new stores, Tian La La with 194, and Wei Li Nai Bai with 113 [3][4]. Competitive Landscape - The industry is characterized by contrasting strategies of expansion and contraction among brands. Gu Ming and Hu Shang A Yi are expanding rapidly, while brands like Cha Bai Dao are experiencing a decline in store numbers [6][4]. - The total number of stores for Cha Bai Dao has decreased from 8,449 to 7,750 over the past year, indicating a net reduction of 699 stores [6]. Product Innovation - In July, the total number of new product launches decreased significantly to 86 SKUs from 124 in June, reflecting a shift in focus among brands [6][8]. - Gu Ming and Mei Suan Nai launched the highest number of new products, with 9 SKUs each, while other brands like Cha Bai Dao and Nai Xue's Tea followed closely with 8 SKUs [6][8]. Seasonal Trends and Collaborations - The product focus for July included refreshing and healthy beverages, with many brands introducing seasonal fruit flavors such as green grapes, apples, and peaches [9][10]. - A total of 12 brands engaged in 18 collaborative marketing activities in July, maintaining the same level of engagement as in June, indicating a trend towards diverse and frequent collaborations [10][11]. - Collaborations have expanded beyond traditional media to include cultural and public institutions, enhancing brand visibility and engagement with different consumer segments [10].