Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by Baiguoyuan, a fruit retail chain, highlighting its struggle to maintain a high-end image while dealing with declining sales, franchisee losses, and consumer dissatisfaction with pricing [4][5][21]. Summary by Sections 1. Consumer Perception and Pricing Issues - Baiguoyuan's chairman emphasized a commitment to quality over consumer preferences, which has led to backlash as consumers perceive the brand as overpriced [4][5]. - Despite a strategic focus on "high cost-performance" in 2024, the chairman's statements have undermined the company's efforts [4][5]. 2. Franchisee Challenges - Franchisees are facing significant difficulties, with many reporting losses and some choosing to close their stores due to high costs and low sales [7][13]. - The company's supply chain practices, including high inventory costs and rigid pricing, have made it difficult for franchisees to operate profitably [10][12]. 3. Historical Context and Expansion - Baiguoyuan initially thrived during China's economic growth by positioning itself as a high-quality fruit retailer, rapidly expanding to over 2,600 stores [8][22]. - The company adopted a franchise model that allowed for rapid growth, but this has led to issues with quality control and franchisee profitability [17][21]. 4. Supply Chain and Operational Inefficiencies - The company's centralized supply chain model has resulted in high inventory turnover days, indicating inefficiencies in inventory management compared to competitors [18]. - Franchisees have reported high spoilage rates due to overstocking, which has further strained their finances [10][20]. 5. Market Competition and Consumer Choices - The rise of alternative retail channels, such as community group buying and e-commerce, has provided consumers with more affordable options, leading to a decline in Baiguoyuan's customer base [23][24]. - Consumers are increasingly opting for lower-priced alternatives, diminishing the perceived value of Baiguoyuan's premium pricing strategy [25]. 6. Future Outlook and Strategic Shifts - Baiguoyuan is attempting to adapt by exploring new online business models and membership strategies, but these efforts have yet to resonate with franchisees and consumers [25]. - The company must shift its focus from "educating consumers" to better aligning with consumer preferences to survive in a competitive market [25].

盛夏时节，庆阳市合水县老城镇牧家沟村的麒麟西瓜种植基地迎来丰收季。成片的瓜田里，圆滚滚的西瓜缀满藤蔓， 瓜农们穿梭其中忙着采摘、分拣、装车，一派热火朝天的景象。近日，国网庆阳供电公司工作人员走进种植基地，为这 场"甜蜜丰收"进行安全用电巡检。 走进牧家沟村西瓜种植核心区，碧绿瓜藤间，成熟的麒麟西瓜表皮花纹清晰，切开后金黄的瓜瓤、饱满的汁水令人垂 涎。"今年西瓜长得特别好，口感脆甜，特别受欢迎，这都多亏了稳定的电力。"种植户赵师傅抱着刚摘的西瓜，眼角笑出 了褶子，"以前最怕用电高峰水泵'罢工'，现在24小时电不断，滴灌系统'喝饱电'，西瓜自然长得好。" 除了筑牢电力"硬支撑"，国网庆阳供电公司也做足服务"软功夫"。组织共产党员服务队定期到基地开展安全用电检 查，帮助种植户排查隐患、宣传知识、解答疑问；开通办电"绿色通道"，简化流程、缩短接电时间，全力保障农户用电需 求。 "电力不仅保障了丰收，更点亮了产业发展的希望。"合水县农业农村局相关负责人表示，依托麒麟西瓜产业，当地已 形成"种植+冷链+销售"一体化产业链，带动就业超200人，户均年增收超4万元。 下一步，国网庆阳供电公司将持续优化农村电网结构，深化"电力 ...

Core Insights - The article highlights the investment opportunities in Bayannur, Inner Mongolia, particularly in agriculture and livestock sectors, emphasizing its unique geographical advantages and resources [1][2][4] Group 1: Agricultural and Livestock Potential - Bayannur is a significant production base for organic raw milk, sunflower seeds, dehydrated vegetables, and tomato products, contributing to 40% of China's sunflower seeds and 60% of its tomato sauce exports [1][3] - The region is located in the "golden agricultural planting belt" at 40 degrees north latitude, benefiting from over 3100 hours of annual sunlight and significant temperature variations, making it ideal for crop growth [2][3] - The local government is focusing on attracting investment in agricultural processing and high-value product transformation, with 19 agricultural projects listed in the 2025 investment plan [9][10] Group 2: Investment Initiatives and Support - The "Private Enterprises Entering the Border Areas" initiative aims to encourage private enterprises to invest in Bayannur, with support from national ministries to leverage capital, technology, and management expertise [1][5] - The local government has implemented a "one-stop" approval process and "nanny-style" services to shorten the investment landing period, enhancing the business environment [10] - Significant investment has been noted, with 21 major projects over 1 billion yuan implemented in the first quarter of the year, totaling 4.47 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 451.9% [10] Group 3: Challenges and Future Directions - Despite its advantages, Bayannur faces challenges such as insufficient industrial chain collaboration, a shortage of skilled professionals, high logistics costs, and low land utilization [11] - The government plans to improve logistics parks, cold chain storage, and testing centers to support the agricultural and livestock industries [11] - The article suggests that the entry of private enterprises into the border areas could be a transformative opportunity for the region [11]