一、古城里的零售新格局 据统计，在2023年就有39家"首店"落户扬州，其中就包括大润发旗下的M会员商店全国首店。 对于扬州市民而言，这家总占地面积3.5万平方米，拥有800个停车位的M会员店，凭借庞大的体量与新 颖的购物模式，迅速成为当地消费热点。"开业那天我专门去看了看，确实和传统超市不一样。"市民王 女士对《灵兽》表示，"商品包装都很大，感觉更适合家庭囤货。" M会员商店以独立品牌与主力品牌大润发并行运营，当时落地扬州首店，也是大润发正式角逐会员制商 超赛道的开始。然而，在M会员商店开业不久后，山姆APP就推送了"扬州生鲜直送"通知，增加了生鲜 商品配送服务，并扩展了配送区域。其高效的配送网络和完善的服务体系，对M会员商店和麦德龙形成 了巨大压力。 "山姆要来了，以后可以直接到店里去买东西了，有些熟食也不用再代购了。"在扬州开文创店的潇潇在 社交平台分享了她拍摄的山姆扬州店外立面的照片，引来了不少点赞和评论。据悉，山姆扬州店计划于 2025年11月开业，自2024年5月开工以来进展迅速，同年11月就完成了主体结构建设。 这意味着，不到两年的时间内，扬州将同时拥有M会员商店、山姆会员店、麦德龙等多家仓储会 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by membership stores in China, particularly focusing on the struggles of local brands compared to established foreign players like Sam's Club and Costco. It highlights the need for these stores to adapt to changing consumer demands and improve their product offerings and brand trust. Group 1: Membership Store Challenges - Sam's Club China has faced consumer criticism regarding product quality after introducing brands like Holley and Wangwang, leading to the removal of controversial products from shelves [1] - Hema has closed its last X membership store in several cities, indicating a retreat from the membership model [2] - The rapid expansion of membership stores has not translated into sustainable success, with local brands like Fudi shifting focus to high-end organic supermarkets instead of warehouse membership models [3][4] Group 2: Market Dynamics - The membership store model in China is undergoing a transformation due to deep changes in retail structure and consumer demand, suggesting a potential "value reshaping" for membership stores [5] - The rise of middle-class consumers in China, with a significant increase in GDP and private car ownership, has created a favorable environment for membership stores [30] - However, a trend of consumer downgrading has emerged, with shoppers increasingly prioritizing price and quality, pushing retailers to adapt [31] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Sam's Club and Costco have established a strong foothold in China, with Sam's Club planning to open 8-10 new stores annually starting in 2025, while Costco faces challenges due to its reliance on imported goods [25][23] - The competition is intensifying, with various retail formats emerging, such as discount community supermarkets and boutique supermarkets, which may replace traditional membership stores [32][35] - Despite challenges, the middle-income group in China remains a solid consumer base for membership stores, with a report indicating that the population of middle-income individuals has reached 109 million [36] Group 4: Operational Insights - Sam's Club has been criticized for quality control issues following rapid expansion, with multiple food safety incidents reported [26][27] - The operational differences between local and foreign membership stores are evident, with foreign brands benefiting from established supply chains and procurement strategies [12][18] - Local membership stores must focus on product quality, service, and brand trust to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving retail landscape [16][37]

Core Viewpoint - Recent news regarding the restructuring of Gao Xin Retail's (HK06808) operations, particularly the adjustment of its Da Run Fa stores, has sparked significant discussion in the market. The company has clarified that it is not closing its Northeast region but rather reorganizing its operational zones to enhance efficiency and customer service [1][2]. Financial Performance - Gao Xin Retail reported a revenue of RMB 71.55 billion and a net profit of RMB 386 million for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, marking a turnaround from previous losses [3][4]. - The company achieved a gross profit of RMB 17.24 billion, although this represented a 4% decrease compared to the previous year [4]. - The total assets decreased by 7.8% to RMB 55.97 billion, while total liabilities fell by 8.7% to RMB 35.55 billion [4]. Strategic Changes - The company has transitioned ownership from Alibaba to DeHeng Capital, which has led to a renewed focus on a "low-price" strategy and a commitment to restructuring its market approach [5][6]. - Gao Xin Retail aims to enhance its competitive edge by emphasizing price competitiveness and customer experience through its "everyday low price + community life center" model [8][14]. Operational Adjustments - The restructuring of operational zones from five to four is intended to streamline management and improve service delivery [1][10]. - The company has closed a total of 9 stores, including 8 large hypermarkets and 1 medium-sized supermarket, as part of its cost-cutting measures [10]. Market Position and Competition - Gao Xin Retail continues to face intense competition, particularly in non-first-tier cities, where new entrants like Sam's Club and ALDI are expanding their presence [15][16]. - The company has acknowledged the need to attract more customers to its stores, emphasizing the importance of foot traffic for its growth [14]. Future Outlook - The company plans to focus on various aspects such as product offerings, pricing strategies, operational efficiency, store planning, talent development, and membership operations to strengthen its market position [14].

Core Viewpoint - Hema is shifting away from its ambition to replicate the Sam's Club model in China, as evidenced by the closure of several Hema X membership stores and a strategic pivot towards expanding its Hema Fresh and Hema NB formats [2][4][6]. Group 1: Hema's Strategic Shift - Hema X membership stores will reduce from a peak of 10 to 5 locations nationwide due to business adjustments [4]. - Hema plans to open nearly 100 new Hema Fresh stores in the new fiscal year, indicating a focus on core business areas [4][6]. - The closure of Hema X stores signals a departure from the membership model, as Hema aims to concentrate on Hema Fresh and Hema NB [4][6]. Group 2: Challenges Faced by Membership Stores - Other membership-based supermarkets like Yonghui and Carrefour are also facing operational difficulties, with reports of store closures and business contractions [2][9]. - The initial enthusiasm for membership supermarkets in China has waned, as many local retailers struggle to adapt the Sam's model to the Chinese market [9][12]. - The performance of Sam's Club in China remains strong, with a reported sales figure of 100.5 billion yuan and 50 stores by 2024, contrasting sharply with the struggles of local competitors [14][15]. Group 3: Market Dynamics and Future Outlook - The collective retreat of local "Sam's Club" imitators highlights the challenges in supply chain management, brand recognition, and operational efficiency compared to established players like Sam's Club [14][15]. - The retail landscape is evolving, and the ability of local companies to adapt and find their unique paths will be crucial for future success [12][15].