2025-10-14 14:44Summary of the Conference Call on the Gold and Jewelry Industry Industry Overview - The gold and jewelry industry is experiencing significant changes due to rising gold prices, which have increased by approximately 50% year-on-year during the 2025 Golden Week, impacting retail sales positively despite a slight decline in weight sold [1][2][21]. Key Points and Arguments Sales Performance - Overall sales growth during the 2025 Golden Week was 5.7%, with individual brand performances varying: - Lao Feng Xiang: +6.3% - Zhou Da Sheng: -1.4% - Lao Miao: +1.8% - Chao Hong Ji: +18% - Zhou Da Fu: +7.8% - China Gold: -7.3% [2][21]. Pricing and Profitability - The average transaction price for Lao Feng Xiang increased from 80-120 RMB to 170-180 RMB due to rising gold prices, while profit per gram for stores dropped from 120-150 RMB to 50-80 RMB [1][5][6]. - Gross margins have decreased by 3-4 percentage points, with fine jewelry products at approximately 22%-25% and general products at 15%-18%, leading to an overall margin of about 18%-20% [7][8]. Brand Strategies - Zhou Da Fu has adjusted its product structure, increasing the proportion of fixed-price products from 10% to over 25%, significantly improving its gross margin [3][12]. - Chao Hong Ji has successfully attracted younger consumers through IP updates, achieving a national sales increase of 52% [1][4]. Store Management and Market Dynamics - Major brands are in a phase of store closures, with Zhou Da Sheng closing 78 stores, Lao Feng Xiang 48, and Zhou Da Fu reducing from over 7,000 to 5,600 stores. Chao Hong Ji is the only brand expanding its store count [10][11]. - The management of franchisees has become more relaxed, leading to widespread discounting practices among franchisees to remain competitive [10]. Future Outlook - The industry anticipates a growth rate of 10% to 20% in 2026, driven by wedding demand and expectations of continued gold price increases [22][25]. - Current inventory levels have risen, with stores holding 17-18 kg compared to 12 kg previously, complicating predictions for when consumption will normalize [23]. Taxation and Compliance Issues - Hong Kong brands face frequent tax audits due to full invoicing practices, leading to significant tax liabilities for franchisees [26][27]. - Domestic brands utilize strategies to minimize tax burdens, such as reducing invoicing amounts [29]. Consumer Behavior - The sensitivity of consumers to high prices is increasing, prompting brands to optimize their market presence and inventory management [18][19]. Additional Important Insights - The proportion of old-for-new exchanges is around 20%, contributing significantly to sales revenue as gold prices rise [30]. - The industry is expected to undergo cyclical changes, with potential new product trends emerging that could lead to a new store opening cycle in the future [20].