说话人 1 00:00
Welcome back to the deep Dive. Today's deep dive is by special requests from our listener. We're gonna be taking a closer look at Fat Donglye, a Chinese supermarket chain that's become kind of phenomena.
说话人 2 00:12
Yeah, it's not your typical grocery store, that's for sure, right? They've built a reputation for outstanding customer service and employee benefits, which is unusual, especially in the fast paced world of retail.
说话人 1 00:23
Yeah, I think that's what caught my eye too. Like they've been nicknamed a 6A level scenic spot with no off season, which is like saying going grocery shopping is as exciting as visiting Disneyland.
说话人 2 00:35
That's where things get really interesting. Fat on live built their success on the in person experience, but now they're navigating this whole new landscape of online retail, right? It raises questions about whether they can maintain their unique culture and appeal in a digital space.
说话人 1 00:49
So before we jump into their e commerce adventure, can you give us a little background on what makes Fat Dung lie so unique? What are some of the things they've done that have made them go viral?
说话人 2 00:59
Well, one example that really caught people's attention was the wronged employee award. This wasn't just a symbolic gesture. It came with substantial financial compensation for an employee who was, let's just say, treat it.
说话人 1 01:13
Unfairly. I read about that. It sounds like they're really serious about taking care of their employees. Is that unusual in China? It's definitely.
说话人 2 01:20
Not the norm. Traditional Chinese business culture can be quite hierarchical and employee well being isn't always prioritized. Fat Dongley's approach is quite progressive in that.
说话人 1 01:31
Sense. And then there's that story about the customer who got 1,000 yuan ton, that's over $140, because they weren't happy with a dish at the Fat Donguee food court. I mean, talk about going above and beyond for customer satisfaction.
说话人 2 01:44
That incident really highlights their customer centric philosophy. They're willing to take a financial hit to ensure their customers have a positive experience.
说话人 1 01:52
It seems like this kind of radical generosity has really paid off for them in terms of building a loyal customer base. But all this popularity seems to have created an unexpected problem for Fat Dung lie, unofficial resellers, can you explain what's been happening?
说话人 2 02:07
Right. Fat Donglai's popularity has led to a surge in unauthorized resellers, especially on platforms like Douyin, which is essentially the Chinese version of TikTok. Imagine hundreds of accounts popping up using the Fat Dong Lie name to sell their products.
说话人 1 02:23
So these resellers are buying products from Fat Donglei and then reselling them online for a profit?
说话人 2 02:28
Exactly. And some of these resellers are making significant money, but it's all unauthorized. Fat Donglai has no control over the quality of the products being resold, the pricing, or the customer service these resellers are providing. It's a brand management nightmare.
说话人 1 02:43
Okay, so they've got this incredible brand. Yeah, but they're losing control of it in the online world. What did Fat Dongli do about this? Do they just sit back and watch it happen?
说话人 2 02:52
Absolutely not. They've been quite proactive. Initially, they tried to curb this unofficial reselling through statements and even legal threats.
说话人 1 03:00
I can imagine that getting messy, especially in the Wild West of online marketplaces. Did those tactics.
说话人 2 03:06
Work? To some extent, but it wasn't a complete solution. So they implemented stricter purchasing policies in their physical stores, things like limiting purchase quantities, requiring real name registration for certain items, and even verifying purchases with membership cards. Wow, that's.
说话人 1 03:22
Serious. It sounds like they were determined to protect their brand and their customers from these unauthorized sellers. Was you, Dongwei, the company's founder, involved in this at all?
说话人 2 03:31
Yes, he was very vocal. He publicly denounced these resellers, emphasized Fat Donglei's commitment to protecting consumers. It was a clear message that they were taking this issue seriously and wouldn't tolerate anyone exploiting their brand or customers.
说话人 1 03:47
But wouldn't all of this just push people further into the arms of these unofficial resellers.
说话人 2 03:51
That's the fascinating part. This whole situation actually pushed Fat Dong Lai into a space they were initially hesitant to enter, the world of e commerce. It was almost as if they were forced to embrace it to regain control of their brand and meet the demand.
说话人 1 04:04
So they decided, if you can't beat him, join them. Exactly.
说话人 2 04:06
They realized they needed to establish their own official presence online, and they did it in a big way, launching their own online stores on two of China's largest platforms, Douyin and Wechat.
说话人 1 04:20
It sounds like they were almost back into a corner, but then they took this challenge and turned it into an opportunity.
说话人 2 04:26
That seems to be a recurring theme with Fat Donkai. They're not afraid to adapt an experiment, even if it means going against their initial instincts.
说话人 1 04:34
All right, so they're officially online. How did that affect their business, especially given their initial reluctance to embrace e commerce?
说话人 2 04:42
Well, one of the first things they did was move certain high demand products exclusively online.
说话人 1 04:47
Why would they do that? Wouldn't that hurt their in store sales? It was.
说话人 2 04:50
A clever strategy, actually. By moving some items online, they were able to manage the crowds in their physical stores and prevent things from getting too chaotic. It also helped them better control their inventory. Remember, they have a limited number of physical stores.
说话人 1 05:05
So it was a way to manage both the online and offline demand. Did this shift to e commerce have a significant impact on their financials?
说话人 2 05:13
That's what we'll delve into next. Their financial performance is a big part of what makes this story so intriguing. It's fascinating to see how Fat Donglai's foray into e commerce has played out financially. It seems counterintuitive. Company known for its physical presence finding such success online.
说话人 1 05:28
Right? It makes you wonder if their initial reluctance was more about protecting the unique atmosphere they've cultivated in their stores. But okay, let's talk numbers. How has this online expansion impacted their bottom line.
说话人 2 05:41
Their financial performance has been remarkable. According to reports, their projected profit for last year was around 20 million yuan.
说话人 1 05:49
That's a healthy profit for any company. Yes.
说话人 2 05:51
But they ended up making a staggering 140 million yuan, over six times their initial projection.
说话人 1 05:57
Whoa, that's not just exceeding expectations, that's blowing them out of the water. Yeah, you mentioned earlier that they only have a handful of physical stores, especially compared to larger publicly listed companies. How are they achieving this level of success with a relatively limited physical footprint?
说话人 2 06:15
That's the million dollar question, isn't it? Seems like they've tapped into something unique part of their success definitely stems from that dedication to customer service and employee well being. We talked about earlier that creates a very Po positive brand image. But there's more to it than that.
说话人 1 06:31
What else is driving this success?
说话人 2 06:33
They also have a knack for identifying and capitalizing on emerging trends, like their move into e commerce, even if it was a react of one, remember, they weren't initially eager to go online.
说话人 1 06:44
Right? It was almost like they were pushed online by those unofficial resellers. It sounds like they turned a potential crisis into a major win. Precisely.
说话人 2 06:51
And they didn't just dip their toes into e commerce, they fully embraced it. Take their decision to move certain high demand products exclusively online, for instance.
说话人 1 07:00
Right? We're just talking about that. Was that move purely about crowd in inventory control? Or was there something more strategic at play?
说话人 2 07:08
It was a brilliant multilayered strategy. On a practical level, it did help manage the flow of customers in their physical stores and prevented stockouts. But on a deeper level, it also created a sense of exclusivity and urgency around those online only products. It's like.
说话人 1 07:25
They've created this limited edition feel even for everyday grocery items. That's pretty clever.
说话人 2 07:30
It taps into that fear of missing out that drives a lot of online shopping behavior. And it allows them to control the narrative around those products, ensuring consistent quality and pricing. They don't have to worry about those unofficial resellers undercutting them or misrepresenting their brand.
说话人 1 07:46
So they're controlling the customer experience even in the online world. It sounds like they're operating on a different level than most traditional supermarket chains.
说话人 2 07:53
They are definitely disrupting the industry and their financial success is proof that their approach is resonating with consumers. But it hasn't all been smooth sailing. Remember the controversy surrounding you Dongli's comments on employee marriages?
说话人 1 08:07
Oh, yeah, the new dowry, simple wedding suggestion. Yeah, that sparks some intense debate. It.
说话人 2 08:12
Did. It brought to light some of the complexities of their company culture. They encouraged financial responsibility even within the personal lives of their employees. But some saw it as overstepping boundaries. It's.
说话人 1 08:23
Like they blurred the line between employer and personal advisor. Did that controversy have any impact on their business?
说话人 2 08:30
It's hard to say for sure, but it definitely highlighted a potential risk for fat Donkai. They have a very distinct company culture and they're not afraid to promote it, but that can sometimes lead to friction. It's a.
说话人 1 08:42
Delicate balancing act. Yeah, on the one hand, their authenticity and willingness to be different are part of what makes them so appealing. On the other hand, they need to be mindful of how their actions and statements are perceived, especially in the age of social media.
说话人 2 08:55
Exactly. And as they continue to grow, this is something they'll need to navigate care carefully. Maintaining their unique culture while respecting individual boundaries will be.
说话人 1 09:05
Key. It sounds like they're walking a tight rope. So despite this controversy, they're still on track to hit some impressive sales.
说话人 2 09:12
Figures. According to the latest reports, they are expected to surpass 15 billion yuan in sales this year. And remember, they're achieving this with a relatively small number of physical stores.
说话人 1 09:23
That is mind blowing. What's even more impressive is that this includes their online sales, which as we discussed, wasn't even part of their initial strategy. They seem.
说话人 2 09:32
To have cracked the code to retail success in the digital age. A strong brand, a focus on customer experience and the willingness to adapt and evolve seem to be the key ingredients in their recipe for success. Their.
说话人 1 09:44
Story is a testament to the fact that you don't have to be a massive corporation with hundreds of stores to make a significant impact.
说话人 2 09:50
Absolutely. And their success is a challenge to traditional retail models. It makes you wonder, can they maintain this momentum? Can they scale their culture and their unique approach? As they continue to grow, especially in the online world.
说话人 1 10:02
That's the big question, isn't? It's one thing to create a special atmosphere in a handful of stores, but can they translate that same magic to the digital realm? Can they replicate that personal touch, that sense of community online?
说话人 2 10:16
And remember, the online world is a different beast. The internet never forgets. They'll need to be even more mindful of how their actions and statements are perceived in this digital landscape.
说话人 1 10:27
It's like they're constantly walking a tight rope, trying to balance their boldness with the need to manage their brand image in a very public and unforgiving environment.
说话人 2 10:37
Their story is a fascinating case study, and navigating the complexities of building and managing a brand in today's digital world, it raises so many questions. How will they manage logistics as they scale their online operations? How will they ensure consistent quality control? How will they handle customer service issues in a digital environment?
说话人 1 10:55
These are all challenges that any e commerce business faces. But for Fat Dong Lie, they're amplified by their unique approach and the high expectations they've set for themselves. It will be.
说话人 2 11:06
Fascinating to see how they tackle these challenges and continue to evolve in the years to come. They've certainly set a high bar for themselves, and the world is watching.
说话人 1 11:15
So we've explored the fascinating journey of satanglai from their unconventional origins to their unexpected rise in e commerce. We've seen how they've challenged traditional retail norms and carve their own path to success, but what really stands out to you as we wrap up this part of our deep dive.
说话人 2 11:32
Their story is a testament to the power of authenticity and customer centricity. They've shown that a company can be profitable and successful while also prioritizing the well being of its employees and its community. It.
说话人 1 11:44
Seems like they are driven by something more than just profits. There's a deeper purpose, a sense of mission that permeates everything they do.
说话人 2 11:51
And that's what makes their story so compelling. They've created a brand that people believe in, a brand that stands for something more than just selling groceries. It's a reminder.
说话人 1 12:00
The businesses don't have to choose between profit and purpose. They can and perhaps should strive for both. You know, as we've been discussing, fat dung, why, one thing that's really struck me is their transparency. They seem remarkably open about their operations, even sharing very specific financial detail. That's a.
说话人 2 12:19
Great observation. It's not common for companies, especially in China, to be so transparent. Udon Li's willingness to share those detailed breakdowns of each store's performance, including online sales, is quite unusual. It's.
说话人 1 12:33
Like he's inviting everyone to look into the hood and see how the engine runs. It's a bold move, especially considering they've faced controversies. It.
说话人 2 12:39
Certainly is. And it speaks to a deeper philosophy within the company. They're not just trying to be a successful business, they're trying to build a community, and that requires a level of trust and openness that you don't often see in the corporate world.
说话人 1 12:51
It makes you wonder if that transparency is part of what makes them so appealing to both customers and employees is like they're saying, we have nothing to hide, we're all in this together. That's.
说话人 2 13:00
A really interesting point. It creates a sense of shared purpose and fosters a feeling of belonging. In a way, their transparency becomes a marketing tool, but not in the traditional sense. It's about building genuine connections, not just pushing products.
说话人 1 13:15
But it's a risky strategy, right? Yeah, putting yourself out there like that opens you up to more scrutiny.
说话人 2 13:20
Absolutely. And we've seen how that can backfire, like with the marriage comments controversy. Yeah, transparency without tact can be a recipe for disaster, but it can also be incredibly powerful when done right. It's like they're saying this is who we are. Applause and all. Taken or leave it. And so far, a lot of people are taking it. Their.
说话人 1 13:37
Sales figures certainly seem to support that. It's almost like they've cracked some kind of code. They've managed to thrive in the cutthroat world of retail by being radically different. They're generous, they're transparent, they're unapologetically themselves, and people love them for it.
说话人 2 13:52
But the big question is, can they maintain this unique approach as they continue to grow, especially in the online world? Can they scale their culture without diluting it? Can they translate that personal touch, that sense of community to the digital realm?
说话人 1 14:07
It's a challenge a lot of companies face as they grow. They often lose sight of the things that made them special in the first place. They become more focused on systems and processes and less on people. And.
说话人 2 14:18
That's the trap. Fat dongle I needs to avoid. They need to find a way to maintain their soul as they expect band. It won't be easy, but if they can pull it off, they could become a model for other businesses looking to succeed in a way that's both profitable and per this fall.
说话人 1 14:33
Well, listener, we've reached the end of our deep dive into the fascinating world of Fat Dongye. We've explored their unconventional journey, their challenges, their triumphs and their unique approach to business.
说话人 2 14:43
We've seen how they've disrupted the retail industry and challenged traditional notions of what it means to be a successful company.
说话人 1 14:49
Their story is a reminder that there's no one size fits all formula for success. Sometimes the best way to stand out is to be authentically yourself. Even if that means going against the grain.
说话人 2 15:00
And perhaps, the most important takeaway from all of this is that businesses don't have to choose between profits and purpose. Fat Dongli has shown that it's possible to do well by doing good. And.
说话人 1 15:11
With that, we'll leave you with this thought. Can fad Dongli, a company built on personal touch and a strong local presence, truly replicate their success online? It's a question worth pondering as we watch their next moves. Maybe you'll even want to explore their online platforms yourself and see what all the hype is about. So keep learning, keep thinking and keep the conversation going.