Chapter 505
, Section 1: Grand Opening
Chapter 505, Node 1: Grand Opening
When the winds of the market economy first blew to the Eastern Continent, all industries were experiencing rampant growth.
People in this era basically have no business mindset.
Especially in the retail industry, only a very few large cities have sporadic pilot or small-scale self-service stores. The main retail methods are still rural markets, state-run department stores, grocery stores and supply and marketing cooperatives.
It wasn't until 1995, when Carrefour opened its first truly large supermarket in the French capital, that people in France gained a new understanding of what a large supermarket was.
Lin Xiaohe's remarks, so detached from the times, naturally gave everyone a refreshing perspective.
"A single conversation with you is worth more than ten years of study! You truly are a top student from our Anning County, with exceptional insight." Xiao Yuan showered him with praise, insisting on giving away 20% of his shares.
Lin Aiguo naturally disagreed. A girl accepting 20% of someone's shares for nothing—those in the know wouldn't say anything, but what would outsiders think? Did she have no regard for her reputation?
Lin Aiguo proposed that the Lin family invest 30,000 yuan, and Wang Shuxiang would receive 20% of the shares.
In return, Xiao Yuan voluntarily gave up 30%.
Wei Dapao and Wang Qiang watched with envy as the two families talked animatedly.
They weren't stupid; they could all see that this was a very profitable business, but since they didn't have the capital, they could only let the opportunity slip through their fingers.
Once the deal was finalized, both parties agreed to go to the county town the next day to look at shops, prepare the money, and sign a cooperation agreement.
Having everything clearly listed on paper is beneficial for both parties and for the cooperation itself.
Although the decision was made to expand the scale, Xiao Yuan was short of manpower. After discussing with Wei Dapao and Lin Xiaohe, Wei Dapao stayed here to help Xiao Yuan with his work.
Wang Qiang cannot stay; he needs to return to the Changhong factory to report to the old factory director.
"So fast?" The old factory manager looked up from the ledger.
What we agreed on last night, that young woman found a business partner the very next day?!
The old factory director stood up. Snowflakes were falling outside the window, and the place was deserted, a desolate and lonely scene.
He carried a ceramic teacup and drank tea as he walked.
"I have to say, this business has potential! Xiao Wang, where did you find this extraordinary person? She has courage, ideas, and drive. Maybe the future of our Changhong factory really depends on her!"
Judging from the past two days, Lin Xiaohe is the person with the best business acumen and market insight that I have ever met!
At least, I can't find a single fault in any of the things she says.
Now we also need to see if she is a giant in words but a dwarf in deeds!
Wang Qiang was surprised that the old factory director had such a high opinion of Boss Lin. Although he also thought Boss Lin was a very talented person, the other party was only 20 years old!
"Old factory director, I didn't come here; she came to see me."
"Hahaha, this proves that heaven hasn't forsaken Changhong Factory. Boss Lin is a savior sent by God! Xiao Wang, what's the name of your fruit and vegetable supermarket again?"
Pang Donglai Selected Supermarket!
"Huh? Why did you choose this name?"
"It was ordered by Boss Lin. Maybe being fat represents good fortune, and good fortune comes from the east."
"Oh, that makes sense."
On January 13, 1994, close to the Spring Festival, a major event occurred in Anning County.
Pang Donglai Selected Supermarket is now open!
At the same time, three stores were opened, one of which was located at the entrance of the government staff quarters, with an area of 100 square meters.
One is located in front of the county's first hospital, with an area of 150 square meters. The other is located at the crossroads in the center of the county town, with an area of 300 square meters.
The initial investment from Xiao Yuan and the Lin family to take over three stores, including renovations, was far from sufficient. It was only through Lin Aiguo's connections that they secured a total of 18 yuan in loans from the bank, in Xiao Yuan's and Lin Aiguo's names, which barely covered their expenses.
On the opening day, there was a great commotion of gongs and drums.
Two large hot air balloons were placed in front of each of the three supermarkets, with red banners reading "Congratulations on the opening of Pang Donglai Supermarket! Get ¥5 off for every ¥50 spent!"
Such a lively scene naturally attracted many passersby.
They stepped into the supermarket after being warmly greeted by the staff handing out flyers at the entrance.
Entering the supermarket felt like stepping into a new world.
The room was brightly lit, with almost no shadowy corner.
Fruits and vegetables are neatly arranged on wooden shelves, within easy reach.
The apples were wiped clean, and there wasn't a single dent or bump on any of them.
Looking at the prices on the shelf, there are two prices: a member price and a regular price. The member price is several cents cheaper than the regular price.
The most eye-catching place at the supermarket entrance is the gift section, with exquisite gift boxes that look high-end and classy.
Although the price is a bit high, a gift box is more presentable than a bag of apples.
If you do the math, a gift box isn't much more expensive than a bag of apples, but it looks much better!
"Comrade, what about members? Do you need to top up? Top up 500 and get 60 free, plus enjoy member prices?!"
"The membership card is valid at all three stores?"
"Comrade, I'd like a membership card!"
For a time, Xiao Yuan's two newly hired cashiers were overwhelmed and simply couldn't keep up.
Xiao Yuan was both troubled and happy, and kept chuckling.
Each of the three stores has its own unique characteristics.
The shop near the county hospital mainly sells premium fruit gift boxes and some nutritional powders, such as astragalus powder and black sesame powder made by Xiao Yuan himself.
The supermarket near the government compound, besides its premium fruit gift boxes, now carries many high-end health supplement gift boxes, such as ginseng, deer antler blood, and spore powder that Xiao Yuan collected from the mountains. These supplements are carefully packaged in gift boxes and clearly cost a lot.
As for the one in the county center, it mainly features fruit and vegetable and cooked food sections. They sell braised dishes, braised meat, roast chicken, and several large pots specifically for sauerkraut and pork stew with vermicelli, and chicken stew with mushrooms. It's sold by the bowl, and a bowl isn't expensive and tastes good.
Next to the cooked food section, there is a place specifically for making dumplings.
All the staff responsible for food wore white hats and masks, and white coats. They were spotless and looked even cleaner than medical staff.
It can be said that even though Pang Donglai Selected Supermarket in the center of the county town may not have the best taste in everything, it is definitely the most comprehensive, the taste is good, and the ingredients are of high quality.
Now, many factory and enterprise canteens have closed down, and those that haven't are just going through the motions.
Pang Donglai Selected Supermarket undoubtedly catered to many people's pain points and became an instant hit throughout the city!
Lin Aiguo himself recharged a 1000 yuan anonymous prepaid card, specifically for giving gifts during the Chinese New Year.
The old factory manager would work at one supermarket a day, and no matter which one it was, it would be almost always sold out by the time it closed at night!
The trucks responsible for transporting goods were unloading cargo even in the middle of the night.
He hadn't seen such a lively, bustling, and vibrant scene in a long time!
On the fourth day, he went directly to Wang Qiang and said excitedly, "Quick, take me to see President Lin! I need to have a serious talk with her!!"