Updated
Updated · South China Morning Post · Jul 6
Mixue Misses 1,000-Store Japan Goal, Shuts a Third of Hong Kong Outlets
Updated
Updated · South China Morning Post · Jul 6

Mixue Misses 1,000-Store Japan Goal, Shuts a Third of Hong Kong Outlets

1 articles · Updated · South China Morning Post · Jul 6

Summary

  • Three years after entering Japan, Mixue still has only four stores, far below its target of 1,000 outlets by 2028.
  • About 400 yen for a basic bubble tea leaves Mixue priced close to rivals in Japan, where consumers can get more inventive flavors for little extra cost.
  • In Hong Kong, Mixue opened nine stores in its first year after a late-2023 launch but closed a third of them in the first six months of 2026, including its Tsim Sha Tsui outlet.
  • The setbacks suggest Chinese budget brands face tougher conditions in developed markets, where low prices alone may not be enough to win customers.

Insights

Why is Mixue's low-price strategy failing in developed markets after building a 60,000-store empire?
Can a brand famous for being the cheapest option ever win over customers who demand premium quality?