Urban Tea to roll out More China Stores
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Chinese beverage and baked-goods retailer Urban Tea says it plans expansion from the middle of this year.
The company will expand its network to 28 stores initially, through a combination of franchise partnerships and opening its own stores, with plans to speed up the rollout next year.
Last October, Urban Tea set up a subsidiary company Shanghai Ming Yun Tang Tea, which controls Hunan Ming Yun Tang Brand Management Co (Hunan MYT), to focus on catering, along with health, training, retail and wholesale. Headquartered in the Changsha Xingingmen Fanchen International Center, Hunan MYT will integrate strategic brand positioning, offline operations, store management and brand marketing – all which will be used to expand the planned retail cafe network.
Hunan MYT will operate stores under three brands: Buoyance Manor, Your Ladyship Tea (pictured) and Meet Honey. Buoyance Manor mainly features bakery products and coffee. Your Ladyship Tea sells specialty teas and light snacks and Meet Honey will primarily sell snacks and kitchen goods such as coffee mugs and tea cups.
Currently, the company operates seven stores itself in Hunan province branded Buoyance Manor, along with a tea shop in Changsha Youyou Township.
Urban Tea plans to focus on health and nutrition, using fresh, green, high-quality ingredients, positioning itself as an “all-natural baker”. Beverages offered include milk teas, fresh fruit teas and coffee.
Light meals include salads, sandwiches, tacos, pizza, pastas and other meals primarily drawing from French cuisine and other western cuisines, and emphasising healthy meals and fresh ingredients.
The company says it has established a research-and-development centre and will place an emphasis on seasonal research and product development, by picking fresh fruits, using seasonal tea, and using in season grains.
“By offering seasonal menus we ensure fresh delivery to meet customers health and dietary needs to cultivate long term customers,” the company said in a statement.
Urban Tea CFO Kan Lu said: “Our professional operations and R&D teams have many years of industry experience. We desire to make every product uniquely impressive to our customers, and bring consumers fresh, healthy and beautiful food and beverages.”
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the initial number of new stores Urban Tea plans to open and when will this expansion begin?
What is the initial number of new stores Urban Tea plans to open and when will this expansion begin?
Urban Tea plans to expand its network to 28 stores initially. This expansion is scheduled to begin from the middle of this year, with a faster rollout anticipated next year.
Q.How will Urban Tea's expansion be implemented, and what role does Hunan MYT play in this strategy?
How will Urban Tea's expansion be implemented, and what role does Hunan MYT play in this strategy?
The expansion will use a combination of franchise partnerships and company-owned stores. Hunan MYT, a subsidiary, will integrate brand positioning, operations, and marketing to expand the planned retail cafe network, operating three distinct brands.
Q.What kind of food and drink will be offered at the new stores, and what is the company's focus?
What kind of food and drink will be offered at the new stores, and what is the company's focus?
The stores will offer milk teas, fresh fruit teas, coffee, bakery items, snacks, and light meals like salads and pizzas. The company aims to be an “all-natural baker” focusing on health, nutrition, and fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Q.Which brands will operate under Hunan MYT, and what products do they primarily sell?
Which brands will operate under Hunan MYT, and what products do they primarily sell?
Hunan MYT will operate stores under Buoyance Manor, Your Ladyship Tea, and Meet Honey. Buoyance Manor mainly sells bakery products and coffee, Your Ladyship Tea offers specialty teas and light snacks, and Meet Honey primarily sells snacks and kitchen goods.
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