Department stores were a new concept for the Chinese people at the time.
However, as early as ten years ago, the Hong Kong retail giant, "PARKnSHOP", had opened the first retail supermarket in Shenzhen.
But "PARKnSHOP" did not have high expectations for the domestic market back then, and they only adopted a small store model with a half-hearted approach, which did not generate much of a response.
It was not until later, when international retail giants like Carrefour and Walmart aggressively entered the Chinese market with their large-scale store format, that the development of retail supermarkets was truly propelled.
This led to a widespread supermarket battle across the country.
Sometimes, intense conflicts would erupt between several supermarkets for superior geographical locations.
Sha Bao Yu had a sudden realization after arriving at the Jin Sheng Furniture City, and he took the initiative to seize this market by laying out his plans.
"Zhao Rui Long, I'll put up the money, and you'll put in the effort. Let's work together to open the first large department store in Jingzhou."
Zhao Rui Long seemed uninspired, and he was too ambitious yet lacked real talent. He had his heart set on achieving great things.
But Sha Bao Yu wanted him to open a supermarket.
How could he, the top young master of Jingzhou, stoop to the same level as a street vendor selling vegetables?
"Brother-in-law, what's the point of this supermarket? How much money can we make?"
Is this the great fortune you were talking about?
Even Zhao Xiao Hui found it hard to comprehend, let alone Zhao Rui Long.
Sha Bao Yu couldn't help but lament the limitations of their time, which had led to their flawed perceptions.
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In the future, a supermarket with a good location would truly be a family heirloom, passed down from generation to generation.
People are creatures of habit, and once they get accustomed to the layout of a supermarket, it's difficult to change their preference.
As for the profits of supermarkets, just look at retail giant Walmart, which consistently outranks Apple as the top company in the Global 500. It clearly shows how lucrative this industry is.
"Once the supermarket opens, you'll understand why it's called a cash cow."
Sha Bao Yu didn't want to explain too much because he couldn't provide more supporting data.
However, he believed that once the supermarket opened, everyone would be shocked by the crazy purchasing power of the Chinese people.
"Don't worry about that. I have a task for you. Rent the entire Central Building in Xin Jie Kou for me."
Xin Jie Kou held the memories of generations of Jingzhou people and was the most bustling commercial district.
The Central Building was once the largest mall in Jingzhou, but it had gone bankrupt and closed down due to poor management and other problems.
Sha Bao Yu chose the Central Building for two reasons. Firstly, its location was extremely advantageous, right next to the Jingzhou Hotel and not far from the Da Hua Cinema, making it the busiest area in Jingzhou.
Secondly, the Central Building had three floors, with a total operating area of 12,000 square meters, fully meeting the standards for a large-scale retail store.
"Brother-in-law, leave it to me."
Although Zhao Rui Long wasn't interested in department stores, he took Sha Bao Yu's instructions very seriously.
With his status, collecting information about the Central Building was a piece of cake.
The Central Building was originally state-owned assets, and after its closure, it had remained untouched.
In just one day, Zhao Rui Long obtained a three-year lease for the Central Building at a remarkably low price.
The top young master of Jingzhou was still as influential as ever.
...
Next, they started the renovation of the building according to Sha Bao Yu's requirements.
From material selection to the arrival of the construction crew, Zhao Rui Long, who idolized Sha Bao Yu, remained steadfast at the site, regardless of the dirt and chaos.
This made Sha Bao Yu re-evaluate him.
He could be considered a potential talent, albeit with some work needed.
Every day, Zhao Xiao Hui felt both heartache and joy seeing her brother return home covered in dust.
"People need to be pushed to discover their limits. You always thought he was spoiled and didn't take him seriously.
I simply gave him an opportunity."
Sha Bao Yu couldn't help but marvel at how unpredictable life was. In the original world, Zhao Rui Long was greedy and arrogant, willing to do anything to achieve his goals.
But now, Zhao Rui Long had visibly grown. The dust on his face seemed to cover his past arrogance, making him appear more composed.
He no longer spoke in a loud and harsh voice as he used to, instead opting for a calm and measured tone, inspiring trust in those around him.
"I'll take Zhao Rui Long back to the capital with me the day after tomorrow. I'll introduce him to a few friends."
This statement from Sha Bao Yu was undoubtedly the greatest affirmation of Zhao Rui Long's efforts in recent times.
As the top young master of the capital, anyone he considered a friend would naturally have a significant background.
"Bao Yu, you're his brother-in-law. You have the final say."
Thinking about Sha Bao Yu's upcoming return to the capital, Zhao Xiao Hui felt increasingly precious about the time they had together.
Her eyes, full of charm and allure, fixated on the man before her.
For several consecutive nights, Zhao Xiao Hui pushed her limits, starting in the bedroom, moving to the living room, and finally ending in the bathroom.
Defeated yet determined, she fought on.
...
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