Detailed narrative
China Market Outperformance and Channel Upgrade
MINISO China's H1 FY26 revenue grew 26.2%, significantly outpacing the 1.3% growth in China's total retail sales. This strong performance was driven by an accelerated channel upgrade strategy, including a net addition of 97 stores in H1 (59 flagship, 159 land format, 121 regular store closures), and a substantial increase in per-store output. The company completed 189 store renovations in H1, with post-renovation stores doubling YoY performance, and is on track to exceed its full-year target of 255 renovations.
Proprietary IP as a Key Growth Engine
The company's proprietary IP strategy is gaining significant traction, with its first proprietary IP, 'Yuyu,' generating nearly RMB 500 million in related revenue in H1 FY26 and expanding into 53 countries. The group-wide target of RMB 1 billion in proprietary IP sales for the year was achieved ahead of schedule by the end of July. This success validates MINISO's multi-IP, multi-category localization strategy and positions the company as a leading IP operating platform, with proprietary IP products showing higher profit margins and faster inventory turnover.
Maturation of Membership Strategy
MINISO China's membership program is maturing into a key growth lever. Membership grew 31% in H1 FY26, reaching 130 million, with member contribution to sales rising to 77%. The program is driving a 5% increase in average transaction value, and IP members demonstrate 80% higher retention and 2x higher purchase frequency than non-IP members. This indicates a strategic shift towards system-driven growth and enhanced customer lifetime value.
Overseas Market Challenges and Strategic Shift
Overseas revenue growth of 15% in H1 FY26 fell short of expectations, primarily due to a 10% decline in distributor business revenue and early investment stages in direct-operated markets. The company is transitioning from a 'scale first' to a 'quality first' approach, slowing store openings, and focusing on refining existing store models and localized operations. This includes proactively cleaning up underperforming stores and concentrating resources in priority markets, with an expected net reduction of 50-70 overseas stores in H2 FY26.
North America Performance and Inventory Management
North America H1 FY26 revenue grew 37% to RMB 1.8 billion, but Q2 saw moderation due to a temporary gap in IP product launches and stock-outs of best-selling IP products. Management is addressing merchandise planning and expects stock-out issues to ease by September. Upfront investment in new directly operated stores also impacted short-term profitability, but new stores are delivering higher profit margins and sales per square meter, outperforming older units.
TOP TOY Growth and IP Expansion
TOP TOY revenue grew 32.7% in H1 FY26, operating 365 global stores, including 48 overseas. Proprietary IP accounted for 10% of TOP TOY's business, with its flagship IP 'Ayan' surpassing RMB 300 million in cumulative GMV. The brand is actively expanding its IP matrix and establishing a global presence, including its first U.S. store in New York, demonstrating its potential as a distinct growth driver within the group.