Pang Donglai

Pang Donglai, a Chinese retail giant, is attracting attention with its unique hiring strategy for its new Xinxiang store. The company requires bachelor’s degrees for security and cleaning positions and is actively recruiting 200 veterans from demanding regions and up to 20 ex-offenders. Chairman Yu Donglai emphasized giving second chances and fostering dignity. Applicants face rigorous screening, focusing on cultural alignment. The move to hire ex-offenders has sparked online debate, praised for its progressive approach.

Pang Donglai founder Yu Donglai addressed high employment interest in the company’s new store via livestream. He warned that competition for positions will be fierce, estimating 100 applicants per job. Pang Donglai, known for excellent customer service and innovative retail, has already hired 239 people in 2024, requiring at least a Bachelor’s degree. The company’s employee compensation, averaging RMB 9,000 monthly after-tax, and benefits are considered “best-in-class,” attracting significant attention after Pang Donglai’s nationwide success.

Yonghui is aggressively transforming its stores to emulate the success of Pang Donglai. By the end of September, the supermarket chain plans to revamp 200 stores in China, aligning 80% of its products with Pang Donglai’s standards. This initiative includes opening remodeled stores at a rate of about one per day in the third quarter, with a focus on expanding proprietary brands and employee training. Pang Donglai’s leadership supports the efforts, highlighting employee engagement, customer service, and product quality.

A Chinese retail chain, Pang Dulai, rebranded to Ying Dulai overnight, replacing “Pang” (胖, plump) with “Ying” (盈, profit) in signage and digital platforms. The Zhejiang-based mall’s parent group, Yingzhong Holdings, cited strategic alignment as the reason. The move follows a cease-and-desist letter from rival Pang Donglai over alleged brand imitation. While the company denied legal pressure links, analysts note the covert rebrand mirrors crisis tactics in China’s competitive retail sector, sparking discussions on corporate identity and legal risks in rapid pivots.