Two Girls Announce Closure of Smoking-Bar-Free Bar after 1.5 Million RMB Investment in Dunhuang Despite No Sales

Two girls in Dunhuang, Gansu Province, spent 1.5 million RMB on a smoking-free bar, but faced dismal sales, including a day with zero income. After announcing closure, they vow to leave the venture without shame, plans to accumulate experience in other regions and return to Dunhuang for a new attempt.

Idealism can be lofty, but reality can be harsh. In Gansu's Dunhuang, two women spent 1.5 million Renminbi nearly half a year ago to open a smoke-free, women-friendly bar. However, the business initially struggled, and on its worst day, it generated no income. Recently, the duo announced joyfully that their bar was closing, stating that failing at entrepreneurship was not a point of shame. 'Gala Daytime Coffee Nighttime Alcohol' is a women's-friendly bar in Dunhuang, Gansu, run by two women named 'Desperately' and 'Supportive,' who previously owned tea shops and clothing stalls. Seeing the lack of high-quality leisure spaces suitable for youth, they invested 1.5 million Renminbi to open a bar modeled after those in first-tier cities, focusing on smoke-free, women-friendly, and dual-day-night operations. Despite being centrally located, about 5 minutes from the city's most bustling night market, and surrounded by other dining establishments, the bar still faced challenges. During operating hours, an extended road closure significantly reduced foot traffic, with the least income on a single day being zero. Even after the road reopened, foot traffic did not recover. Supportive mentioned that Dunhuah is a tourist city with a small population base; the local young demographic was less than expected. They did not cater to the local consumer's needs, only following their own aesthetic preferences. The hybrid "daytime coffee, nighttime alcohol" business model raised doubts about the bar's expertise, and the modern decor did not align with local customs.

After barely a year, faced with financial pressure, the duo decided to close the bar and transfer it to minimize losses. They optimistically viewed the failure of entrepreneurship and planned to accumulate restaurant and management experience elsewhere, aiming to return to Dunhuang in the future. Public comments read, "In the first year, Coca-Cola sold only three bottles." "It's understandable, the owners are just being proud." "Businesses should cater to the masses; business is not about ideals." "Such a bar should be opened in a big city, I really look forward to a fully female and smoke-free bar in Beijing." "The main issue is the high number of smokers in mainland China." "Why not consider an unmanned bar?" "Perhaps a blind film theater would be the next project?"