With over 700 chain stores in China, Suning Appliance is famous for its speed in opening new stores. During its peak period in 2003 it would open a 5,000 sq m store weekly.

“We were opening new stores even in our dreams,” says one of Suning’s employees.

However, in a recent interview, Sun Weimin, president of the company, said: “We have never thought that our development was too fast. Actually, we always criticize ourselves for being too slow. ”

The fast expansion has led many people to doubt whether Suning’s capability can meet the quick pace of its development, and if the pressure results in many employees leaving the company. But there is at least one advantage: it established a nationwide network for Suning early in the home appliance game, giving it a better position as the competition became more intense.

As a result, Suning and its chief rival Gome are the only home appliance retailers that are doing business throughout China.