Introduction:A Mann Coffee outlet in Beijing’s Fengtai AEON Mall was recently discovered to have quietly closed in the early hours of October 13 without notifying customers or fulfilling its lease agreement, drawing widespread attention from consumers and industry observers. The mall accused the store of unilateral breach of contract, failing to address prepaid card balances or follow proper exit procedures. This article delves into the incident, the mall’s response, and reviews Mann Coffee’s rise and decline over the years, helping readers understand the risks of prepaid card consumption and the current state of Korean-style cafés.
Recently, a well-known Korean-style coffee brand, “Mann Coffee,” was found to have suddenly closed its doors in the early hours of October 13 at Beijing’s Fengtai AEON Mall, despite its lease not yet being expired. This move left many customers shocked and dissatisfied. According to an announcement by mall management, the store failed to meet its contractual obligations—it neither provided advance notice nor handled the remaining balance on prepaid cards—constituting a unilateral closure that severely damaged the legitimate rights and interests of both customers and the mall.
According to reports from customers on-site, some had planned to visit the store to read or study, only to find the doors shut and the premises completely empty, with only a “closure notice” posted on the glass door. It was only upon closer inspection that they realized the store had not merely temporarily suspended operations but had actually pulled out overnight a few days prior, catching many customers who held prepaid cards or planned to patronize the shop again completely off guard.
Mall management further explained that the involved outlet is “Mann Coffee (Mann Coffee),” located within Beijing’s Fengtai AEON Mall. Despite the lease still being valid, the store unilaterally closed without mutual consultation and did not offer any solution for refunding prepaid card balances, violating multiple terms of the lease agreement. The mall stated it will continue trying to contact the brand and reserves the right to report the issue to relevant administrative authorities or even pursue legal action to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of both consumers and the mall.
Regarding the remaining balance on prepaid cards held by customers, the mall specifically reminded: “If you still have unused prepaid card balances, please contact the store as soon as possible to resolve the issue.” It also emphasized that the store’s stored-value or prepaid consumption services are part of its independent business practices, advising customers to keep transaction receipts and claim their rights through proper legal channels.
This incident has left many local residents who were regular customers feeling shocked and saddened. One resident noted that this Mann Coffee outlet had opened almost at the same time as the mall itself and had accompanied local consumers for many years—not only because of its comfortable environment and friendly service, but also because many people loved its waffles and coffee, leading them to apply for multiple stored-value cards. Many had assumed the store would remain open as long as there were funds left in their cards, never expecting it to end with a sudden overnight closure.
Mann Coffee (Mann Coffee) is a brand under “Man Chuangzuo Catering Management Co., Ltd.,” established in 2011, with its first outlet located in Beijing. The brand’s founder, Xin Zixiang, originally envisioned creating a leisure space infused with a Korean romantic ambiance, suitable for meetings, reading, and relaxation. At the time, Mann Coffee quickly gained popularity among young people with its spacious seating areas, delicate lighting, comfortable sofas, and a variety of coffees and desserts. It was even hailed by numerous websites as a “landmark café in the city” and once ranked among the top tier of domestic chain coffee brands.
However, starting in 2020, Mann Coffee began experiencing a wave of mass closures. Industry statistics show that around two-thirds of its outlets in the Beijing area were gradually shut down at the time, significantly diminishing the brand’s presence. According to the latest data from Zhaomen Canyan as of October 7, Mann Coffee currently operates 111 stores nationwide, the vast majority of which are still located inside shopping malls.
Although there have been reports of new openings in recent years, feedback from social media users indicates that the brand’s overall popularity has significantly declined. Against the backdrop of an increasingly competitive domestic coffee market—with a constant emergence of new and specialty coffee shops—this traditional chain café, known for its Korean romantic style, is facing the dual challenges of shifting consumer preferences and an unclear market positioning.
The late-night closure of the Beijing AEON outlet not only highlights the potential risks associated with prepaid card consumption but also underscores the importance of brand management and market adaptability. For consumers, before opting for stored-value consumption, it is advisable to pay closer attention to the operational status of the brand and properly retain transaction records to protect one’s own rights.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
