The general manager of the state-run department store?
Everyone present was stunned. It seemed a rather important figure had arrived.
After all, in this era, ordinary people who wanted to buy anything genuinely couldn't bypass the state-run department store.
Their general manager was naturally someone very powerful.
"Boss!" An employee from the department store, clearly subservient, bowed and scraped.
However, the general manager ignored him and continued to look at Wang Yu.
"My old name is Zhu Wanli. As they said, I'm in charge of all the state-run department stores," the old man said, waving his hand towards Wang Yu.
"So, have you considered my suggestion? Young man, your shop isn't doing very well. How about you and your supplier join our state-run department store?"
Zhu Wanli extended an olive branch to Wang Yu, along with his hand.
Wang Yu politely shook his hand, then smiled apologetically. "I'm truly sorry, Mr. Zhu.
I need to clarify two things. First, these products are genuinely manufactured by our automobile factory, not distributed on behalf of someone else.
Second, our products do have many issues, and they're not yet sophisticated enough for the grand halls, nor are they suitable for entry into our state-run department store."
Wang Yu's words were tactful, but his refusal was very clear.
"Don't be ridiculous, who do you think you are? Our boss is doing you a favor by inviting you to join. Don't be ungrateful!"
As soon as Wang Yu finished speaking, the department store employee started yelling, as if Wang Yu had committed some heinous crime.
Heh.
Seeing the employee's behavior, Wang Yu simply smiled faintly.
This was precisely why he preferred to manage things himself rather than rely on the channels of the state-run department store.
He knew they controlled the downstream sales channels and could even be considered a monopoly, a true behemoth of this era.
But the bureaucratic and corrupt practices of those people were what Wang Yu disliked the most.
"Young man, I am very sincere. You can consider it. Not just within the small area of your Jiangyang county, but even the entire province is possible! I have the confidence to make your products bloom across the province within a week!"
Zhu Wanli spoke again, his tone amiable and sincere.
His words were also filled with great confidence, the root of which lay in the immense power of the state-run department store!
They had distribution networks not only in cities and towns but also in townships and villages, making it incredibly easy to promote Wang Yu's products!
Frankly, as a prominent figure at his level, even influential throughout the entire province, it was indeed rare for him to be so amiable to a small figure like Wang Yu.
Anyone else would likely have been overwhelmed with flattery and readily accepted.
However, Wang Yu said little, offering only a faint smile.
"I'm truly sorry, sir," Wang Yu bowed slightly. "I know my own capabilities. I don't have the ability to expand sales to the entire province yet, so I truly apologize."
Faced with Wang Yu's repeated refusal, almost everyone present mentally cursed him as a fool.
To reject such obvious support from a major figure, was he to be praised for his confidence or criticized for his ignorance?
The department store employee, in particular, looked at Wang Yu as if he were an idiot.
"Little factory director, this..." Even among Wang Yu's own people from the automobile factory, many wavered. Why not seize such a golden opportunity? This was a powerful backer!
"Oh, it's good for young people to be confident. When I was young, I also believed I could carve out a path for myself, but..." Zhu Wanli's tone shifted.
"If you refuse us, I believe that even if you travel throughout the province, no one will be willing to sell for you. Even if there are other distribution channels, no one will cooperate with you.
You must believe this, because these are my words."
Zhu Wanli's words now carried a hint of threat.
Translated, it meant: Cooperate obediently, or we'll block you!
And in fact, he had the power and confidence to do so.
He believed that with just a word from Old Zhu, Wang Yu's attempts to sell throughout the province would hit a wall everywhere!
"You can consider it carefully. My previous offer still stands. If you join us, I can authorize a commission of only 15%. This is already a very generous arrangement."
After speaking, Zhu Wanli turned and left as if nothing had happened, with the department store employee quickly following.
"A 15% commission, and he calls that a generous offer?" Wang Yu almost laughed in anger.
The so-called commission meant that if Wang Yu sold a product for 100 yuan, he would have to give them 15 yuan!
This could be called a channel fee, or it could be understood as a cut taken by the house, like a casino dealer.
And 15% was indeed a very favorable condition, as typical rates of 30%, 40%, or even 60% were common!
What? Would any factory be foolish enough to give away their earnings to others?
Sorry, but that was indeed the reality!
The state-run department stores basically controlled and monopolized all retail channels. On their turf, dragons had to coil and tigers had to crouch.
Unwilling to comply? Uncooperative?
Didn't you hear what they just said? They would simply block you!
Zhu Wanli left with an air of nonchalance, but the crowd exploded. He was the general manager of the state-run department store! And Wang Yu had actually refused him outright.
At once, everyone began to discuss amongst themselves. Some mocked Wang Yu for being overconfident, while others called him foolish for being short-sighted.
Of course, many were even more interested in Wang Yu's products because of this.
Didn't you see that even a big shot was interested and actively invited them?
The products must be good!
At least much more reliable than those fellows from the Machinery Industry Association.
Precisely because of this, the buying frenzy immediately became even more fervent!
While Wang Yu's area was buzzing with excitement, the state-run department store building was cold and oppressive.
The portly general manager, as fat as a pig, greeted Zhu Wanli with great enthusiasm.
"Boss, welcome to our inspection, Boss!"
Looking at the fawning general manager, Zhu Wanli frowned slightly. "Are you the person in charge here?"
"That's right, I am the person in charge. My name is..."
Just as the general manager was about to introduce himself, Zhu Wanli interrupted him unceremoniously.
"I have no interest in your name. I have only one request now. For that Jiangyang Automobile Factory, and their supplier behind them, impose a complete blockade!"