COMMON THREAD
Although their branding techniques are far different, there is a natural connection between Three Squirrels and Shazi Guazi as they both share the same city, the Wuhu Daily said in a commentary.
"Wuhu's business culture is one of daring to try, daring to do and innovation. Courage and persistence led snack sellers to win over others, and common attention to quality ensures that they can last a long time," the newspaper commented.
Zhang Liaoyuan said he and Nian were successful because they took full advantage of the opportunities of the time.
Though the Fool's sunflower seeds have since lost a bit of their share to other brands, 78-year-old Nian is now retired and has passed the business on to his son.
Zhang said he is taking precautions not to allow success to dwindle, as was the case with Shazi.
"It is important to seize the chance and seize the market, but it is also important to keep the chance in check," said Zhang.
"Online commerce is quite fragile and its death may come if the economic environment and technology fail, so I'm always on alert."
To stay fresh, Zhang said he plans to expand to the countryside and smaller cities to find new markets because big cities are already saturated.
