Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the impact of Meituan's decision to shut down its community group buying service, which has significant implications for individuals like Lao Shen, who relied on this business for income and social connection [2][28]. Group 1: Company Actions - Meituan announced the abrupt closure of its community group buying service, affecting many local operators across the country [3][28]. - The decision to terminate the service was not officially communicated, leading to confusion among operators [4][32]. - The closure reflects a broader trend in the industry where community group buying has become a financial burden for companies, prompting them to scale back or exit the market [27][28]. Group 2: Individual Impact - Lao Shen, a 70-year-old community group buying operator, suddenly lost his income source and identity as a group leader due to the service shutdown [3][29]. - The community group buying business provided Lao Shen with a sense of purpose and social interaction, especially after the loss of his wife [15][27]. - The closure of Meituan's service left many operators, including Lao Shen, feeling "unemployed" and uncertain about their future [29][32]. Group 3: Industry Context - The community group buying sector is characterized by intense competition and reliance on user traffic, making it a challenging environment for sustainability [27]. - The article suggests that the remaining players in the community group buying space, like Duoduo Maicai, may not be as appealing to older operators due to lower commission rates [34]. - The rapid changes in the industry, including sudden service closures, highlight the volatility and risks associated with community group buying as a business model [28][32].
“我爸，70岁的美团团长，突然失业了”