Feng Huang Wang·2025-07-31 09:22Core Insights - The competition among instant retail and food delivery platforms, represented by Meituan, Taobao Flash Purchase, and JD, has intensified since 2025 due to large-scale subsidy strategies aimed at boosting consumer spending [1][7][27] - Research indicates that Taobao Flash Purchase coupons significantly stimulate additional spending on the Ele.me platform, with every 1 yuan of effective subsidy generating approximately 1.65 yuan in extra consumption [1][13][14] - The study highlights a notable spillover effect, where each 1 yuan of effective subsidy leads to an additional 6.76 yuan in overall consumer spending through Alipay, with 3.11 yuan attributed to e-commerce purchases [1][20] Group 1: Market Dynamics - Instant retail has seen rapid growth, with online retail sales reaching 74,295 billion yuan in the first half of the year, a year-on-year increase of 8.5% [5][6] - The Ministry of Commerce and other departments have initiated plans to promote online and offline integration in instant retail, emphasizing its role in expanding consumption and creating jobs [6][7] - The competitive landscape has led to daily peak subsidies exceeding 2 billion yuan, significantly increasing order volumes from 100 million to 250 million [7][27] Group 2: Consumer Behavior - The study found that the average additional spending per consumer who used the coupons was 24.55 yuan per week, indicating a strong consumer response to the subsidies [14][18] - The effectiveness of the coupons varies by category, with retail orders showing a higher multiplier effect compared to food orders [14][16] - The research also indicates that the use of flash purchase coupons does not cannibalize dine-in sales, as there is no statistical evidence of a negative impact on traditional restaurant revenues [21][22] Group 3: Merchant Impact - Participating merchants experienced an average weekly revenue increase of 1,744.69 yuan, representing a growth rate of approximately 101.5% [21][22] - The positive impact of the flash purchase coupons is more pronounced for small and medium-sized merchants, highlighting the platform's role in empowering these businesses [23][24] - The study suggests that the integration of online and offline sales through flash purchase initiatives has led to increased visibility and sales for smaller merchants [24][25] Group 4: Regulatory Considerations - Regulatory bodies are advised to monitor potential unfair competition practices among platforms, ensuring that merchants are not coerced into participating in subsidy programs [28][29] - The industry is encouraged to self-regulate to prevent issues such as food waste and ensure fair competition [29][30] - Platforms are urged to leverage their capabilities to foster new service-oriented e-commerce scenarios, enhancing consumer experiences and market sustainability [30][31]