3 6 Ke·2025-08-05 10:04Core Insights - Alibaba's Taobao is launching a new membership system that integrates resources from Ele.me, Fliggy, and Hema, covering various consumer rights including shopping, food delivery, travel, and more, thereby expanding the 88VIP membership benefits [1][10] Membership Expansion - The new membership initiative allows 88VIP members to receive 90 days of free Hema X membership benefits, including discounts and free shipping, from August 4 to September 10 [1] - The 88VIP membership, launched in August 2018, has evolved to include various benefits across shopping, entertainment, and food delivery, with over 50 million members reported during the 618 shopping festival [9] Strategic Shift - The integration of more Alibaba platforms into the 88VIP system is seen as a significant step in Alibaba's strategy to transition from e-commerce to a broader consumer platform [9][10] - In June, Alibaba's CEO announced the incorporation of Ele.me and Fliggy into the Alibaba China E-commerce Group, maintaining their independent management while aligning their business decisions with centralized goals [9] Business Adjustments - Hema has announced the closure of its last Hema X membership store, indicating a strategic shift away from the membership store model, which was initially seen as a growth opportunity [10][11] - The Hema X membership store, which opened in October 2020, struggled to establish a competitive edge in the market, leading to a focus on Hema Fresh and Hema NB (Neighbour Business) for future growth [10][11] User Base and Cost Management - The integration of Hema into the 88VIP system is expected to leverage the existing user base to expand its customer reach [11] - As the membership base diversifies and benefits expand, Alibaba faces challenges in managing costs, user segmentation, and ensuring seamless integration of services across platforms [11]