Xin Hua Cai Jing·2025-08-13 08:01Core Insights - Instant retail has seen a significant surge, with Taobao's flash purchase surpassing Meituan in daily order volume for the first time, indicating a competitive shift in the market [1][2] - Taobao's aggressive subsidy strategy has led to rapid order growth, but it has also created challenges for merchants, particularly in the restaurant sector, where they feel pressured to participate in these promotional activities [2][3] - The ongoing subsidy war is fundamentally a battle for market dominance among platforms, with significant implications for the sustainability of the industry and the well-being of small merchants [7][8] Group 1: Market Dynamics - Taobao's flash purchase achieved over 90 million daily orders in late July, indicating a strong competitive response to Meituan [2] - The shift in order volume reflects a broader trend of increasing demand for instant logistics services, with user numbers projected to grow from 293 million in 2017 to 799 million by 2024 [4] - The competition has intensified as platforms like JD and Meituan have ramped up their instant retail strategies, posing challenges to Alibaba's traditional e-commerce model [4][5] Group 2: Merchant Challenges - Merchants report being involuntarily included in promotional activities, leading to price distortions and operational disruptions [2][3] - Many small businesses are experiencing a decline in dine-in customers as consumers shift to cheaper delivery options due to subsidies, resulting in significant revenue losses [2][3] - The pressure on merchants is exacerbated by the platforms' control over pricing and promotional strategies, limiting their ability to operate independently [3][7] Group 3: Regulatory and Compliance Issues - The scale of Taobao's subsidy program, amounting to 500 billion yuan, raises concerns about compliance with anti-competitive regulations, especially given its size relative to previous penalties imposed on Alibaba [6][8] - Experts emphasize the need for regulatory frameworks to ensure fair competition and protect the rights of small merchants, advocating for a balanced approach to platform subsidies [6][8] - The long-term sustainability of the instant retail ecosystem depends on establishing fair practices that benefit all stakeholders, including consumers, merchants, and platforms [8]