Core Insights - JD.com and Meituan are heavily investing in the hard discount supermarket sector, marking a significant shift in their retail strategies [2][3] - The hard discount model focuses on sustainable low prices through large-scale procurement and supply chain optimization, contrasting with soft discount models that rely on clearance sales [3][11] Company Developments - JD.com opened its first discount supermarket in Zhuozhou, Hebei, on August 16, attracting nearly 60,000 customers on its first day [1] - Meituan is set to launch its hard discount supermarket, "Happy Monkey," in Hangzhou and Beijing, with plans to open 1,000 stores nationwide in the coming years [1][3] - Both companies are strategically positioning their stores to compete with Alibaba's Hema NB, which has a significant presence in the hard discount market [3][5] Market Trends - The discount retail market in China is projected to reach 2.3 trillion yuan by 2025, indicating a growing acceptance of hard discount formats among consumers, especially in county-level markets [8] - The competition is intensifying, with multiple discount stores potentially opening on the same street, reflecting a crowded market landscape [9] Supply Chain Dynamics - Successful hard discount retail requires robust supply chain capabilities and effective product selection, with JD.com having a more integrated supply chain compared to Meituan [11][13] - JD.com has been leveraging its existing supply chain infrastructure, including its own brands, to support its discount supermarket operations [12][13] - Meituan's approach involves localizing its supply chain, but it faces challenges in matching the scale of JD.com's operations [11][13]
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