Zheng Quan Ri Bao Zhi Sheng·2025-09-03 16:40Core Viewpoint - Major e-commerce platforms are increasingly investing in offline hard discount supermarket businesses as a new growth point for market expansion [1][4] Group 1: Company Strategies - JD.com has opened five discount supermarkets in Jiangsu and Hebei, focusing on direct sourcing and private label products, with an average store size exceeding 5,000 square meters and over 5,000 product offerings [2][3] - Meituan has launched its self-operated hard discount brand "Happy Monkey," with its first store in Hangzhou, targeting community daily consumption and utilizing a dynamic pricing model [2][3] - Alibaba's Hema has rebranded its hard discount brand to "Super Box Calculation NB," aiming to enhance its cost-performance strategy and has nearly 300 stores [2][3] Group 2: Market Trends - According to Nielsen IQ, global discount retail channels are expected to grow by 8.2% in 2024, with an incremental sales increase of $6.11 billion, making it the third fastest-growing segment in retail [1] - The hard discount model is characterized by sustainable low-price supply through optimized supply chains and reduced intermediaries, appealing to price-sensitive consumers [1][3] Group 3: Industry Insights - Experts suggest that the hard discount model, leveraging private labels, can create differentiated advantages in a saturated market, appealing to a broader consumer base [3] - The rise of hard discount stores is expected to drive a transformation in traditional retail, as they can compete on price due to lower operational costs [3][4] - The competition among e-commerce giants in the hard discount space is not just about price but also revolves around supply chain efficiency, digital capabilities, and refined operations [4]