Xin Hua She·2025-09-15 12:28Core Insights - The article discusses the impact of the "takeout war" on small and medium-sized merchants, highlighting a significant reduction in their actual income by over 15% due to price wars and subsidies [3]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The instant retail market has seen a surge in daily orders from 100 million at the beginning of the year to nearly 300 million by August, but most of this growth is considered a bubble driven by subsidy wars [2]. - The order structure indicates that most new orders are concentrated in beverages from major chain brands, leaving small merchants with reduced dine-in orders and no subsidies [2]. Group 2: Impact on Small Merchants - Small and medium-sized merchants are experiencing a decline in actual income exceeding 15%, which is expected to weaken their operational capabilities and business viability in the long term [3]. - The summer's "takeout war" has drained consumer enthusiasm, leading to a year-on-year decline in order volumes for many shops as of September [3]. - The disparity in order growth between small merchants and large chain stores is widening, exacerbated by aggressive subsidies that favor larger brands [3]. Group 3: Company Initiatives - In response to calls for stopping "involutionary" competition, the company launched a "dine-in boost" plan to encourage customers to eat in-store or pick up orders, aiming to retain customers and orders for local shops [4]. - The company initiated a support plan for small merchants, aiming to assist over 100,000 small dining establishments by the end of the year, with individual support reaching up to 50,000 yuan [4]. - The company is enhancing rider rights protection, including nationwide coverage for rider pension insurance and expanded coverage for work-related injuries, benefiting over a million riders [4].