3 6 Ke·2025-09-20 09:33Core Insights - Taobao Flash Sale has officially launched its in-store group buying business as of September 20, covering key commercial areas in Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Jiaxing, with a focus on various dining categories [1] - The initiative is part of Alibaba's broader strategy to enhance its in-store services, following the launch of the Gaode Street Ranking, which aims to integrate online and offline experiences [1][4] Group 1: Business Development - The in-store group buying service is expected to leverage a potential daily active user (DAU) base of 1 billion across multiple platforms, including Taobao Flash Sale, Alipay, and Gaode [2] - The initial group buying offerings are primarily focused on the food and beverage sector, featuring well-known national chains and local favorites, with competitive pricing strategies [3][4] Group 2: User Engagement and Merchant Support - The group buying initiative is supported by a collaboration with Ele.me, which is responsible for product supply and operations, ensuring a robust merchant base [3] - Merchants participating in the program are incentivized with platform subsidies to enhance the attractiveness of their group buying offers, thereby driving consumer interest [3][6] Group 3: Market Strategy and Future Outlook - The launch of the in-store group buying service aligns with Alibaba's strategy to meet user demands for diverse services, particularly in urban areas [4] - The Gaode Street Ranking has already shown significant engagement, achieving 40 million DAU on its first day and increasing traffic to local businesses by 187% [4]