Zhong Guo Jing Ying Bao·2025-09-22 07:18Core Insights - Taobao has officially launched its "in-store group buying" feature on September 20, aiming to compete directly with Meituan in the group buying market [1][3] - The initial rollout covers key commercial areas in Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Jiaxing, with a variety of food categories included [1] - The launch aligns with Alibaba's strategy to enhance user experience and support merchant growth, as indicated by the CEO of Alibaba's e-commerce division [1][7] Market Competition - The introduction of group buying by Taobao is seen as a direct challenge to Meituan, which has a more established presence in the market [3][6] - Users have reported that while Taobao offers competitive prices, Meituan often provides better discounts and a more comprehensive review system [4][5] - Meituan's group buying ecosystem is described as richer and more systematic compared to Taobao's initial offering [5][6] User Behavior and Market Dynamics - Users have developed a habit of comparing prices between Taobao and Meituan, with many finding Meituan's group buying options more appealing due to better discounts and more user reviews [4][6] - The concept of user "mindset" is highlighted as a significant barrier for Taobao, as many consumers have established preferences for Meituan for in-store purchases [6][8] Strategic Timing and Future Plans - The launch of group buying is strategically timed ahead of the upcoming Golden Week, aiming to enhance user engagement and merchant visibility [7][8] - Alibaba plans to integrate its group buying feature across multiple platforms, including Alipay and Gaode, to increase exposure for merchants [7][9] - The long-term goal includes onboarding a million offline brand stores to Taobao's platform, with expectations of generating significant transaction growth [9]