Bei Jing Shang Bao·2025-12-25 16:02Core Insights - The article highlights the competitive landscape of instant retail among major e-commerce players, indicating that 2025 is expected to be a pivotal year for the sector as companies shift focus from price wars to enhancing overall business ecosystem capabilities [1][4]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - On December 25, 2023, 30 stores of Qixian Xiaochu in Beijing received over 16,000 orders, driven by promotional activities such as free chocolate for users [2]. - Major e-commerce platforms like JD.com, Meituan, and Taotian are intensifying their marketing efforts ahead of the New Year, with significant sales expected for gift items and festive products [2][3]. - The instant retail market in China is projected to reach 971.4 billion yuan in 2023, with expectations to surpass 1 trillion yuan in 2024 and potentially reach 2 trillion yuan by 2030, reflecting an annual growth rate of 12.6% during the 14th Five-Year Plan period [7]. Group 2: Competitive Strategies - JD.com, Meituan, and Taotian are engaged in fierce competition, with JD.com adopting strategies such as zero commission and social security for delivery personnel, resulting in a daily order volume exceeding 25 million within 90 days of launching its services [4][5]. - Meituan has shifted its focus to instant retail by closing non-core businesses and enhancing its delivery capabilities, with over 30,000 flash warehouses established across 2,800 counties and cities [5][7]. - Alibaba is integrating its resources to enhance its instant retail offerings, with a focus on improving user experience and increasing profit margins through innovative business models like Taobao Flash Purchase [7][8]. Group 3: Financial Performance - In Q3 2023, Alibaba's instant retail revenue grew by 60% year-on-year, while JD.com's new business segment, including delivery services, saw a quarter-on-quarter growth of 12.56% [7]. - Despite revenue growth, Alibaba's operating profit declined by 85% year-on-year, indicating the high costs associated with sustaining competitive advantages through subsidies [7]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The competition in the instant retail market is expected to evolve beyond mere subsidies and order volumes, focusing instead on ecosystem collaboration, operational precision, and supply chain efficiency [8].