Dingdong(US:DDL) 3 6 Ke·2026-01-20 09:35Core Insights - The future of instant retail in China is expected to rely heavily on consumption from lower-tier cities, with the market projected to exceed 1 trillion yuan by 2026 [1] - The growth rate of users and transaction volume in lower-tier cities has already surpassed that of higher-tier cities, making these markets crucial for achieving performance growth in the instant retail sector [1][5] Group 1: Market Potential - The retail sales in county and rural areas accounted for 38.7% of the total social retail sales in the first 11 months of 2025, indicating a robust growth in small-town consumption [4] - Major brands in hospitality and retail are accelerating their entry into county markets to capture this emerging consumer base [4] - The demand for high-quality products in lower-tier cities is significant, driven by young people returning from larger cities [7] Group 2: Company Strategies - Dingdong Maicai has opened a new warehouse in Yancheng, Jiangsu, as part of its strategy to deepen its presence in the Jiangsu market, following its entry into Taizhou [1][8] - The company has established over 130 new warehouses in small cities over the past two years, leveraging its extensive supply chain network developed in the Jiangsu region [8][10] - Dingdong Maicai's operational efficiency is highlighted by a stock turnover period of 2.1 days and a product loss rate of 1.5%, significantly better than the industry average [15] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The instant retail sector is becoming a battleground for major internet companies, with a shift in consumer behavior and spending patterns in lower-tier cities [5][12] - Dingdong Maicai's strategy focuses on cautious expansion and product differentiation, aiming to maintain a competitive edge amid price wars among larger players [12][13] - The company's "4G strategy" emphasizes quality products, which has led to a 37.2% increase in SKUs meeting quality standards, contributing to 44.7% of overall GMV [12][13]