Xin Jing Bao·2026-01-22 03:12Core Insights - The 2026 "New Year Goods Festival" e-commerce competition has intensified, with AI technology becoming a core variable, shifting the industry focus from scale expansion to efficiency improvement [1] - Major e-commerce platforms like Taobao, JD.com, and Douyin are leveraging AI to enhance their operations, while small and medium-sized businesses are utilizing lightweight tools to navigate the competitive landscape [1][2] - The integration of policy support and technological advancements is creating a unique environment for this year's festival, with the Ministry of Commerce leading the "Buy in China" initiative and additional financial incentives boosting consumer spending [1][7] Group 1: AI Integration in E-commerce - Major platforms are using AI to enhance supply chain efficiency and customer experience, with JD.com launching the "AI New Year Map" to predict regional demand variations [3] - AI tools are helping merchants identify commercial hotspots and match products with target users, significantly improving operational conversion rates [2][5] - The application of AI in e-commerce is shifting from traditional recommendation systems to generative models, enhancing user interaction and experience [7][8] Group 2: Consumer Experience and Market Trends - Consumer behavior is evolving with AI-driven instant retail, allowing for quick delivery and personalized recommendations, as evidenced by the sales of imported cherries and strawberries [4][5] - The AI-driven approach is leading to a significant increase in sales for certain product categories, with food sales expected to see double-digit growth this year [2][4] - The trend of "instant gratification" in consumer purchasing is becoming more pronounced, with AI facilitating a more seamless shopping experience [4][5] Group 3: Challenges for Small and Medium-sized Businesses - While AI presents opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency, small and medium-sized businesses face challenges in effectively utilizing these tools, including high understanding costs and the need for time to adapt [8] - Some small merchants have experienced difficulties due to over-reliance on AI for product selection, highlighting the need for a balance between AI insights and human judgment [3][8] - The current landscape indicates that while larger businesses benefit significantly from AI, smaller players must navigate various obstacles to fully leverage these technologies [8]