商业洞察·2025-05-02 09:30Core Viewpoint - The competition between JD and Meituan in the instant retail sector is intensifying, with Alibaba's entry through Taobao Flash Purchase and Ele.me marking a significant escalation in the battle for market share in this space [2][8]. Group 1: Market Trends - The retail industry is undergoing a major transformation, shifting from traditional e-commerce to instant retail, driven by consumer demand for faster delivery and convenience [3][10]. - Younger consumers increasingly prefer instant consumption, with over 50% of post-95 consumers wanting same-day or even half-day delivery, and 7% desiring delivery within two hours [10][11]. - The Ministry of Commerce predicts that the instant retail market will exceed 1 trillion yuan by 2025 and 2 trillion yuan by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of approximately 15% over the next five years [12]. Group 2: Alibaba's Strategic Moves - On April 30, 2023, Taobao's instant retail service "Hour Delivery" was upgraded to "Taobao Flash Purchase," launching in 50 cities and offering significant consumer subsidies [6][7]. - Ele.me's merchant resources are fully integrated with Taobao Flash Purchase, allowing for a seamless experience that combines e-commerce pricing with rapid delivery [7][19]. - Alibaba's strategy emphasizes a user-first approach, leveraging Ele.me's existing infrastructure and delivery capabilities to enhance the consumer experience [19][27]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The competition is characterized by different strategies: JD focuses on enhancing supply-side capabilities, while Taobao Flash Purchase targets demand-side subsidies to attract consumers [8][19]. - The collaboration between Taobao and Ele.me is seen as a strategic advantage, allowing for rapid customer acquisition and order growth through shared resources [19][20]. - The battle for instant retail supremacy is expected to escalate further, with Alibaba's late but well-prepared entry into the market [21].