时报观察丨别让补贴大战成为“新内卷”

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent intense competition in the food delivery market, driven by significant discount campaigns from major players like Taobao and JD, highlighting the shift towards instant retail as a critical battleground for user retention and future market positioning [1][2]. Group 1: Market Competition - The competition among giants is fueled by the need to capture the instant retail market, especially as traditional e-commerce faces growth limitations [1]. - The current trend shows a shift from food delivery to other categories like electronics, beauty, and apparel, indicating a broader expansion of instant retail [1]. Group 2: Impact of Price Wars - The article notes that the ongoing price wars have led to a homogenization of low-price subsidies, which may provide short-term market gains but are unsustainable in the long run [2]. - Consumers are increasingly driven by the platform offering the largest discounts, leading to a lack of genuine user loyalty [2]. - The expectation of low prices, such as "3.9 yuan for a coffee" or "2.9 yuan for a burger set," could undermine the long-term health of the industry [2]. Group 3: Industry Consequences - The article draws a parallel between the food delivery price wars and the recent safety issues in the charging battery industry, emphasizing that cost-cutting measures can lead to significant safety risks and loss of consumer trust [2]. - It argues that the consequences of internal competition and price wars ultimately affect society as a whole, highlighting the need for a shift from short-term profit chasing to building long-term value through product and service quality [2].