晚点LatePost·2025-09-19 09:31Core Viewpoint - Alibaba is launching a new group buying service through its platforms Taobao, Alipay, and Gaode, focusing initially on the restaurant sector to compete with Meituan and Dazhong Dianping during the peak shopping season [4][10]. Group 1: Launch Details - The group buying service will start in Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Jiaxing on September 20, coinciding with the peak order day for Taobao's instant delivery service [4][8]. - The first batch of group buying categories includes beverages, Chinese cuisine, pastries, fast food, and local snacks, featuring brands like Nayuki Tea and Zunbao Pizza [5][10]. Group 2: Strategic Importance - The initiative is part of Alibaba's strategy to enhance its consumer platform by integrating in-store traffic, which is essential for increasing merchant engagement [8][10]. - The team managing the group buying business is primarily from Ele.me, with hundreds of employees involved in the project [8][9]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The new group buying service is distinct from the previous operations of Koubei, which has been sidelined in favor of a more unified approach to local services [10][11]. - Competitors like Douyin have made significant inroads into the local services market, posing a threat to Meituan and prompting Alibaba to solidify its position [10][11]. Group 4: Operational Insights - Ele.me has been ramping up its sales force, planning to recruit over 1,000 sales personnel and additional logistics managers to support the new service [8][9]. - The operational model for the group buying service will likely mirror existing practices, focusing on promotions and in-store redemption [9][10]. Group 5: Market Sentiment - There is renewed confidence among Alibaba's brand merchants regarding the potential for growth in the instant retail sector, with some planning to participate in the upcoming Double Eleven shopping festival [12].