Core Viewpoint - The competition in the instant retail sector is intensifying, with major players like Meituan, Alibaba, and JD.com collectively budgeting over 100 billion yuan, yet the industry has not yet established a clear hierarchy [1][5]. Group 1: Instant Retail Competition - In 2025, a significant meeting between Liu Qiangdong and Wang Xing marked the entry of major companies into the instant retail market, with Alibaba soon following suit [5]. - The instant retail battle has undergone two rounds of regulatory discussions but continues to escalate, impacting shopping centers significantly [5][6]. Group 2: Impact on Shopping Centers - A leading shopping center operator noted a clear impact from the instant retail competition, particularly in the food and beverage sector, which traditionally drives foot traffic [6][7]. - The large subsidies in instant retail primarily benefit food and beverage categories, reducing the need for consumers to dine in shopping centers during hot summer months [7]. Group 3: Changes in Shopping Center Dynamics - Shopping centers have responded to the challenges posed by e-commerce by increasing the area dedicated to dining and experiential offerings, while reducing retail space to about 30% [8]. - The brand turnover rate in mainstream shopping centers is approximately 30%, indicating that brands are frequently replaced every three years [8]. Group 4: Emerging Trends - Two notable trends in shopping centers are that young consumers primarily visit the basement level (B1) and that the first floor is dominated by experiential brands such as trendy toys, electric vehicles, and tea beverage brands [9][10]. - The challenge for shopping centers is to find new brands and business models that can effectively utilize large dining spaces and provide strong experiential value [11].

Group 1 - The core argument of the article revolves around the ongoing impact of e-commerce on traditional retail, highlighting that while e-commerce has not yet surpassed 50% of the retail market share, it has significantly influenced the strategies of physical retailers [2][3]. - The 2025 competition in the instant retail sector, initiated by Liu Qiangdong and Wang Xing, is expected to have a substantial impact on shopping centers, with major players investing over 100 billion yuan without establishing a clear market position [3][4]. - Shopping centers are responding to the challenges posed by instant retail by increasing their dining space, as the dining sector is crucial for attracting foot traffic, which has been affected by the rise of online food delivery services [3][4]. Group 2 - The shift in shopping center strategies post-2012 has led to a significant reduction in retail space, with dining and experiential areas taking precedence, reflecting the changing consumer preferences [4][5]. - Two notable trends in shopping centers are emerging: young consumers primarily visit the basement level for dining and small retail, while the ground floor is dominated by experience-driven brands such as trendy toys and new energy vehicles [5][6]. - The industry is witnessing a rise in interest-based experiences, such as outdoor activities and niche cultural products, which are becoming popular in shopping centers, indicating a shift towards experiential consumption [5][6].