Core Insights - The 618 shopping festival this year was characterized by a prolonged promotional period, leading to consumer confusion regarding the best times to purchase [1][3] - Major e-commerce platforms like Taobao, JD.com, and Meituan engaged in intense competition, utilizing entertainment marketing strategies to capture user attention [3][28] - The marketing strategies included a mix of long and short video content, with a focus on celebrity endorsements and innovative advertising techniques [5][20] E-commerce Strategies - The 618 event spanned multiple significant dates, including Mother's Day and Children's Day, indicating a strategic approach to maximize consumer engagement [3][28] - Platforms employed a variety of entertainment marketing tactics, such as long video ads, sponsorship of popular shows, and short drama marketing to enhance visibility [6][19] - Taobao and Meituan focused on long video content, while JD.com emphasized customized events and live performances to attract viewers [8][11] Celebrity Marketing - Celebrity endorsements played a crucial role, with platforms leveraging popular figures to enhance user engagement and drive sales [20][22] - JD.com announced multiple celebrity endorsements, aligning different stars with specific product categories to target diverse consumer segments [23][25] - The use of puns and humorous marketing tactics, such as Meituan's "神券大膨" campaign, showcased a creative approach to connect with younger audiences [25][27] Trends and Observations - The marketing landscape for the 618 festival revealed a shift towards more refined and targeted strategies, focusing on both broad appeal and niche markets [31][28] - The integration of various marketing channels, including live events and social media, highlighted the importance of a cohesive strategy to reach consumers effectively [30][32] - Despite innovative marketing efforts, consumer confusion regarding promotional timelines and pricing strategies remained a challenge for e-commerce platforms [35][36]