Group 1: Core Insights - The Ministry of Commerce and 12 other departments issued an opinion to promote the construction of a "15-minute convenient living circle," aiming to optimize layout, improve facilities, and enrich business formats [1] - Community group buying and e-commerce are facing stricter regulations to prevent unfair competition and capital disorderly expansion [4][5] - The community group buying sector has seen significant investment, with over 17.1 billion yuan raised in 2020 alone, indicating a competitive and rapidly evolving market [4] Group 2: Regulatory Actions - The State Administration for Market Regulation imposed a fine of 1.5 million yuan on the community group buying platform Tenhui Group for engaging in predatory pricing practices [2] - Other platforms like Orange Heart Selection and Meituan Preferred have also faced penalties, highlighting a trend of regulatory scrutiny across the industry [2][3] - The "Nine Prohibitions" regulation from last year continues to be emphasized, aiming to maintain fair competition and prevent monopolistic practices in community group buying [5] Group 3: Market Dynamics - Community group buying is characterized by low-price competition and market disruption, with platforms using subsidies to gain market share and alter consumer behavior [2][3] - The rapid expansion of community group buying platforms has led to a chaotic market environment, prompting the need for clear market entry rules and regulatory oversight [4][5] - Experts suggest that a minimum of two competing e-commerce platforms should be ensured in each region to prevent monopolistic dominance [6] Group 4: Infrastructure and Safety - The opinion emphasizes the need for improved infrastructure, including cold chain logistics, to ensure food safety and quality in community group buying [6] - There is a call for better planning and management of community e-commerce to support its growth while ensuring consumer protection [6] - The establishment of a unified mechanism to connect community services and commercial activities is deemed essential for enhancing the living standards of residents [10]

Core Viewpoint - The recent shutdown of Meituan Youxuan and the exit of major internet companies from the "community group buying" sector highlight the challenges and declining viability of this business model, particularly in the context of changing consumer behavior and regulatory pressures [1][7]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - Community group buying, characterized by local leaders organizing purchases for neighbors, saw rapid growth during the pandemic but has faced significant challenges, including high management difficulty for fresh produce and low loyalty among group leaders [1][4]. - Meituan Youxuan peaked with coverage in over 2,000 counties, primarily in lower-tier cities, but its core user base remains in higher-tier cities, leading to a mismatch in target demographics [2][4]. - The shift in consumer preference towards immediate delivery services, such as Meituan's instant retail, has further diminished the appeal of community group buying, which relies on next-day delivery and self-pickup [6][8]. Group 2: Financial Performance - Meituan Youxuan has accumulated losses exceeding 55 billion yuan from 2022 to 2024, with high operational costs and low gross margins making it difficult to compete with local rivals [6]. - The customer acquisition cost for Meituan Youxuan was approximately 150 yuan per person in 2020, significantly higher than the 5-7 yuan for its competitor, Duoduo Maicai, indicating inefficiencies in its business model [4][5]. Group 3: Strategic Shifts - Following the decision to shut down Meituan Youxuan, the company is redirecting its focus towards its supermarket business, Xiaoxiang Supermarket, and its restaurant supply chain platform, Meituan Kuilv [8]. - The transition involves reallocating resources and personnel from Meituan Youxuan to support the growth of Xiaoxiang Supermarket, which is set to open new offline community stores in cities with proven consumer purchasing power [8].

Group 1 - The sudden shutdown of Meituan's community group buying service has disrupted the lives of many stakeholders, including self-pickup point owners, delivery drivers, and warehouse employees [1][2] - Meituan's decision to halt operations is seen as a reflection of the unsustainable nature of the community group buying model, which has resulted in significant financial losses, exceeding hundreds of millions annually [3][11] - Competitors like Duoduo Maicai are poised to capitalize on Meituan's exit, indicating a highly competitive and opportunistic market environment [5][16] Group 2 - The community group buying sector faces inherent challenges, as consumers often find little price advantage compared to traditional supermarkets, which can offer fresher produce and immediate returns [7][9] - Meituan's official statements about focusing resources and exploring new models are perceived as a cover for its inability to sustain losses in less profitable regions [11][15] - The overall sentiment reflects a lack of long-term planning among companies in this sector, leading to high risks for ordinary investors and stakeholders [13][16]

Core Viewpoint - Meituan's community group buying business, Meituan Youxuan, has suspended operations in several regions due to a strategic transformation, indicating a shift in focus away from community group buying towards other business models [1][6][12]. Group 1: Business Suspension and Adjustment - Meituan confirmed the suspension of Meituan Youxuan's services in regions including Fujian, Hubei, Sichuan, Jiangsu, and Beijing, effective June 23 [1][6]. - The company aims to leverage its existing supply chain and logistics network to focus on advantageous areas and explore new retail models, such as "next-day delivery + self-pickup" [6][12]. - Internal communications revealed that the decision was made after discussions within the grocery retail management team, emphasizing a strategic upgrade and a commitment to not lay off any formal employees [6][12]. Group 2: Market Trends and Expert Opinions - Experts suggest that Meituan's adjustment reflects a broader trend of reducing reliance on intermediaries like "group leaders" and shifting towards a B2C e-commerce model [7][12]. - The community group buying sector has seen a decline in interest from major internet companies, with many platforms either shutting down or pivoting to other business models due to unsustainable losses [11][12]. - Meituan's financial reports indicate that losses in the community group buying segment have been increasing, with Q1 2021 losses reaching 8.04 billion yuan, a 489.9% year-on-year increase [11][12]. Group 3: Future Outlook - The company plans to improve its business model in 2024 to significantly reduce operational losses, focusing on increasing product markup rates and decreasing subsidies [12]. - The community group buying market is perceived to have limited growth potential, particularly as competition from live-streaming e-commerce has intensified [12]. - Instant retail is emerging as a more sustainable and profitable model, with companies like Meituan and JD.com investing heavily in this area [13].

Core Viewpoint - Meituan's preferential business has abruptly ceased operations in most regions, indicating a significant shift in strategy and a reevaluation of its community group buying model [2][17][18]. Business Operations - Meituan has closed warehouses nationwide, retaining operations only in a few cities such as Hangzhou, Foshan, Dongguan, and Huizhou [2][13]. - Suppliers have been instructed to retrieve their goods within 3 to 5 days, with compensation for transportation and perishable goods losses provided by Meituan [13][15]. Strategic Shift - The closure of Meituan's preferential business marks the end of its nationwide expansion efforts, as the company refocuses on optimizing its supply chain and resources in advantageous areas [17][18]. - Meituan has announced a pivot towards instant retail, aiming to enhance retail quality and efficiency [17][21]. Financial Performance - Meituan's new business segment has incurred substantial losses, with cumulative losses reaching 111.8 billion yuan from 2019 to 2024, with Meituan's preferential business being a major contributor [20]. - The company has shifted its strategic focus from expansion to loss reduction and efficiency improvement, indicating a decrease in subsidies for the preferential business [20]. Competitive Landscape - The community group buying model has faced challenges, including low profitability in fresh produce and competition from platforms like Pinduoduo, which has established a price advantage [19][20]. - Competitors such as Taobao and JD.com are rapidly expanding their instant retail and local services, increasing pressure on Meituan to adapt [21][23].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the impact of Meituan's decision to shut down its community group buying service, which has significant implications for individuals like Lao Shen, who relied on this business for income and social connection [2][28]. Group 1: Company Actions - Meituan announced the abrupt closure of its community group buying service, affecting many local operators across the country [3][28]. - The decision to terminate the service was not officially communicated, leading to confusion among operators [4][32]. - The closure reflects a broader trend in the industry where community group buying has become a financial burden for companies, prompting them to scale back or exit the market [27][28]. Group 2: Individual Impact - Lao Shen, a 70-year-old community group buying operator, suddenly lost his income source and identity as a group leader due to the service shutdown [3][29]. - The community group buying business provided Lao Shen with a sense of purpose and social interaction, especially after the loss of his wife [15][27]. - The closure of Meituan's service left many operators, including Lao Shen, feeling "unemployed" and uncertain about their future [29][32]. Group 3: Industry Context - The community group buying sector is characterized by intense competition and reliance on user traffic, making it a challenging environment for sustainability [27]. - The article suggests that the remaining players in the community group buying space, like Duoduo Maicai, may not be as appealing to older operators due to lower commission rates [34]. - The rapid changes in the industry, including sudden service closures, highlight the volatility and risks associated with community group buying as a business model [28][32].

Core Insights - Meituan's preferential service has suddenly suspended operations in certain regions, indicating a strategic shift rather than a complete shutdown [1][2][4] - The company aims to leverage its existing supply chain and logistics network to explore new retail models, particularly focusing on instant retail and community retail [4][5] Group 1: Service Suspension - Meituan's preferential service was unexpectedly halted on June 23, with a notice indicating a "partial business adjustment" [1] - The service suspension affected multiple regions, leading to confusion among users and suppliers [2] - Meituan representatives clarified that the service is not entirely closed but is part of a strategic transformation [2][4] Group 2: Strategic Shift - The company plans to expand its instant retail operations and enhance its small elephant supermarket initiative, aiming for a strategic upgrade of Meituan's preferential service [4] - Meituan will utilize its established supply chain and distribution network to explore a "next-day delivery + self-pickup" model, focusing on fresh food and grocery supply chains [4] - The shift towards instant retail is seen as a response to the competitive landscape, where companies like JD, Taobao, and others are also entering the instant retail space [4][5] Group 3: Industry Context - The community group buying sector has faced significant challenges, with many companies either shutting down or pivoting their business models [5] - Meituan's preferential service is adjusting its pricing strategy to improve profitability while reducing subsidies and focusing on core competencies [5] - Competitors like Duoduo Maicai are also adapting by introducing instant delivery options, indicating a broader trend in the industry towards more efficient delivery models [5]

实际上，美团优选转型或有先兆。6月23日上午，美团发布消息称，美团优选将进一步利用已建设的供应链及仓配网络，集中资源聚焦优势区域，继续探 索"次日达+自提"模式和社区零售新业态；同时，深耕生鲜食杂供应链，为美团用户提供更具质价比的商品。 6月23日，#美团反内卷优选转型##美团优选关闭#等话题冲上微博热搜。 消息称，多地网友在社交媒体上晒出美团优选页面弹出的业务调整通知消息，消息称"由于局部业务调整，您所在的区域自6月23日起将暂停接单"。根据 社交媒体上流传的通知，美团优选业务调整，近期会退出部分亏损地区，广东、福建、浙江等地保持正常运营。 此后，美团回应称，美团优选在转型升级，并进行局部业务调整，不存在部门解散的情况。 "即时零售比拼激烈，美团需要集中资源。"网经社电子商务研究中心生活服务电商分析师陈礼腾对证券时报·e公司记者表示，美团优选近期战略调整呈现 业务聚焦与效率提升并举的特点。通过退出非核心亏损区域，集中资源深耕广东、浙江等优势市场，其"次日达+自提"模式得以在供应链及仓配网络支撑 下实现更精准运营。这样既保留核心业务竞争力，又避免盲目扩张带来的持续失血，符合社区团购行业回归盈利本质的整体趋势。 ...

Core Viewpoint - The community group buying model is declining, while the instant retail market is emerging as a new battleground for competition [2][8]. Group 1: Community Group Buying Market - The leading player, Duoduo Maicai, has an annual transaction volume of 200 billion yuan, but its growth is nearing a ceiling and it remains at a break-even point [2][6]. - Meituan Youxuan, the second player, has an annual transaction volume slightly over 100 billion yuan and is still incurring losses of about 5 billion yuan in 2024, leading to a significant reduction in its operational areas [2][6]. - Meituan Youxuan will only retain operations in Guangdong and Zhejiang provinces, which are its most profitable regions, while closing down in other areas where it had previously expanded [6][8]. Group 2: Meituan's Strategic Adjustments - Following the adjustments, Meituan Youxuan's employees will be reassigned to other Meituan businesses, such as Xiaoxiang Supermarket and Meituan Kuailu, to support their expansion [3][4]. - Xiaoxiang Supermarket is actively exploring new business models, including reopening offline community stores and adopting discount strategies similar to competitors [3][4]. - Meituan's management views Xiaoxiang Supermarket as a more viable business model moving forward, shifting focus from Meituan Youxuan to Xiaoxiang Supermarket [11][12]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The exit of Meituan Youxuan from unprofitable regions provides Duoduo Maicai with an opportunity to increase its market share and profitability in those areas [8][9]. - Both companies have recognized the low cost-effectiveness of community group buying, leading to a brutal zero-sum game as they compete for limited market growth [8][9]. - The community group buying battle, which has lasted nearly five years and involved investments exceeding 100 billion yuan, is now considered concluded with Meituan's strategic retreat [8][12]. Group 4: Xiaoxiang Supermarket's Growth - Xiaoxiang Supermarket has been rapidly expanding, opening hundreds of front warehouses annually and aiming to enter more first- and second-tier cities [10][12]. - The supermarket has improved its operational efficiency and product offerings, surpassing competitors in various dimensions such as product variety, pricing, and delivery speed [11][12]. - The competitive landscape is intensifying, with major players like JD and Alibaba consolidating their resources, prompting Meituan to continue adjusting its strategies in the instant retail sector [12].

Core Viewpoint - Meituan's community group buying business, Meituan Youxuan, has been suspended and is undergoing a strategic transformation, reflecting a broader industry trend of declining interest in community group buying as companies shift focus to new opportunities [1][5][10]. Business Suspension and Adjustment - Meituan confirmed the suspension of Meituan Youxuan's operations, with affected regions including Fujian, Hubei, Sichuan, Jiangsu, and Beijing, and stated that the service will be paused due to business adjustments [1][5]. - The announcement was unexpected for users and "group leaders," with reports of service cessation without prior explanation [2][5]. - Internally, Meituan plans to focus on leveraging its supply chain and logistics network, exploring new retail models, and ensuring no layoffs for existing employees [5][6]. Industry Trends and Shifts - The adjustment in Meituan's strategy is seen as a move towards reducing intermediary roles and shifting to a B2C e-commerce model, with a potential decrease in self-pickup options [6][10]. - The community group buying sector has faced significant challenges, with many platforms, including Meituan, experiencing continuous losses and a shift in focus towards instant retail and overseas markets [7][11]. - The community group buying model has been under pressure due to increased competition and a shrinking user base, particularly among older demographics [10]. Financial Performance - Meituan's new business segment, which includes Meituan Youxuan, reported substantial losses, with Q1 2021 losses reaching 80.4 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 489.9% [9]. - Despite some efficiency improvements in 2023, the losses and loss rates remain significant, attributed to slower-than-expected growth and intense market competition [10]. Future Outlook - Meituan plans to adjust its strategy for community group buying in 2024, focusing on reducing operational losses and improving the business model, while shifting away from an emphasis on market share [10]. - The industry expert suggests that instant retail may prove to be a more sustainable and profitable model compared to community group buying, as evidenced by the growth of platforms like Meituan Shanguo [11].