Core Insights - The Chinese instant retail market is undergoing a significant transformation in consumer demographics, with individuals aged 30 and above now constituting 55% of the market, a 5% increase from 2023 [2] - Middle-class consumers and refined mothers are the core consumer groups, contributing 22% and 21% to market share respectively, as they shift instant retail from an emergency procurement channel to a daily supply hub [2] - The urban Gen Z is reshaping market competition with unique consumption behaviors, viewing instant platforms as experimental spaces for lifestyle [3] Consumer Behavior Changes - In 2024, the logic behind choosing instant retail has fundamentally changed, with product variety now surpassing delivery speed as the primary decision factor, chosen by 68% of consumers [6] - The demand for a seamless experience across the entire purchasing process has become a new necessity, with 86% of consumers expecting smooth integration of search, payment, and after-sales services [6] - The combination purchasing rate of snacks and beverages has reached an industry peak, indicating a shift towards cross-category buying [6] Market Trends - The snack category has established itself as the core competitive category in instant retail, with 38% of purchases driven by impulse and 35% by the desire to try new products [6] - The household cleaning category is shifting from impulsive to planned consumption, with 78% of consumers indicating a need for bulk purchases [8] - The 3C digital products category shows a dual demand for emergency needs and exploration, with 42% of purchases driven by device failures [9] Consumer Scenarios - Different consumer scenarios reveal varying demands for instant retail platforms, with home replenishment and convenience purchases being predominant in residential settings [11] - Travel-related orders have surged, with hotel ordering rates increasing by 30% [11] - Social scenarios highlight the emotional connection value, with 38% of users ordering for gatherings and 25% for gifts [11] Search and Comparison Behavior - The search logic is undergoing systematic restructuring, with 61% of users starting their shopping journey with category keywords and 55% directly searching brand names [12] - There is a notable increase in scenario-based searches, reflecting consumers' reliance on instant retail platforms for comprehensive solutions [12] - Price comparison behavior shows significant differentiation, with 70% of users still comparing across platforms, but a decline in willingness to compare among higher-income urban consumers [13] Brand Strategies - Brands are increasingly focusing on high interaction marketing strategies, with new product launches and exclusive brand days being preferred by 35% of marketers [14] - A layered membership system is being established to enhance user retention, with basic members enjoying free delivery and paid members receiving exclusive tasting rights [14] - Brands are encouraged to deeply understand consumer life scenarios and create product combinations that address real-life pain points [17] Future Growth Strategies - Instant retail platforms must enhance their operational capabilities to meet the diverse demands of consumers and adapt to evolving consumption behaviors [18] - A dual-account system could be implemented to cater to both family-oriented and individual exploratory needs, enhancing user engagement [18] - The competition in instant retail is shifting from mere delivery speed to a deeper alignment with consumers' lifestyles, emphasizing the need for tailored solutions [18]