As autumn rolls in, everyone’s buzzing about China’s biggest shopping bash—Double Eleven. But this year, it’s not just a November thing. Major e-commerce giants have kicked off the sales spree way earlier, trying to keep the hype alive all through the year. It seems the usual rush for November deals isn’t stirring up the crowd like before. That’s pushing stores to think beyond just slashing prices to win buyers.
Taobao and Tmall “Break Down Walls” with JD
It’s not every day you see rivals like Taobao, Tmall, and JD joining hands, but here we are. This year, they’ve decided to share their toys and play nice. On October 16, JD Logistics shook hands with Taobao Group. Now, JD’s not just delivering; they’re helping Taobao and Tmall merchants with everything from storage to shipping. What’s more, Cainiao, Alibaba’s delivery arm, is also hopping on this ride with JD’s third-party merchants. This could shake things up, especially since JD Logistics’ revenue from outside customers has jumped to RMB 59.9 billion.
Dependence on Top Streamers Remains Unchanged
Despite the drama, top streamers are still e-commerce gold, driving sales through the roof. From October 8 to 17, over 300 live streams hit the RMB 10 million mark. With folks tuning in over 200 billion times, it’s clear that live streaming is more than just a fad—it’s a powerhouse.
AI Reshapes the E-commerce Shopping Experience
AI is changing the game, making tedious tasks a breeze and saving bucks along the way. Alibaba’s sprinkling AI magic across Taobao and Tmall, boosting everything from customer service to logistics. Even JD’s rolling out AI tools that slash costs and ramp up sales. For instance, their latest “Double 11” campaign lets brand merchants try out AI tools for free. It’s not just about making things easier; it’s about making them better.
What’s cool is that younger folks are really into AI. A recent Bain survey showed that Gen Z is all over generative AI tools, using them more than twice as much as the average shopper. They’re digging features like visual search, smart bots, and voice shopping, which are totally redefining the shopping experience.
With AI in the mix and old rivals teaming up, this year’s Double Eleven is more than just a shopping spree—it’s a glimpse into the future of e-commerce. As excitement for mega sales cools down, the focus is shifting. It’s less about grabbing a quick deal and more about getting great service and quality. For brands, it’s a wake-up call to build lasting connections and think long-term. With AI as a key player, it’s clear that the future of shopping is smarter and more strategic.
