Recently, the city of Hefei has witnessed an innovative partnership between the Hefei Municipal Bureau of Commerce and Meituan Shangu, which launched a series of city tours known as the "Instant Retail Open Class." This initiative introduced the "Digital Talent Navigation Program for Instant Retail," aiming to enhance the development of the instant retail industry while assisting traditional retail businesses in their digital transformation efforts.

Instant retail represents a burgeoning model where consumers place orders through online platforms and local physical retailers deliver goods right to their doorsteps, typically within a time frame of just half an hour to one hourThis highly efficient system, characterized by the convenience of "ordering online and receiving immediately," has significantly transformed the everyday shopping experience for individuals, heralding a new era for major retail players engaged in digital upgrades.

However, from the perspectives of both instant retail companies and merchants, while the overarching goal of digital transformation is clear, tangible implementation presents a myriad of challenges

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For instance, some businesses still lack a concrete digital strategy and pathway; others have yet to invest sufficiently in the necessary technology, equipment, and systems to support this transformation financiallyFurthermore, a noticeable shortage of digital operations talent often hampers companies, as traditional organizational structures can be ill-suited for digital practices.

This scenario highlights that digital transformation transcends merely selling online; it tests the operational competence of businesses comprehensivelyQuestions arise, such as how can traditional logistics systems enhance delivery speed? What strategies can ensure precise inventory management to avoid surpluses or shortages? And how can platforms retain customers in an environment where delivery speeds are increasingly comparable? Addressing these dilemmas requires a multifaceted upgrade across technological, systemic, and context-specific dimensions, thereby boosting the efficiency and quality of supply chains

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Pioneering firms like Meituan and JD.com have engaged in extensive explorations, resulting in relatively mature operational methodsLocal commerce departments collaborate with industry leaders to empower instant retail businesses, alleviating the costs associated with their digital transitions—a commendable effort indeed.

To further empower retail companies in their digital transformation, strategies must be accurately targetedDifferent subsectors of instant retail exhibit varying foundational capabilities and requirements; for example, larger supermarkets contend with distinct challenges compared to small storefrontsLeveraging the advantages of leading enterprises' platforms, a comprehensive service model can be developed, enhancing alignment between supply and demand and thereby unlocking the digital transformation potential of small to medium businesses.