Management & Methods
A Disrupted Microcosm in Third- and Fourth-Tier Cities: The Terrifying Alibaba New Retail
Returning to Kenli District (a fourth-tier city) in Dongying, Shandong Province from Shanghai (a first-tier city) for the Dragon Boat Festival, the author finds that life remains unchanged despite years of internet innovation. His parents, who run a small convenience store, have started ordering supplies through Alibaba's Retail Link app, which bypasses traditional wholesalers and distributors, illustrating how Alibaba's new retail model is disrupting traditional channels and forcing participants to either join or be eliminated.
王康