Alibaba has rebranded its one-hour delivery service, Xiaoshida (小时达), as “Taobao Flash Buy (淘宝闪购, Taobao Shan Gou).” It introduces the service as a key feature on the Taobao app. The revamped platform launched in over 50 cities on April 30, 2025, with plans for nationwide expansion by May 6.

The move marks a strategic collaboration with Ele.me, Alibaba’s food delivery platform. Together, the two will offer over 10 billion yuan (US$1.38 billion) in subsidies, including free-order campaigns and deep discounts across a wide network of merchants. Ele.me’s local delivery infrastructure, including its fleet of riders, will serve as the logistical backbone of Flash Deals.