Sep 9, 2023|
Four Ways JD.com is Bringing Supply Chain Excellence to Europe
by Vivian Yang
As JD.com continues to broaden its global footprint, we understand that a robust, well-integrated supply chain is instrumental for success. Guided by this understanding, we have zeroed in on forging robust partnerships in European markets. By leveraging our deep expertise in e-commerce, logistics, and technology, we aim to set new benchmarks for supply chain excellence in the region. This article explores four strategies we’re employing to achieve this goal.
- Expanding Our Warehouse Network Across Europe
Located in Milton Keynes, just outside London, our JD Property division operates a pivotal logistics distribution center. This facility serves as a linchpin in the supply chain for John Lewis, the UK’s largest department store. Strategically located near major transit routes, the center offers rapid connectivity to major cities including London, Birmingham, Northampton, Cambridge, and Oxford — putting us within a 4.5-hour drive of 85% of the UK population.
Beyond the UK, JD Property has successfully rolled out 11 similar warehousing projects across Europe. Globally, we operate nearly 90 bonded warehouses, overseas warehouses, and direct mail warehouses, with comprehensive transportation options spanning sea, air, and land routes. Within Europe, our logistics division, JD Logistics, is currently operating overseas warehouses in Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, France, the UK, and Spain, building a warehouse network that effectively covers a majority of the continent.
- Empowering Brands with Next-Gen Automated Warehouse Solutions
JD Logistics empowers local retailers in Europe by equipping them with cutting-edge logistics technology. Our state-of-the-art solutions have drastically improved operational efficiency for renowned European brands, including lingerie retailer Hunkemöller and Poland’s largest retail chain Biedronka.
For example, our Venlo distribution center in the Netherlands is a testament to logistics ingenuity, featuring advanced automation technologies like AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles), robotic arms, and sophisticated logistics management systems. By implementing these technologies, our partners have seen operational costs decrease and efficiency improve by more than 300% compared to traditional warehouses.
- Elevating Delivery Services Through Strategic Partnerships
JD Logistics recently partnered with Geopost, Europe’s largest international parcel delivery network based in France. This collaboration enables prompt local delivery from our overseas warehouses, with one-day delivery now possible in countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, France, the UK, Spain, and Poland.
Our end-to-end delivery solutions feature door-to-door service, attentive customer support, real-time digital tracking, and convenient global returns. These services not only minimize overhead for European businesses but also deliver packages one to two days faster on average than major international express companies.
- A Trusted and Reliable Gateway to the Chinese Market
JD Retail is committed to serving as the most reliable channel for European brands entering China. Hundreds of European brands have chosen JD.com as their first partner when entering the Chinese market.
Our pioneering “National Pavilion” , active since 2014, has garnered strong support from embassies and authoritative institutions from numerous countries, serving as an effective channel to introduce their countries’ products and cultures to Chinese consumers. To date, JD.com features over 100 national and regional pavilions, offering more than 5,100 unique products and attracting over 1.5 billion annual views from more than 10 million active users.
Over 20 European countries spanning key economic regions across the continent have established and leveraged this platform. They include the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Denmark, Finland, Spain, Portugal, Russia, Italy, Czech Republic, Serbia, Romania, and Georgia, among others.
A Glimpse into the Future: JD.com’s ‘35711’ Vision
As we celebrated our 20th anniversary this past June, JD.com CEO Sandy Xu officially announced our “35711” Vision. In line with this ambitious roadmap, JD.com is gearing up to extend our supply chain services globally, aiming to create infrastructure in economies contributing to 80% of the world’s economic output.
As we strive to achieve this vision, we remain committed to delivering unparalleled value to our European partners and customers through cutting-edge solutions and robust collaborations.
Nov 7, 2024|
CIIE 2024: JD.com to Expand Imports of Specialty Brands, Strengthen Healthcare Partnerships, and Enhance Logistics
At the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) on November 5, JD Super, the supermarket division of JD.com, announced a major initiative to broaden its selection of imported specialty. Over the next three years, JD Super plans to introduce over 1,000 new international brands to meet the increasing demand for high-quality, diverse imported goods.
Meeting the Growing Demand for Quality Imports
According to JD Worldwide’s “White Paper on 2024 China Cross-Border Consumption Trends,” more than 80% of Chinese consumers are interested in imported products, with many prioritizing authenticity, quality, and fast delivery. In response, JD has significantly expanded its range of international offerings. During the ongoing Singles’ Day Grand Promotion, sales of cross-border products have surged, with more than 600 brands experiencing a sales increase of over 100% compared to last year.
Strengthening High-Quality Food Partnerships
Demonstrating JD.com’s commitment to sourcing high-quality products, JD Super signed a new procurement agreement at CIIE with Huadong Foods and Teys, a major Australian beef brand under Cargill. Under this agreement, JD Super and Huadong Foods will procure $50 million of Teys beef throughout 2025. This partnership underscores JD’s strategy of collaborating with trusted suppliers to provide high-quality, affordable beef to Chinese consumers.
Delivering Authentic Global Goods Efficiently
JD Logistics has built a robust logistics network that spans bonded, direct mail, and overseas warehouses, facilitating fast deliveries of imported items across categories such as electronics, fashion, beauty, food, and baby products. In many major cities, delivery times have been reduced to under 48 hours.
For instance, JD Super’s partnership with Raub of Malaysia enables the import of Musang King durians, which are harvested at peak ripeness and air-shipped with cold chain logistics for delivery within 24 hours. Additionally, JD.com also secured an early supply of Chilean cherries, available since October, which can be delivered in as little as 30 minutes in many areas through JD NOW, its on-demand retail service.
JD.com’s “JD National Pavilions” program, which features over 150 country-themed flagship stores from more than 70 countries and regions, continues to be a cornerstone of its import strategy. Supported by embassies and reputable organizations, this initiative offers Chinese consumers access to premium products and cultural experiences from around the world. In April, JD launched the JD National Pavilion of Mali, introducing popular items like shea butter and garnering over 40,000 followers.
Expanding Healthcare and Logistics Partnerships
JD Health is also making strides at CIIE by strengthening partnerships with leading global healthcare companies, including Merck, Bayer, and Roche. As “China’s premier online health access point,” JD Health is committed to integrating digital and physical healthcare resources to improve access and convenience for patients.
Key collaborations include initiatives with Haleon to promote brain health and anti-aging for the “silver economy,” with MSD China on a digital diabetes management model, and with Teva Pharmaceuticals to provide patient education for conditions such as tardive dyskinesia (TD) and Huntington’s disease (HD).
On the logistics front, JD Logistics announced plans to double its overseas warehouse space by 2025 and expand its network of bonded and direct mail warehouses. JD Express now serves over 60 countries, enhancing cross-border delivery efficiency and supporting both brands and consumers.
Through these efforts, JD.com reaffirms its commitment to sourcing and delivering authentic, high-quality imported products to Chinese consumers, supported by an advanced supply chain that ensures a superior shopping experience.
(vivian.yang@jd.com)
JD.com Launches Second Annual Agricultural Specialty Shopping Festival to Promote High-Quality Agricultural Products
