Jan 7, 2021|
In Customers’ Eyes: JD’s Differentiated Duty Free Shopping Experience
by Ella Kidron
JD Worldwide, the international products platform under JD.com, opened a duty free store in Hainan province’s popular travel destination Sanya on Dec. 30, 2020. The store is located on the second floor of the central Sanya Hailv Duty Free City. Some customers eagerly flocked to the opening, while others narrowly missed it in an effort to get home to their loved ones to celebrate the New Year, but all were curious. They wanted to understand what JD brings to the duty free experience that is unique. In their reflection two themes come to light: product differentiation and the JD brand.
“JD’s duty free shop is quite different than others I’ve been to in the past,” said Ms. He. She is a veteran duty free shopper who typically tends towards beauty products, fashion, clothes and bags. “Since it is focused on computer and digital products and small appliances, it stands out in the duty free mall.” JD’s store includes over 30 hot-selling products from brands like De’Longhi. Ms. He continued: “It’s clean and clearly organized by section. Prices are attractive and selection is also expansive.” She offhandedly mentioned that due to people’s curiosity about the store, the lines were quite long on day one.
“When I first heard JD was doing duty free, I wanted to see how prices compared with the online platform,” she said. Products in the store can be found at a discount, on top of the attractive JD platform price. For Ms. He, there’s an added bonus of being in-store. “The person-to-person connection is really important when selecting products.” She appreciates the service element of shopping in brick-and-mortar duty free shops. It leaves her with more satisfaction at the end of shopping.
Ms. Fan is no stranger to duty free shopping, both at home in China and while abroad for business or leisure. She usually buys daily necessities, such as skincare products. Occasionally, she will also splurge on something like a nice bag. The experience of going into the store and getting to touch and feel the products is part of what draws her into the store. She left Hainan on the 30th, narrowly missing the opening of the JD store. “I’d like to go check it out and see what deals there are,” she said. She’s a regular JD customer. In the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, she took an interest in cooking and bought cooking equipment on JD.
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)
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