Sep 8, 2020|
JD Data: Back to School Shopping: More Masks, Streetwear and Cosmetics
by Ella Kidron
As further indication of an entrance into the new normal, consumers heading back to school here in China are stocking up on masks, with mask sales seeing an 18 time increase as compared with the same period last year. Many schools require students to take a nucleic acid test prior to the start of school. Transaction volume of JD Health’s nucleic acid test booking service has seen an obvious increase in the last week. Affected by the coronavirus outbreak, students are also opting for more personal care items, such as lunch boxes / food storage containers, electric toothbrushes and even electric lunch boxes increasing by 141%, 114% and 86% YOY respectively.
After a bout of home schooling or online lectures under the pandemic, students and parents alike are looking forward to the return to school in the new normal. JD Big Data from the middle of August shows that this anticipation is being reflected in recent purchases.
As students prepare to meet each other in person for the first time in half a year, consumer data reveals an increased attention on personal appearance related products. Cosmetics and skincare saw a 120% YOY transaction volume increase. Designer and streetwear apparel sales growth reached 183%. From a back-to-school fashion perspective – perhaps a symptom of half a year living in sweatpants – consumers are preferring convenience and comfort. Sales of casual pants were 2.9 times that of jeans, while sales of dresses were 3.8 times that of skirts. At the same time, students are getting a jumpstart on prepping for winter, with scarves, gloves and other winter gear seeing a year on year sales growth of over 50%.
Students living in dormitories are opting to spruce up their bedding with sales of fiber quilts, fiber pillows, mattresses, bedding sets and fragrant pillows ranking among the top five products in the category. Sales of latex pillows increased by more than 50% YOY.
Students are adopting a work-hard play hard attitude with actual school supplies as well as entertainment-related products seeing significant increases. The volume of stationery supplies purchased by students increased 79% year-on-year, among which pens, as well as gaming consoles and related equipment up more than 60% YOY. Mobile phone cases and protective equipment were up 73%. Looking at the purchases of books by colleague students, sales of English course books are 10 times higher than the previous year.
Beijing ranks first in terms of computer and digital products, stationery, mobile phones, makeup and skin care sales, all of which have increased 60% YOY. With significant improvements in the COVID-19 situation, students in Hubei province (capital is Wuhan), pay specific attention to health protection. Mask sales were up 40 times as compared with last year. Lunch containers and electric lunch boxes increased by 226% and nearly 120% YOY respectively. After eight months away, students and Wuhan’s Huazhong University of Science and Technology returned to blankets moldy from disuse. Since then, Zhangfeng Wu, a JD courier, has delievered an average of 300 new blankets a day to a single dormitory at the university.
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.ID Distributes PPEs to Hospitals in Indonesia
