Apr 21, 2020| Executive Spotlights

JD Logistics CEO on Chinese National TV: Behind JD’s Continuous Deliveries during COVID-19

Ling Cao

by Ling Cao

During the epidemic, “people have come to realize the value of logistics is not just in delivering packages, but in providing an essential infrastructure to guarantee people’s livelihoods,” said Zhenhui Wang, CEO of JD Logistics during a live broadcast program hosted by Chinese National TV on April 20^th.

Wang said, “Logistics couldn’t stop during the epidemic, even for a minute. We are delivering parcels, but more importantly, hope and warmth.”

In reflecting on the hard work of his team to consistently deliver daily necessities to customers and medical supplies to groups in need, as well as to help businesses to return to work, Wang said, “This Spring Festival is the most tense, busiest and most stressful Spring Festival I have ever experienced.”

As far as why JD is able to maintain efficiency and fast delivery speed during the tough time, Wang emphasized the importance of JD’s over a decade’s investment in building its own supply chain infrastructure and technology, which can respond flexibly to both daily needs and emergencies.

On one hand, Wang emphasized JD places the products close to customers, which can improve fulfillment efficiency. In one case, JD delivered 10,000 N95 masks to hospitals in Wuhan on January 28^th in just four hours.

“On the other hand, JD will continuously invest in technology, and has leveraged its smart warehouses around the country, and applied innovative technologies such as 5G in its warehouses,” added Wang.

JD’s robots also quickly responded to the anti-virus fight, reinforcing its commitment to a technology-driven business.

(ling.cao@jd.com)

Apr 1, 2024| Executive Spotlights, JD Retail

JD Chief Economist: Tech-Driven Supply Chain Revolutionizes Gen-Z Consumer Engagement in China

Vivian Yang

At the inaugural FORTUNE Innovation Forum in Hong Kong on March 28th, Dr. Jianguang Shen, chief economist of JD.com, highlighted the transformative impact of tech-driven supply chain solutions in meeting the dynamic needs of Gen-Z consumers in China.

“Gen-Z consumers are very discerning and pragmatic,” said Dr. Shen. “They don’t care if the brand is local or global.” Dr. Shen began by discussing the increasing sophistication of younger Chinese consumers. “The rising popularity of local products can be attributed to China’s supply-side reform, which has enabled brands to provide lower-cost products with higher quality,” he said. Shen also emphasized the strategic advantage that brands can achieve by leveraging advanced digital supply chains, which offer deep insights into consumer behavior, thereby tapping into substantial market opportunities.

Joining Dr. Shen were industry leaders including Angela Wei Dong, Global Vice President China at Nike; Pontus Erntell, President and Chief Sustainability Officer at IKEA China; and Doreen Wang, CEO of Kantar China and Global Head of BrandZ. Together, they shed light on the shifting preferences of China’s youth towards quality, sustainability, and enhanced social engagement in their retail experiences, especially amid economic headwinds, prompting brands to adapt swiftly.

Drawing examples from JD.com’s platform, Dr. Shen discussed the rising popularity of eco-friendly mini refrigerators among Gen-Z consumers. These products, aligning with Gen Z’s penchant for tech-savvy and environmentally conscious offerings, underscore the necessity for brands to evolve and align with consumer preferences.

Furthermore, Dr. Shen discussed the positive impact of a new government policy encouraging trade-in of consumer goods, which is expected to boost consumption. Leveraging JD.com’s robust supply chain capabilities, customers not only can easily trade in old appliances for more modern and eco-friendly goods but also benefit from a suite of JD’s attentive services such as doorstep pickup, installation, and recycling.

The conversation also touched upon the strategic collaborations under the Consumer-to-Manufacturer (C2M) model between JD.com and numerous brands, aiming to streamline the journey from product ideation to distribution. This collaboration has welcomed over 4,000 brands to JD.com’s C2M platform, drastically reducing product research and market introduction times by 80% and 70%, respectively, thereby fostering a mutually beneficial ecosystem for brands, retailers, and consumers.

Dr. Shen concluded by emphasizing JD.com’s commitment to technological innovation, with its deployment of AI-driven chatbot customer service, highly automated warehouses, autonomous delivery vehicles, and integrated retail solutions that bridge both online and offline domains. These innovations are designed to meet the dynamic preferences of consumers, enhancing the overall shopping experience and setting a new standard in consumer engagement.

(vivian.yang@jd.com)

Mar 8, 2024| Executive Spotlights, JD Logistics, JD Property, JD Retail

JD.com’s Strategic Advancements in International Business: A Focus on Supply Chain and User Experience

Vivian Yang

During JD.com’s earnings call for Q4 and FY2023 on March 6th, Sandy Xu, CEO of JD.com and JD Retail, provided an update on the company’s strategy for international expansion. Xu emphasized the importance of a robust supply chain as the cornerstone of JD.com’s growth beyond domestic borders.

Xu noted that JD.com is always on the lookout for overseas opportunities and is taking measured steps to advance this process. Given JD’s business model and inherent strengths, the company’s approach to global expansion is uniquely tailored.

“JD’s business model is built on supply chain capabilities and centered around user experience. Based on the development of supply chain infrastructure overseas, JD’s business will continue to expand in areas with our unique competitive strengths in global markets,” Xu said. She also provided an overview of JD.com’s current international businesses:

JD Worldwide, the export and import facet of JD Retail, incorporates JD Global Sales, an emerging outbound e-commerce platform dedicated to helping Chinese companies and brands expand their overseas market. JD’s cross-border inbound business, JD Global Buy, has established three direct procurement centers worldwide to enhance cross-border supply chain efficiency. This allows consumers in China to access a wider range of imported products at lower costs while ensuring product safety.
JD Logistics has developed a robust global supply chain, beginning with warehousing and expanding to encompass comprehensive supply chain services. Currently overseeing nearly 90 bonded, overseas, and direct mail warehouses across almost 900,000 square meters, JD Logistics provides extensive support to a broad spectrum of clients, including international enterprises and Chinese brands expanding overseas.
JD Property is expanding its business in Southeast Asia and Europe, with a focus on markets in Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. Its clientele spans international logistics, FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) giants, as well as emerging Chinese companies venturing abroad.
Ochama is an omni-channel retail platform incubated by JD.com in Europe, which utilizes advanced automated logistics technologies and global supply chain capabilities to provide a superior shopping experience for consumers across 24 European countries.

With a focus on supply chain and enhancing the user experience, JD.com will continue to explore opportunities to expand its global footprint. Learn more about JD.com’s businesses with global reach here.

(vivian.yang@jd.com)