Thermal underwear (or “Long Johns,” as they are sometimes called) have long been a contentious clothing item among China’s younger generation. Sometimes “forced” to wear them in childhood to protect against frigid temperatures, many young adults have refused to don the undergarments due to their focus on functionality over style.
But that may be changing. JD Data reports that on October 21st, the first day of this year’s Singles Day promotion period, 5 million people searched the Chinese term for “long underwear”, ranking first in searches in the apparel and underwear category— and 55% of those who purchased the thermal underwear were between 26 and 35 years old, making this demographic the absolute majority.
Rising health awareness is likely behind the surge in thermal underwear sales, according to analysts. Even as COVID-19 has been effectively contained within China, fears of the virus or other infectious diseases prevalent in winter have led to increased vigilance against the onset of cold weather.
In a heartwarming role reversal, the younger generation may now be the ones encouraging their elderly family members to wear thermal underwear to protect their health. According to JD data, 28% of customers who searched for “thermal underwear for the elderly” were between 26 and 35 years old.
Of course, old habits are hard to break: JD’s customer service center reported a surge in calls from older customers calling into the hotline to inquire about new styles of thermal underwear for the younger generation, and practical concerns regarding delivery to younger family members. Additionally, sales for older customers remain robust, with 27% of sales coming from people aged between 46 and 60.
Those older callers can rest assured: JD is stocking more than 80 new brands for thermal underwear this year, with more than 50,000 new styles on sale. Among the younger generation, new styles of thermal underwear include those for body-shaping, self-heating and more. Within older age groups and particularly in colder regions, popular categories include wool and camel hair for extra warmth.
Key brands in the thermal underwear category include Threegun, Hongdou, Hengyuanxiang and Septwolves, all of which are increasing promotion efforts and offering more styles in hopes of catering to the younger generation.
JD has also boosted marketing efforts for the item, adjusting resources and inventory in anticipation of higher sales as temperatures drop.
JINGDONG Cross-Border (JD Cross-Border), the import e-commerce platform of JD.com, welcomed South Korean e-commerce leader 11Street, an affiliate of SK Group, as it officially launched its flagship store on JD.com. This partnership marks a major milestone for JD.com’s “10 Billion Giga-Growth Plan,” aiming to bring premium Korean goods directly to Chinese shoppers while helping Korean brands enter the Chinese market more effectively.
Starting June 11, customers can easily find the store by searching “11Street Overseas Official Flagship Store” on the JD.com app. The grand opening will feature store-wide discounts, free shipping on orders over 159 RMB (approximately USD $23), and exclusive member benefits. The store will offer a wide array of premium products, ranging from popular K-Beauty brands and health supplements from top curators like Olive Young to home goods and trending lifestyle products popularized by Korean pop culture.
The partnership, which began in February, leverages JD.com’s advanced supply chain and logistics network to provide a one-stop solution for Korean merchants. JD.com provides comprehensive support from business registration and compliance to marketing and shipping, effectively removing traditional hurdles for international brands.
“Cross-border trade between China and South Korea has evolved into a total ecosystem partnership,” said a representative from JD Cross-Border. “Our approach combines direct procurement and a robust marketplace with advanced logistics advantages, offering emerging and premium Korean products a trustworthy gateway to the Chinese market.”
11Street noted, “Partnering with JD Cross-Border allows us to bridge the gap between Korean retailers and Chinese consumers, ensuring that our brands can grow efficiently while maintaining the high quality and service our customers expect.”
By introducing top-tier Korean cosmetics, food, and baby products, the arrival of 11Street reinforces JD.com’s position as the go-to destination for high-quality global goods. This initiative further advances JD.com’s “10 Billion Giga-Growth Plan” launched in 2025, which aims to introduce 1,000 new international brands to China over three years and reach an absolute sales target of RMB 10 billion (USD $1.4 billion), significantly expanding the variety of imported goods accessible to Chinese families.
Hong Kong, June 5, 2026– JD.com, also known as JINGDONG, announced today its first JD MALL in Hong Kong will open in Wan Chai on June 18, marking an important step in JD MALL’s expansion into the Greater Bay Area and international consumer markets.
JD MALL will bring its immersive, experience-led retail model to Hong Kong for the first time with plans to open a further six to eight locations over the next three years, with future sites expected to prioritise popular commercial districts such as Sha Tin, Mong Kok and Tuen Mun.
Built on local supply chains, JD MALL introduces technology-led retail format to Hong Kong
As JD.com’s flagship experiential retail format, JD MALL is already established in 30 locations. The Wan Chai store spans over 30,000 square feet (2,800 SQM), making it one of the largest specialist home appliance retail stores in the city. It has also established a dedicated local supply chain system, adopting a “sourced in Hong Kong, sold in Hong Kong” model, with all products meeting local standards.
JD MALL Wan Chai will offer a comprehensive range of home products, covering large and small home appliances, electronics, smart home products such as smart bathroom solutions, massage equipment, whole-home cleaning appliances and other emerging categories including AI products and robots. Its brand portfolio includes leading international brands such as Bosch, Siemens, Samsung and Sony; innovative technology brands including DJI, Xiaomi, AgiBot, Narwal and Ecovacs; as well as leading Chinese domestic brands including TCL, Hisense, Gree, Haier, Casarte and JOMOO. Several brands will also make their Hong Kong debut through dedicated experience zones inside the store.
A core feature of JD MALL is its immersive, scenario-based shopping experience. Responding to local consumers’ strong preference for in-store product trials and hands-on experiences, the store introduces a “try before you buy” model. Customers can test products in real-life scenarios before making a purchase.
The store will also feature dedicated experience areas for robotics, coffee, PC gaming, DIY, relaxation and massage, offering consumers a more interactive and engaging offline retail experience. Through this model, JD MALL aims to enrich Hong Kong’s retail landscape and support the continued diversification and upgrading of local offline retail.
A range of service commitments tailored to local consumers will also be offered. These include seven-day no-reason returns for self-operated home appliances, replacement for defective products within 180 days, and a price guarantee service. Orders placed before 11:00 a.m. will be eligible for same-day delivery, while window-type air conditioners can be delivered and installed on the same day.
Top 100 bestsellers offered at up to 50% off for grand opening
JD MALL Wan Chai will celebrate its grand opening from June 18 to 21. During the grand opening period, customers will be able to enjoy discounts of up to 50% on 100 bestselling products, member-exclusive coupons, and gift-with-purchase offers, with selected purchases eligible for gifts worth up to HKD 1,000, including tablets. Selected home appliances will also be offered at special launch prices, including 32-inch televisions from HKD 666, window-type air conditioners from HKD 1,999, and exclusive JD member benefits such as 10% off selected iPhones. Offers are available in limited quantities while stocks last.
Customers who spend HKD 1,000 or more, in a single transaction during the grand opening period will be eligible to join a lucky draw with a 100% winning rate and the chance to win premium prizes, including investment quality gold products in the shape of Joy, the mascot of JD.com. Visitors to the store will also be able to enjoy complimentary screen protector application, coffee, gaming experiences and personal care product trials.
A spokesperson of JD MALL said: “Hong Kong is the key gateway for the Greater Bay Area and has a highly developed commercial ecosystem and mature consumer market. JD MALL will draw on JD.com’s robust supply chain capabilities, digital operations expertise and experience-led retail model, while fully aligning with local compliance standards and consumer preferences. Through our local operations, we will bring high-quality products, innovative retail experiences and great service to Hong Kong consumers, while contributing to the continued diversification and upgrading of the local retail sector.”
JD MALL will continue to tailor its product selection, pricing, shopping experiences and services to local customer needs, while further developing its technology-led retail format in the city. It will also further develop omnichannel operations in Hong Kong and work closely with JD.com’s wider business ecosystem, including JINGDONG Logistics, Kai Bo Supermarket and JINGDONG Property.
JD.com has long regarded Hong Kong as a strategic market. To date, JD.com’s cumulative investment in Hong Kong has exceeded HKD 35 billion, with its retail, logistics, technology, healthcare and property businesses established and operating in the city. At the same event, JD.com also announced plans to on-board 1,000 leading local and international brands, open 200 offline retail locations, and support the creation of 10,000 jobs in Hong Kong in the next three years.