Apr 21, 2020|
Social Group E-Commerce: A Trendy Way to Shop on JD
by Tracy Yang
After the outbreak of COVID-19, social group e-commerce has been pulled under the spotlight as a trendy new way to shop in China while stuck at home through recommending products to friends, customers and others in close proximity. JD’s sales in social group e-commerce in the first quarter of 2020 has exceeded that of the entire year of 2019.
Social group e-commerce is particularly attractive to cost-conscious consumers seeking quality such as young moms, middle-aged women and others. Now, tour guides from travel agencies have also joined in the program. Recently, China Youth Travel Service, one of China’s leading travel agencies, collaborated with JD.com on social group e-commerce initiatives offering tour guides an opportunity of part-time work acting as a JD “shopping guide” in a WeChat group to recommend high quality products at competitive prices, fast delivery and guaranteed aftersales service to their friends, customers and others nearby. At present, over 3,000 tour guides have taken the opportunity to become shopping guides. Other travel agencies, including China International Travel Service and Caissa, have also partnered with JD on the same initiative.
JD’s social group e-commerce initiative is based on WeChat groups and Mini Programs, enabling participants to act as shopping guides to recommend products in the digital community. Consumer groups who seek affordable quality choose to join JD’s social group e-commerce initiative, primarily because of trust in JD built over time due to the company’s authenticity guarantee, delivery and service. The orders can be found in JD’s app and WeChat shopping entrance point, allowing users to enjoy the same services as that of JD, encouraging participants to provide recommendations to others with peace of mind.
The story of Weiwei is telling. A salesperson at China Youth Travel Service, her income was significantly affected by the pandemic. With experience in sales and as a loyal JD customer, she decided to test the platform and attended a special training organized by JD and China Youth Travel Service. Ultimately, she became a shopping guide in her WeChat groups, earning around RMB 8,000 yuan over the past two months through the initiative.
Jiarui Liu, head of JD’s social group e-commerce initiative said, “JD.com continues to recommend good products to Chinese consumers through innovative marketing models. Sales representatives and tour guides from travel agencies have something in common with young moms and middle-aged women. Their customers are highly targeted and have a strong sense of trust, which is consistent with the trust that JD.com has established over the years. JD.com highly values working with people who have a strong connection with their customer groups, and it is also a good way to explore new business scenarios. ”
As part of JD’s social group e-commerce initiative, JD’s cloud store solution helps offline stores resume work during the epidemic period. Cloud store registration can be completed at fastest within three days. After receiving a training, a shopping guide can easily generate orders. Since February 10th, JD’s cloud store solution has been connected with 187 brands, among which many brands, like IEF and others have already achieved strong sales results. Separately, 54,000 shopping guides in the fashion and home industry have also joined JD’s cloud store solution.
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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