Hong Kong – Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com is reportedly set to expand into the Hong Kong market with the launch of its offline flagship store, ‘JD Mall,’ offering an immersive retail experience.
According to a report by local media Ming Pao, JD Mall in Hong Kong is expected to mirror its mainland China counterpart, with a primary focus on home appliances.
Ming Pao also cited sources revealing that since the fourth quarter of last year, JD.com has been actively recruiting employees, offering high salaries to attract talent from Hong Kong’s electrical appliance retail industry as part of its plan to establish physical stores in the city.
Additionally, the report stated that JD Property Development, a subsidiary of JD.com, acquired the entire Li Fung Centre in Sha Tin last year. Meanwhile, related companies have moved into Jardine House in Central, signalling preparations for JD.com’s entry into the Hong Kong market.
Ming Pao also reported that JD.com’s subsidiary, Beijing Jingdong 360 Electronic Commerce Co., Ltd., applied for the trademarks of its instant delivery brands in Hong Kong last December. However, JD.com stated to the local media that there are currently no plans to develop ‘Dada,’ ‘Seconds Delivery,’ or related food delivery services in Hong Kong.
JD.com’s reported entry into Hong Kong comes after Alibaba’s Taobao Hong Kong launched its first furniture and home goods store in Tsim Sha Tsui, signalling a growing push by major mainland e-commerce giants into the city’s market.
