JD.com Inc. said Dec. 14 that it is teaming up with real estate developer China Overseas Land & Investment Ltd. to open hundreds of unmanned convenience stores across China.
Under the partnership, the Chinese e-commerce giant will utilize its smart technology and provide logistical and supply chain support, while China Overseas Land will provide store spaces. A timeline for store launches was not given.
JD has been conducting a pilot run of its unmanned convenience store model at its Beijing headquarters, which the company said has seen an average of about 1,000 customers per day and a repeat purchasing rate close to 70%.
JD also said it is set to collaborate with China Overseas Land to develop a smart city solution in China, which would feature unmanned stores, vending machine-based automated pharmacies and the company's fleet of unmanned delivery vehicles.
