Chinese e-commerce platform JD is preparing to launch a flagship US store on Google. The move will allow JD, the second largest online retailer in China, to sell directly to American consumers by the end of the year, despite the emergence of potential new trade restrictions between the US and China.
Google, which has been making moves to build a strong presence in e-commerce via its planned Google Shopping platform, purchased a US$550 million shareholding in JD this year. JD meanwhile is eyeing global markets as consumption slows in its home market. It is already selling in the US through partner and major investor Walmart.
JD Logistics’s director of strategy Bao Yan said: “When Google Shopping launches, JD will have a flagship store. We are shipping from US fulfillment centers to US end-customers.”
JD operates warehouse and delivery services in Los Angeles and has plans to expand its US-based facilities with several new fulfillment centres, ahead of opening its store on Google.
Google, moving to compete with Amazon, will be responsible for payment and order processing for the enterprise.
