JD Mall set to open in Hong Kong

JD.com (9618) is reportedly choosing a site in Hong Kong to open a “JD Mall” featuring home appliances, marking the arrival of another Chinese e-commerce giant in the city, according to local media Ming Pao.

JD began offering high salaries to poach talent from Hong Kong's electronics retail industry last year, local media reported, to prepare for the opening of its own experience-focused physical stores.

It was also reported that JD Property, a subsidiary of JD, acquired the entire building of Li Fung Centre in Sha Tin last year, while related companies had moved into Jardine House in Central, paving the way for the company's Hong Kong expansion.

In addition, JD has reportedly applied to register the trademark of its instant delivery brand in Hong Kong through its subsidiary.

Earlier, Chinese e-commerce titan Alibaba (9988) had partnered with local handyman services company Papabo for its first experience-focused physical store in Hong Kong, which opened on February 22 in Tsim Sha Tsui.

STAFF REPORTER