Uniqlo China has opened an online flagship store on JD.com, China’s largest online direct sales portal.
Announcing the move, Nasdaq-listed JD.com said its marketplace is increasingly becoming the platform of choice for both domestic and internationally renowned brands and manufacturers seeking to reach a massive base of active Chinese shoppers.
“The addition of Uniqlo adds to JD.com’s growing reputation as the go-to destination for shoppers looking for authentic, high-quality goods in a broad and growing range of categories,” it said in a statement.
“Uniqlo’s success is built on attention to every detail,” said Richard Liu, founder and CEO of JD.com. “From design to manufacture to distribution, their processes ensure that they can continue offering high-quality apparel choices that are consistently fashionable, innovative and desirable.
“These qualities make Uniqlo an ideal partner for JD.com. With their new flagship store on our site they will be able to satisfy the demands of Chinese shoppers who are seeking a fast, reliable and secure way to shop for authentic Uniqlo items from the comfort of their homes and with the fingertip convenience of their smartphones.”
Pan Ning, Uniqlo China CEO said its online customers would benefit from JD.com’s “amazingly fast and trusted last-mile delivery network”.
“We expect that the secure and seamless shopping experience that JD.com offers will turn many shoppers into new Uniqlo customers in China, which is one of its most important overseas markets.”
To commemorate the partnership, the online store will offer special UT (Uniqlo T-shirt) designs, called “Born in China,” jointly developed by JD.com and Uniqlo. JD.com customers will also have exclusive access to specially discounted items provided by Uniqlo between April 9 and 16.
Upon the April 17 official launch, customers will be able to buy a wide range of Uniqlo products on JD.com’s main website, as well as through the company’s apps and a Weidian store on Tencent’s popular Weixin messaging app (the Chinese version of WeChat).
Uniqlo will also become the first international clothing brand on JD.com’s marketplace platform to warehouse its merchandise in the company’s facilities. By using JD.com’s complete logistics solution, Uniqlo is enabling customers in eligible areas to take advantage of JD.com’s same- and next-day delivery services.
Uniqlo joins dozens of global fashion and apparel brands on JD.com, including Gap, Levi’s, Lacoste, Marks & Spencer and Skechers, as well as internationally recognised brands such as Samsung, Lindt & Sprüngli and the NBA in categories including apparel, food and electronics.
Uniqlo first entered China in 2002 with the launch of two stores in Shanghai. In 2008 the company expanded into Beijing and has since pursued a nationwide expansion plan.
