Alibaba plans to integrate nearly 400 RT Mart outlets in China within its grocery and food delivery network by the end of this year.

It says they will share resources with its Hema Market to boost online-to-offline services and enhance efficiency.

Already, 100 RT Marts, including more than 40 in eastern China, are covered by a one-hour delivery scheme and will also become part of Alibaba Tmall’s 618 promotion activities.

RT Mart is also working with Hema Market’s delivery team to fulfill orders to destinations within 3km of dispatch centres, says COO Yuan Bin of RT Mart’s New Retail business. “Hema’s product offerings complement RT Mart’s existing products, and online delivery also expands our customer base.”