JD.com, China’s second-largest online shopping service, has begun selling some of its goods via a Google eCommerce platform in the U.S., Google Express, a tie-up that offers both sides a chance to expand their virtual retail reach. JD.com. The online retailer is now preparing to set up a storefront on Google’s platforms.
JD.com is now stated to be one of the 1,000 retailers active on the platform. The U.S. search giant’s latest effort is to get into eCommerce and accelerate advertising revenue. Such an initiative is the first since Google bought a $550 million stake in JD earlier this year, which will eventually roll out globally.
JD.com store has been named Joybuy on that has been selling products in the US Google with Walmart, but the latter only has a few products for online sale. The launch of Google Express is the first serious attempt to sell directly into the US.
Google aims to expand its online shopping operations and gain an edge over rivals by offering the Chinese e-tailer’s lineup. The tie-up provides JD.com a way to capture overseas demand as its domestic eCommerce business loses steam.
The Chinese shopping giant already sells products in the U.S. via its major investor and partner, Walmart Inc. But the partnership with Alphabet Inc.’s Google represents a more direct approach. JD owns and runs much of its warehouse and delivery services, unlike Alibaba. It already operates facilities in Los Angeles in part to take advantage of the large Chinese diaspora and plans to continue expanding.
The partners are expected to use the collaboration as a springboard to work together on developing technology, such as for JD.com’s push into automated stores powered by artificial intelligence. Shoppers can buy around 500 products from JD.com’s Joybuy in-house brand including keyboards, headphones and kitchen appliances through Google Express, which also hosts American outlets like discount retailer Costco Wholesale. More goods from the Chinese company likely will be added down the road.
