Lenovo in major online sales push with partner JD.com
Online retailer to become preferred platform for Lenovo product launches
Lenovo Group, the world’s largest personal computer supplier, is looking to rev up its e-commerce sales under an expanded alliance with JD.com, China’s second-largest online retail services provider.
The initiative could help Hong Kong-listed Lenovo increase domestic distribution for its smartphones and stave off the threat from high-flying technology start-up Xiaomi’s foray into the personal computer market with a new notebook.
At an event in Beijing on Wednesday, Lenovo chairman and chief executive Yang Yuanqing said JD.com will be the company’s preferred online platform to launch strategic products including notebook and desktop computers, printers, smartphones, tablets and other smart devices.
“By working together with JD on initiatives such as data sharing, technological innovation and online channel development, we will strengthen Lenovo’s understanding of customer needs which will support our ability to develop customised products,” Yang said.
Nasdaq-traded JD.com directly sells products from its own inventory, like Amazon, and operates vast online marketplaces where major brands and retailers sell their merchandise.
Its total user base jumped 73 per cent to 169 million in the 12 months to March, compared with 98 million a year earlier.