Alibaba maps out shopping experience of the future

摘要

Alibaba is one of the biggest retail operations in the world, yet its retail business has only truly become appreciative in China. At last month's Internet Retailing Conference, Alibaba UK and Nordics managing director David Lloyd said his company is using advanced mobile application tools in China to enhance the in-store shopping proposition.These include allowing customers to pick their own fish out of fishtanks at its Hema supermarkets in China before sitting at a dinner table to have that fish cooked by chefs. Emphasising the term 'New Retail' Lloyd also added that customers at Hema can also buy fresh produce,such as vegetables, and use their app to understand the product's origins and supply chain process. "It might sound pedantic, but historically in China consumers have always had a cautious view on where a food product [in China] has come from," Lloyd said.Alibaba partners with several retailers, including local convenience stores. It uses its app to greatly enhance the customer shopping experience, and leverages on its product sourcing and logistical capabilities.