China E-Commerce Research Center: E-commerce platforms make up over 40% of e-commerce complaints

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General Retail p1

 NBS: Total retail sales of consumer goods up by 10.2% yoy in Jan-Feb 2016

 CNCIC: Retail sales of 100 key retailers in China drops 5.6% yoy in Jan-Feb 2016

 CCFA and IBM jointly issue a retail industry survey for 2016

E-commerce p2

 MOFCOM to focus on five areas of work to regulate e-commerce

 China E-Commerce Research Center: E-commerce platforms make up over 40% of e-commerce complaints

 17 e-commerce enterprises to join platform for consumer rights protection

 Shanghai FTZ sets up demonstration park for cross-border e-commerce

 Tianjin rolls out cross-border e-commerce IT service platform

 JD.com partners with Mars in cold chain and other aspects

 Third-party book sellers on JD.com roll out new services

 JD.com to connect with China Compulsory Certification platform

 Alibaba’s Cainiao expands business coverage

 Alibaba to set up a virtual reality laboratory and launch the “Buy+” program

 Amazon China’s Global Store expands its selection to over 10 million

 Singapore-based women shopping site Beautiful.Me. opens store on Mengdian.hk

Apparel p5

 Dayang Group invests in Canada-based e-commerce menswear retailer Indochino

 Mandatory national standard for children’s wear to be implemented in June

 Esprit to expand online business in China

Convenience stores p6

 BQ Mart opens first store in Guangzhou

Supermarkets and hypermarkets p7

 CR Vanguard’s Ewj.com joins hands with Nansha authorities for tracing of cross-border products

 CR Vanguard focuses on convenience stores this year

Luxury market p7

 Giorgio Armani and other luxury brands connect with 5lux.com

 Coach plans to add 15 stores in Mainland China and renovate 40% of its stores into modern luxury stores this year

 Boss Hugo to close 20 stores in Greater China

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General Retail

NBS: Total retail sales of consumer goods up by 10.2% yoy in

Jan-Feb 2016

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), total retail sales of consumer goods reached 5,291.0 billion yuan in January to February 2016, up nominally by 10.2% year-on-year (yoy). Of which, retail sales of companies above designated size amounted to 2,308.0 billion yuan, up by 7.6% yoy. By area, retail sales in urban areas reached 4,530.3 billion yuan, up by 10.1% yoy while retail sales in rural areas were 760.7 billion yuan, up by 10.9% yoy. In January to February 2016, online retail sales grew 27.2% yoy to 636.1 billion yuan. Online retail sales of physical goods reached 505.3 billion yuan, up 25.4% yoy, accounting for 9.5% of total retail sales.

 National Bureau of Statistics, 12 March 2016

 http://www.stats.gov.cn/tjsj/zxfb/201603/t20160312_1330123.html (in Chinese only)

CNCIC: Retail sales of 100 key retailers in China drops 5.6%

yoy in Jan-Feb 2016

According to the China National Commercial Information Centre (CNCIC), retail sales of 100 key large-scale retail enterprises dropped 5.6% year-on-year (yoy) in January and February 2016. The negative growth rate was 4.6 percentage points higher than that in 2015. By category, sales of apparel and cosmetics were down by 5.5% yoy and 1.3% yoy respectively.

 CNNIC, 14 March 2016

http://www.cncic.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=41908&Itemid=14

(in Chinese only)

CCFA and IBM jointly issue a retail industry survey for 2016

China Chain Store & Franchise Association (CCFA) and IBM have jointly issued the “Omni-channel Transformations of the Retail Sector” report. The report stated that continuous decline in total retail sales of consumer goods will make it difficult for the retail sector to enjoy substantial growth in the near future. When adopting omni-channel initiatives, retail enterprises will face huge challenges in areas such as transformation concept, choice of business models, design of customer experience, improvement of supply chain, and implementation of online and offline integration.

China Chain Store & Fanchise Association, 17 March 2016

http://www.ccfa.org.cn/portal/cn/view.jsp?lt=1&id=424312(in Chinese only)

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E-commerce

MOFCOM to focus on five areas of work to regulate

e-commerce

Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said that it will focus on five areas of work this year: First, to facilitate the legislation of an ecommerce law to specify responsibilities of e-commerce platforms and relevant parties. Second, to promote the establishment of a standardized e-commerce credit system. Third, to promote the establishment of an inter-regional, inter-departmental mechanism for law enforcement to strengthen supervision efforts. Fourth, to implement real-name system for express posting and delivery, and strengthen information sharing between supervision authorities and e-commerce platforms. Fifth, to coordinate relevant departments to crack down on unsafe consumer goods and intellectual property rights infringement.

 Linkshop.com, 17 March 2016

 http://www.linkshop.com.cn/web/archives/2016/346130.shtml (in Chinese only)

China E-Commerce Research Center: E-commerce platforms

make up over 40% of e-commerce complaints

According to a report released by China E-Commerce Research Center, the number of e-commerce-related complaints lodged by online shoppers with its public complaint website (www.100ec.cn/zt/315/) increased by 3.27% year-on-year (yoy) in 2015. E-commerce platforms such as Taobao, Tmall and JD.com got the most complaints and accounted for 43.74% of the total. O2O local service e-commerce providers, such as Meituan.com, Dianping.com and Baidu Nuomi, ranked second with 24.05% of the complaints, followed by cross-border e-commerce sites and Internet finance service providers. The report added that frequent complaints were made against cross-border “haitao” e-commerce sites because of long custom clearance time, delay in product delivery and poor after-sale services.

17 e-commerce enterprises to join platform for consumer

rights protection

China Consumers Association has launched a platform for e-commerce consumer rights protection. 17 e-commerce enterprises including JD.com, Taobao and VIP.com have committed themselves to the platform. In the future, if there are consumption disputes related to these e-commerce enterprises, China Consumers Association can directly refer the complaints to them. This is expected to significantly reduce the cost of consumer rights protection.

Meanwhile, the State Administration for Industry and Commerce said that it is working to establish the 12315 online platform, a nationwide platform for the protection of consumer rights, by the end of this year. Consumers will then be able

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to lodge complaints online. The platform will connect with the after-sale service departments of e-commerce enterprises and consumer rights organizations, so that consumption disputes can be resolved conveniently and efficiently.

 China Chain Store & Franchise Association, 15 March 2016

 http://www.ccfa.org.cn/portal/cn/view.jsp?lt=3&id=424280 (in Chinese only)

Shanghai FTZ sets up demonstration park for cross-border

e-commerce

Shanghai Free Trade Zone has set up the Shanghai Cross-border E-commerce Demonstration Park, the first of its kind in Shanghai after the State Council approved 12 cities (including Shanghai) in January to set up state-level cross-border e-commerce comprehensive pilot zones. Shanghai FTZ said that it will promote large-scale operation of cross-border e-commerce through optimizing cross-border e-commerce supervision procedures, enhancing custom clearance efficiency and reducing clearance costs, improving in-process and ex-post supervision system, etc. The demonstration park will also expand its business models, such as consolidating products from direct imports and O2O operations.

 Xinhuanet.com, 15 March 2016

 http://news.xinhuanet.com/2016-03/15/c_1118338223.htm (in Chinese only)

Tianjin rolls out cross-border e-commerce IT service

platform

Tianjin has launched a cross-border e-commerce IT service platform, in a move to facilitate the development of cross-border e-commerce trade in Tianjin. The service platform has three sub-platforms: customs clearance, inspection, quarantine and supervision, and comprehensive services. These sub-platforms are interconnected to enable information transmission and sharing. E-commerce enterprises, payment enterprises, logistics enterprises and warehousing enterprises can connect with the service platform to enjoy streamlined procedures for declaration, inspection and release of goods.

 Ebrun, 15 March 2016

 http://www.ebrun.com/20160315/168987.shtml (in Chinese only)

JD.com partners with Mars in cold chain and other aspects

The dry food unit of JD.com’s consumer good division will carry out cooperation in various aspects with food manufacturer Mars. In terms of cold chain, the cold chain storage and logistics solutions developed by Mars and JD.com will be launched between April and May. In terms of sales channel, Mars will work with JD.com to build a sales channel covering towns and townships. In terms of product category, the two companies will leverage sharing of data insights and consumer insights to promote online product category management. JD.com hopes that the cooperation will accelerate its development in the food category.

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Third-party book sellers on JD.com roll out new services

JD.com’s book division has started to allow third-party book sellers to transport and stock their products in JD.com’s warehouses, solving the problems of frequent out of stock and slow delivery. This means that book buyers can enjoy a delivery service similar to that of the direct sales model, enhancing their shopping experience. Third-party book sellers on JD.com will also launch a print-on-demand service this year. When a book is out of stock or a reprint is not available, readers can buy the book with the print-on-demand service.

JD.com to connect with China Compulsory Certification

platform

JD.com and China’s Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA) have entered into a strategic partnership agreement. CNCA will allow JD.com to access its certification and accreditation information sharing platform “Cloud Bridge”. JD.com can access real-time information in the China Compulsory Certification (CCC) database of CNCA by connecting with the Cloud Bridge. It can ensure that its online products conform to CCC requirements, and products without CCC certification cannot get listed on its platform. However, CNCA said that only a preliminary cooperation agreement has been reached, and both parties need to work out detailed plans as soon as possible.

Alibaba’s Cainiao expands business coverage

Alibaba Group-related logistics arm Cainiao Network announced to expand its network of service to cover more than 1,700 domestic colleges by the end of this year to better serve the booming demand of courier delivery service at campuses. It will also team up with 100 domestic colleges this year to set up flagship Cainiao stations to deal with peak period for package deliveries. Currently there are more than 1,500 service points in 1,200 colleges nationwide and they have served more than 15 million students.

ShanghaiDaily.com, 11 March 2016

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http://www.shanghaidaily.com/business/Alibabas-Cainiao-expands-business-coverage/shdaily.shtml

Ebrun, 11 March 2016

http://www.ebrun.com/20160311/168667.shtml(in Chinese only)

Alibaba to set up a virtual reality laboratory and launch the

“Buy+” program

Alibaba announced the establishment of a virtual reality (VR) laboratory and disclosed the Group’s strategies on virtual reality technologies for the first time. According to Alibaba, they will synchronize the VR content across their various

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online platforms and promote hardware for developing VR. Content-wise, Alibaba has started the “Buy +” program; it will promote quality VR contents across its movies, music and video channels. In terms of hardware, Alibaba will leverage the world's largest e-commerce platform to build a VR business ecosystem, promote the popularity of VR equipment, and drive the development of hardware vendors.

Ebrun, 17 March 2016

Amazon China’s Global Store expands its selection to over 10

million

Amazon China announced that the selection of imported goods it offers online on its Global Store has exceeded 10 million. It added more than 2 million products in clothing, shoes, jewelry, bags, household products and other categories in February. Meanwhile, during the six months after the introduction of flash sales on the Global Store, its product categories, product selection and sales have grown nearly tenfold. Moreover, Amazon China will hold a two-week “Modern Family” shopping gala focusing on renowned international brands on 7 March.

 Cnetnews.com.cn, 3 March 2016

 http://www.cnetnews.com.cn/2016/0303/3073592.shtml (in Chinese only)

Singapore-based women shopping site Beautiful.Me. opens

store on Mengdian.hk

Mobile social e-commerce platform Mengdian has reached a partnership agreement with Singapore-based women shopping site Beautiful.Me. Beautiful.Me has opened an official flagship store on Mengdian.hk to offer 200 types of goods, in a move to tap the China market. Mengdian said that Mengdian.hk will provide full mobile social platform support for Beautiful.Me to help it enhance brand influence and market share in the China market.

Apparel

Dayang Group invests in Canada-based e-commerce

menswear retailer Indochino

Indochino, a Canada-based made-to-measure menswear retailer, announced an investment of C$ 42 million (about RMB 200 million yuan) from Dayang Group, a Chinese apparel manufacturer. The investment will help Indochino accelerate expansion plans, increase product offerings and enhance operating efficiency. Indochino also signed a five-year alliance agreement with Dayang Group that will allow the company to expand its services and product lines in both the online and offline retail operations, including three new suit silhouettes and more suit personalization options.

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Mandatory national standard for children’s wear to be

implemented in June

On 1 June 2016, the Mandatory National Standard GB 31701-2015 Safety Technical Code for Infants and Children Textile Products will come into effect. This is China’s first mandatory national standard for children’s wear and it will regularize the overall safety of children’s wear. The instructions for use of children’s wear should indicate its safety category. Textile products for infants should also indicate “products for infants use”. A two-year transitional period for the standard is set up, during which products manufactured before 1 June 2016 and conforming to related standards are allowed to be sold on the market.

 ChinaSSPP.com, 11 March 2016

 http://www.chinasspp.com/News/Detail/2016-3-11/332928.htm (in Chinese only)

Esprit to expand online business in China

Esprit Holdings Limited announced that in the first six months of financial year 2015/16 ended 31 December 2015, it had a net loss of HK$ 238 million. Its turnover dropped 13.1% year-on-year (yoy) to HK$ 9,315 million. Turnover in China reported a -11.6% yoy decline in local currency, which is attributable to volatility in the financial markets, the economic slowdown in China and reduced tourist flow due to the devaluation of Renminbi. However, same-store sales in China and the Asia-Pacific region recorded a mid-single-digit growth thanks to a growing e-commerce business. Esprit said that it will work to improve its wholesale business, as well as actively expand e-commerce business in the Asia-Pacific region, China in particular.

 Nofashion.cn, 15 March 2016

 http://www.nofashion.cn/a/1458043457954.html (in Chinese only)

Convenience stores

BQ Mart opens first store in Guangzhou

BQ Mart, an “Internet plus convenience store”, has opened its first store in Guangzhou. BQ Mart is China’s first community service platform based on “Internet plus convenience store”. Its Guangzhou store is dedicated to providing necessary supermarket products and community services for Guangzhou residents. BQ Mart’s online platform will provide customers with 20-minute home delivery of supermarket products, cleaning and dry cleaning services, custom-made cakes, etc. It is reported that BQ Mart received over 650 online orders within just 48 hours of its grand opening. In 2016, BQ Mart will expedite its expansion across cities in China. It plans to open more than 10,000 stores in over 100 cities to serve 100 million customers over the next few years.

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Supermarkets and hypermarkets

CR Vanguard’s Ewj.com joins hands with Nansha authorities

for tracing of cross-border products

CR Vanguard’s Ewj.com has collaborated with Guangzhou Nansha Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau for tracing of cross-border e-commerce products. CR Vanguard will also hold a product tracing event in two Ewj Zone stores in Guangzhou. CR Vanguard said that the product tracing platform can serve as an official enquiry platform as well as a platform for consumers to “inspect” products. CR Vanguard hopes that the move can promote the development of industry standards for cross-border e-commerce, making the circulation of overseas products traceable and verifiable.

CR Vanguard focuses on convenience stores this year

China Resources Group announced that it will close 68 CR Vanguard stores this year. However, it will not stop its expansion. Instead, it is focusing more on convenience stores and community stores. CR Vanguard believed that small format shops and community stores have the greatest development potential. Upgrading VanGo convenience stores and expanding their presence will be an important step for the future development of CR Vanguard.

Luxury market

Giorgio Armani and other luxury brands connect with

5lux.com

Some Giorgio Armani shop-in-shops in Beijing have adopted the O2O model. They have been connected with 5lux.com to enable customers to place orders online and pick up the goods in offline stores. 5lux.com said that it has started to work with a number of luxury brands to help their stores connect with its online platform since the beginning of the year. At present, more than 50 stores of over 40 luxury brands have allowed in-store pickup of online orders, including DKNY, Burberry, Chloe, Givenchy and Cherry Chau.

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Coach plans to add 15 stores in Mainland China and

renovate 40% of its stores into modern luxury stores this

year

President and CEO of Coach Greater China said that he is optimistic about China’s luxury market. Coach expects to renovate 40% of its stores in China into modern luxury stores by the end of financial year 2016. As a move to enhance brand positioning, Coach has launched a new Coach 1941 series, which is slightly more expensive than other Coach products, and sold only in a few selected stores. Coach also said that there will be a net increase of around 15 stores in Mainland China this year.

 Winshang.com, 14 March 2016

 http://news.winshang.com/news-567718.html (in Chinese only)

Boss Hugo to close 20 stores in Greater China

German fashion brand Hugo said that it will close 20 stores out of 145 stores in Greater China, and will renovate other stores in the region. After a review of its entire store estate, it could close more stores elsewhere and will open fewer than 20 stores worldwide. Last November, Hugo Boss announced that it will slow down its store openings in prime locations and will expand online sales instead.

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Fung Business Intelligence Centre

The Fung Business Intelligence Centre collects and analyses market data on sourcing, supply chains, distribution and retail. It also provides thought leadership on technology and other key issues shaping their future.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, FBIC leverages unique relationships and information networks to track and report on trends and developments in China and other Asian countries. In addition, its New York-based Global Retail & Technology research team follows broader retail and technology trends, specialising in how they intersect and building collaborative knowledge communities around the revolution occurring worldwide at the retail interface.

Since its establishment in 2000, the FBIC (formerly known as the Li & Fung Research Centre) has served as the knowledge bank and think tank for the Fung Group. Through regular research reports and other publications, it makes its market data, impartial analysis and expertise available to businesses, scholars and governments around the world. It also provides advice and consultancy services to colleagues and business partners of the Fung Group on issues related to doing business in China, ranging from market entry and company structure, to tax, licensing and other regulatory matters.

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