JD.com

While Alibaba’s Tmall is the reigning Chinese marketplace, JD.com is its big competitor. It was founded in 1998, but the platform did not go live until 2004. It sells a wide variety of goods including electronics, books, clothing, appliances and household items, including products from brands such as Iceland, Clarks, Walmart and Dyson. JD.com is known for its investment in technology and AI. The retailer offers delivery through drones and autonomous vehicles and has nailed its same-day delivery proposition. It is also developing solutions such as checkout-free stores, automated warehouses, retail as a service and AI-powered marketing. The retailer operates a number of tech-enhanced physical stores, including grocery stores 7Fresh. 7Fresh shoppers can pay for purchases with cash, card, WeChat or facial recognition. Moreover, grocery orders are packed on to conveyer belts in the store’s ceilings, to be delivered to people living within a 3km radius in under 30 minutes.