Chinese ecomm giant sets launch date for food to phones UK retail site

JD’s Joybuy will formally launch in March, joining other Chinese players such as Shein and Temu that have disrupted UK retail in recent years.

JD.com, which is China’s biggest retailer by revenue – $159bn (£116.3bn) last year – revealed the official March date for Joybuy’s launch during last week’s visit to China by UK prime minister Keir Starmer and business leaders, when it also said it hoped to work with UK brands to build their businesses in China.

JD.com said: “The company is developing its online retail business, Joybuy, in the UK, to offer consumers a broad range of high-quality branded products, with fast delivery across the UK. The company is also investing to expand its UK warehousing network and delivery network, JoyExpress.”

Joybuy’s UK online store is at present a Beta site displaying categories such as health and wellness, home appliances, and toys, babies and kids.

Grocery lines displayed include a selection of Morrisons’ items as well as products from independent retailers and well-known brands. A ‘Tesco price match, applies to some products. In general merchandise, products include Apple phones and Asus laptops.

A JD spokesperson said that full details of Joybuy would be revealed in the coming weeks.

Last week JD signed a partnership agreement with the China-Britain Business Council, through which it aims “to support more British companies selling products to JD.com’s 700 million customers”.

JD’s Jingdong operation “will provide brands with market insights, operational support and access to JD.com’s comprehensive ecommerce and logistics capabilities, helping them reach Chinese consumers more efficiently and effectively”.

JD’s launch of Joybuy in the UK follows its previous interest in buying electricals retailer Currys and Sainsbury’s Argos general merchandise business – neither deal progressed.