Chinese online retail giant JD.com is launching its UK site Joybuy, in a move to take on major rivals like Amazon by offering next-day deliveries to British shoppers.
The launch follows a series of abandoned takeover talks in the UK, including JD.com’s decision to walk away from potential deals to acquire Currys in 2024 and Argos last September.
The new Joybuy platform will offer a wide selection of products, including technology, home appliances, groceries, beauty, and everyday essentials.
New Joybuy retail platform to rival Amazon with next-day delivery option
JD.com, valued at £30 billion, has opted to build its own UK presence rather than acquire an established brand.
The company is rolling out its logistics network with distribution centres in Milton Keynes and Luton, and says this will support next-day delivery to around 17 million households across the UK.
The business struck a 2.2 billion euro (£1.9 billion) deal to snap up Germany-based electronics retail group Ceconomy last year.
UK high street shops that no longer exist
JD.com is simultaneously launching in six new European markets, which include Germany, the Netherlands, France, Belgium and Luxembourg.
The company is China’s largest retailer and it hopes to replicate that success in the UK and across Europe.
Matthew Nobbs, managing director of Joybuy UK, said the firm was “confident” about its growth prospects in the country.
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“We are here for a long time, as our CEO has said,” he told the Press Association.
“We have spent a lot of time working and honing to get our web and app proposition right, making it work in beta testing over the time.
“We have to make sure the customer experience is really great.”
