Google invests in JD.com as firms aim to create “frictionless shopping”

Online powerhouses JD.com and Google have announced a new partnership that will see the search engine invest $550m in cash in the e-commerce giant and work together on supply chains.

Google and JD plan to collaborate on a range of strategic initiatives, including joint development of retail solutions in a range of regions around the world, including Southeast Asia, the US and Europe.
The companies said that by applying JD’s supply chain and logistics expertise and Google’s technology strengths, the two companies would explore the creation of next generation retail infrastructure solutions, with the goal of offering "helpful, personalised and frictionless shopping experiences".
JD.com’s chief strategy officer Jianwen Liao said: "This partnership with Google opens up a broad range of possibilities to offer a superior retail experience to consumers throughout the world."
Google chief business officer Philipp Schindler added:"We are excited to partner with JD.com and explore new solutions for retail ecosystems around the world to enable helpful, personalised and frictionless shopping experiences that give consumers the power to shop wherever and however they want."
Earlier this year, JD.com has signed an agreement with a number of investors to take a minority stake in its JD Logistics network to raise finding for investment.
It has also spoken of the possibility in following the lead of Amazon and investing in its own aircraft fleet.

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