JD launches first Apple physical store in Beijing

The store seeks to integrate online and offline consumption.

JD has launched its first Apple-authorized physical store in China in the city of Beijing, touted as the only online retailer in China in nearly five years to be authorized as an Apple Premium Reseller, the e-commerce firm said in a press release.

JD Ehome seeks to integrate online and offline consumption and offer an omnichannel experience to customers.

A “little black card” was available exclusively for consumers who visit the store and meet certain requirements. The card allowed pre-orders from September 9 following Apple's Fall Out event.

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So far, JD Daojia (JDDJ), an on-demand retail platform operated in China, has been qualified as the only such platform for Apple’s pre-sale.

This meant JDDJ and Shop Now, a jointly built business dedicated to JD’s on-demand consumer retail section, can guarantee delivery in an hour or even minutes when the new Apple products are available starting September 16, the company said.