JD.com launches ochama robotics stores in the Netherlands
Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com has opened two automation powered ochama stores in the Netherlands.
These involve robots preparing parcels, and home delivery service.
The first two ochama pick-up shops are in Leiden and Rotterdam, with two more set to open in Amsterdam (Diemen) and Utrecht.
It is the first time that JD.com has opened a physical retail store in Europe.
“With the rich experience in retail and cutting-edge logistics technologies that we have accumulated over the years, we aspire to create an unprecedented shopping format for customers in Europe with better price and service,” says Pass Lei, General Manager at ochama, JD Worldwide.
Shoppers can order via ochama's mobile app, where a range of A-brand products are offered, covering the likes of fresh and packaged food, household appliances, beauty, maternal and child products, fashion, and home furnishings.
An automated warehouse includes AGV (automated ground vehicles), robotic arms etc that engage in picking, sorting, and transferring merchandise.
By scanning the app's QR code atcheck-out, shoppers can watch as their orders are carried to them on a conveyer belt.
Ochama's Chief Operation Officer Mark den Butter notes that by tapping logistics and supply chain management technologies, the stores can bring down product prices by an extra 10%.
People can also visit a showroom to experience ochama's product assortments, or they can choose a next-day home delivery service without going to a store.
“Dutch people are passionate for innovation and a green environment, and ochama's shopping format is designed to contribute to both aspects,” says den Butter.
“There will be no queue and fewer traffic jams to do the chores as they can go for convenience, benefits and everything in one stop at ochama.”
