JD Cloud and Logistics AI and LLM retail technology powers JD.com 618 Grand Promotion shopping event

JD.com's 618 Grand Promotion kicked off at 8:00 PM  (UTC+8) on 30th May. In the first hour, GMV, total orders and active shoppers increased by more than 200% year-over-year (YoY). 20,000+ brands recorded over threefold growth in GMV YoY, according to the Chinese e-commerce giant.

JD Cloud technology continues to power the shopping event.

In the first hour of the promotion, usage of JD Cloud’s JoyBuild large language model (LLM) development platform surged 242% compared to the same period during last year’s Singles Day promotion. LLM capabilities have been integrated across the entire 618 event.

This year, JD Cloud opened five AI powered marketing tools to third-party merchants free of charge for the first time. Its digital representative technology has served over 13,000 brands, while Jingxiaozhi 5.0, JD’s AI powered merchant service platform now supports 900,000+ merchants.

Elsewhere, JD Logistics deployed its largest ever roll-out of technologies across its national infrastructure.

The company’s solutions, including its goods-to-person systems, autonomous delivery vehicles, automated rebin walls, AI Brain, and smart sorting systems, were implemented at scale with the aim of enabling speedy and accurate delivery in more than 400 cities.

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries. 

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Wednesday, 3rd September.

This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.

Please email our Editor, Scott Thompson, if you have any questions or need further information: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com

Key 2025 dates

Friday, 18th July: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 22nd July: 2025 finalists revealed

Wednesday, 23rd July - Friday, 8th August: Judging days

Wednesday, 3rd September: Winners announced at the 2025 RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, to be held at The Barbican in Central London.