Alibaba plans Hema stores across China’s large cities
Alibaba plans to open a branch of its Hema supermarket chain in every Chinese city with over 1 million people. According to CEO HouYi, there are 200 prospective cities in China where the retailer aims to open Hema supermarkets over the next 12 years. Alibaba has been rapidly expanding its brick and mortar presence as a part of its ‘New Retail Strategy’, to connect online and offline spaces. Alibaba has also set sights on department stores and a home improvement chain (Paywall).