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Alibaba Group’s Freshippo Expands Brick and Mortar Presence in China Ahead of Its IPO
Freshippo, Alibaba Group’s retail grocery subsidiary, has opened 12 new stores across Mainland China. The stores are strategically located in key cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, aiming to cater to the growing demand for high-quality products and exceptional service in the highly competitive grocery market.
According to an official press release on June 30, seven of the newly launched stores feature a new Freshippo logo that offers an extensive range of products, an expanded delivery area, spacious shopping environments, and enhanced customer service.
The grocery company is headquartered in Shanghai and runs more than 300 stores across 27 cities in mainland China. With its unique blend of e-commerce prowess, logistics capabilities, and traditional shopping experiences, Freshippo offers customers the convenience of online ordering with home delivery and the option to visit their physical stores renowned for their high-quality fresh produce, including items like lobsters.
Through the latest expansion, the company aims to cater to the diverse needs of customers, whether they reside in commercial or residential areas through the expansion.
Freshippo Ranks among Top Ten Chain Stores in China for the First Time
In addition to the newly launched stores, the company has also introduced five new Freshippo Outlets in Shanghai. These outlets focus on delivering quality products at attractive prices, making them an appealing option for a broader segment of consumers. With these latest additions, the grocery company now operates 68 outlets across 14 cities in Mainland China, solidifying its presence in the retail landscape.
Freshippo’s expansion comes as China’s consumer market is witnessing a strong recovery fueled by the increasing demand from young customers, particularly in emerging first-tier cities.
According to a recent Chinese Chain Store & Franchise Association report, Freshippo ranked among the top 10 in 2022 China’s TOP 100 Chain Stores. The Alibaba-owned company took eighth position among the top 100 chain stores for the first time since its launch and sixth among the leading 100 supermarkets in Mainland China.
Freshippo Plans to Become a Publicly Traded Company
Freshippo’s expansion comes three months after its parent company Alibaba revealed its restructuring plans. The Chinese e-commerce giant divided its company into six business units to revive growth as competition among e-commerce companies heightens in China.
These newly formed units have the flexibility to raise external capital and eventually go public. However, it is worth noting that while Freshippo operates as an independent business under the Alibaba umbrella, it is not part of the six newly formed business groups.
Last month, Alibaba approved an initial public offering (IPO) for Freshippo to become a publicly traded company. However, a specific timeline for the offering has not been disclosed.
Meanwhile, Freshippo has been actively exploring global sourcing opportunities and forging strategic partnerships to strengthen its supply chain.
On a recent trip to Australia earlier this month, the company engaged with over 40 Australian brands for potential collaboration. The visit was part of Freshippo’s accelerated import business development strategy for 2023.
During the trip, the Freshippo team targeted Victoria and New South Wales, aiming to establish new partnerships and explore collaboration opportunities with Australian brands.
The company’s global supply chain strategy, announced mid-May, has already led to strategic partnerships with 13 renowned retailers, brands, associations, and consulting firms worldwide.
Alibaba Group’s Freshippo Expands Brick and Mortar Presence in China Ahead of Its IPO
