JD.com opened a storefront on the Google Express shopping service for its Joybuy e-commerce outpost.
The Chinese online retail powerhouse is “conducting test operations” with Google, a JD.com spokesperson told Reuters, which first reported the development.
Google Express lets shoppers browse products from a number of national retailers for same- or next-day delivery, an effort that competes with Amazon Prime’s speedy fulfillment options.
Joybuy’s appearance on Google Express marks the first major advance between the two tech firms since Google announced a $550 million investment in JD.com last year, with plans to host the Chinese firm’s products on its site in the U.S. and Europe. “This partnership with Google opens up a broad range of possibilities to offer a superior retail experience to consumers throughout the world,” Jianwen Liao, chief strategy officer for JD.com, said at the time.
People shopping the eclectic, pared-down Joybuy assortment on Google Express will find travel-ready duffel bags, hair extensions, electric kettles, dog leashes, and more, from obscure brands at wallet-friendly prices.
JD.com recently reported 2018 net revenue of $67.2 billion, 27.5 higher than the prior year, though profits dipped due to higher spending on logistics and marketing.
Google suffered a blow when early this year Walmart pulled its merchandise from the Google Express service as it ramps up its own e-commerce and click-and-collect fulfillment efforts.