JD launches robotic stores in the Netherlands

Dean Blake

11th Jan 2022

JD.com has launched its first physical stores in Europe under a new brand, Ochama, which aims to combine online ordering and in-store pick up in an ‘unprecedented’ way.

The two stores, in Leiden and Rotterdam in the Netherlands, will see online orders picked and packed by robots: and will also offer home delivery.

“With rich experience in retail and cutting-edge logistics technologies that the company has accumulated over the years, we aspire to create an unprecedented shopping format for customers in Europe with better price and service,” said Ochama general manager Pass Lei.

The brand will be shoppable through a dedicated app, which will offer fresh and packaged food, household appliances, beauty, maternal and child products, fashion, home furnishings, and more.

Customers will then be able to enter the store, scan a QR code generated by the app specific to their order, and watch as the warehouse’s robots pick, sort and transfer their products.

“Dutch people are passionate for innovation and a green environment, and ochama’s shopping format is designed to contribute to both aspects,” said Ochama chief operation officer Mark 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.”

Two additional stores will soon be opened in Amsterdam and Utrecht.