Co-founders Of Walmart's China E-commerce Venture Resign

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said the co-founders of its Yihaodian e-commerce business in China will leave the company. Citing plans to pursue new ventures, Yu Gang and Liu Junling are resigning as chairman and chief executive, respectively, of the online retailer. Wal-Mart holds a 51 percent stake in Yihaodian, which represents the American retailer's efforts to expand its online business in China. After the founders' departure, Wal-Mart is expected to expand its role in running the company, which for years has resisted the retail giant's efforts to consolidate the companies' logistics operations.

"Co-Founders of Wal-Mart’s Chinese E-Commerce Venture to Leave", Wall Street Journal, July 14, 2015

L'Oreal Agrees To Connect Yichang Factory To Hydropower

L'Oreal signed an investment deal to expand and connect to hydropower its Yichang plant in China. Part of the strategic agreement between the company and the Yichang government, the project will help L'Oreal's factory to use clean and renewable energy. By end of 2015, the Yichang plant will become the company's first factory in Asia-Pacific to become carbon-footprint neutral. One of the company's most sustainable factories, the Yichang plant has reduced CO₂ emissions by 45 percent from 2005 to 2014.

"L’Oeal Yichang plant in China to reach carbon footprint neutrality in 2015", L’Oreal, July 02, 2015

Tesco Data Analysis Unit Dunnhumby Partners With Chinese Grocery Chain

As British retail grocer Tesco finalizes plans to divest several of its businesses, one of the units on the auction block, data analyst Dunnhumby, has cemented a joint venture relationship with a large Chinese supermarket chain. Dunnhumby will partner with China Resources Vanguard, which operates 4,000 shops in Hong Kong and mainland China. The partnership will give Dunnhumby access to shopper data in a rapidly-expanding market that includes 20 million Vanguard loyalty card users. It also gives the company an opportunity to work with other retailers. Several industry and private equity buyers have expressed interest in acquiring Dunnhumby’s. Final bids are due in early September.

"Tesco’s Dunnhumby sets up Chinese joint venture", Financial Times, August 28, 2015

China’s App-Based Food Delivery Industry Is Booming

Startup food delivery companies backed by big investors like Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and Tencent Holdings Ltd. have tapped into a vibrant market in China, as diners increasingly choose to order in. The app-based startups are providing stiff competition for struggling KFC and McDonald’s that have for years maintained armies of bike- or motorcycle-riding food couriers. New companies like Ele.me and Meituan Waimai that use mobile apps achieve economies of scale by partnering with thousands of Chinese restaurants and other food outlets. In 2014 the startup bike courier companies delivered $15.7 billion worth of food, a 54 percent increase over 2013, according to one research firm.

"In China, Fast-Food Fight Turns to Delivery", The Wall Street Journal, August 09, 2015

Alibaba Buys Stake In Luxury Online Store Mei.com

Alibaba Group Holding invested more than $100 million in Shanghai-based luxury online shopping company Mei.com. Part of Alibaba's efforts to expand its luxury business, the move will see Mei.com complementing the Chinese e-commerce giant's current selection of affordable luxury products for local consumers. Also, the move supports Alibaba's efforts to expand the luxury offerings of its online store Tmall.com.

"Alibaba invests $100 mln in luxury-focused Mei.com", Market Watch, July 08, 2015