On 10th January, JD.com opened its first two robotic shops in Europe in the Netherlands, with more locations to follow soon. The retail stores branded ‘Ochama’ operate under a hybrid model merging online ordering and pick-up shops in which robots prepare the parcels, and home delivery service.
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The first two Ochama pick-up shops are located in Leiden and Rotterdam, and JD.com plans to open another two in Amsterdam (Diemen) and Utrecht soon.
“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 Pass Lei, general manager of Ochama, JD Worldwide.
The omnichannel model allows shoppers to order products online through Ochama’s App, where a full range of A-brand products from fresh & packaged food, household appliances, beauty, maternal and child products, fashion, home furnishings and more are available.
Customers can then go to the physical store, where lines of robots including AGV (automated ground vehicles), robotic arms and more will pick, sort and transfer the orders. By simply scanning the App’s QR code at the check-out, shoppers will watch as their orders are carried to them by the conveyer belt, as part of a cashierless and hassle-free shopping trip. The orders can also be delivered directly to the home within one day.
The Netherlands is one of the most urbanized countries in Europe. Data from the World Bank shows that as of 2020, 92 percent of the population in the Netherlands live in cities with a polycentric urban structure, which has led Ochama’s decision to open shops across four cities.
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“Dutch people are passionate for innovation and a green environment, and Ochama’s shopping format is designed to contribute to both aspects. 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,” said Ochama’s Chief Operation Officer Mark den Butter.