JD Logistics Launches 1-hour Delivery, Opens Automated Warehouse for Bulky Goods

During the second quarter, JD.com opened a warehouse in Langfang, Hebei province, near Beijing that marks the company's first foray into automated storage and retrieval of big and bulky goods, the e-tailer announced in a press release accompanying its Q2 earnings release Monday. The system is "greatly improving efficiency in handling items including air conditioners, refrigerators and furniture," according to the release. The company's in-house logistics arm, JD Logistics, faced a 33.8% year-over-year increase in Q2 revenue. Technologies like warehouse automation helped 91% of orders placed through JD's direct sales platforms arrive same- or next-day, according to the company. The company added roughly 20 warehouses to its network during the quarter, growing the total to 750 warehouses, covering roughly 59 million square feet. JD.com also launched a one-hour delivery service, called "Instant Delivery" from some JD stores and third-party retail partners in April, while increasing its share in on-demand delivery partner Dada Group.