Sehpora Launches First China Online Store On JD.com's Platform

Beauty retailer Sephora launched its Chinese online flagship store on local online direct sales company JD.com's e-commerce platform. Highlighting an important e-commerce step for the beauty retailer, Sephora's online store will be the largest cosmetics store on JD.com's platform. It will feature more than 1,200 products from over 70 major international cosmetics brands, such as Dior, Guerlain, and Givenchy.

"SEPHORA Opens Flagship Store on JD.com Marketplace Platform to Serve Growing Chinese Market for Authentic Cosmetics", GlobeNewswire , May 13, 2015

Wal-Mart Says Building New Distribution Centers For Growing Online Retail Business

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. plans to open four giant distribution centers in the second quarter of 2015 to support the expansion of its online shopping business. By 2018, the retailer aims to triple its online sales to $35 billion from $12 billion in 2014. Unlike traditional warehouses, which are built for storage of pallets of products that are handled by forklifts, fulfillment centers for e-commerce operations are designed for processing of individual items. Wal-Mart said each of the new facilities will have more than 1 million square feet of floor area and can store at least 500,000 items.

"Wal-Mart Builds Supply Chain to Meet E-Commerce Demands", Wall Street Journal, May 07, 2015

Amazon UK Plans To Double Minimum Purchase Qualifying For Free Delivery Service

Online retailer Amazon is reportedly planning to double the current £10 minimum purchase value for free delivery service in the UK. According to unconfirmed reports, online buyers may also choose to join the company's £79-per-year Amazon Prime subscription service. For orders below £20, Amazon customers have to shoulder the £2 to £5 first-class postage.

"Amazon free delivery minimum spend could be doubled", The Independent, April 30, 2015