Chinese e-commerce titan JD.com snaps up MediaMarktSaturn: Exploring the headquarters of the Beijing-based conglomerate
JD.com, a leading technology and service company based in Beijing, China, has been making waves in the e-commerce industry both domestically and internationally. With a focus on authentic products and innovative delivery methods, JD.com has become a major player in the market.
Founded by Liu Qiangdong, JD.com initially aimed to sell genuine products in an era when counterfeits were more prevalent. Liu served as the chairman of the company until 2022, and as of May 2023, Sandy Xu has taken over as CEO.
In China, JD.com boasts an impressive customer base of 580 million active users. The company's delivery fleet, which includes drones, plays a significant role in serving these customers, particularly in rural areas and challenging terrain. JD.com operates several drone models, such as the V1, V2, and the latest V3, capable of carrying loads up to 20 kilograms over a distance of 100 kilometers. The delivery drones can transport up to 10 kilograms of cargo over a distance of 20 kilometers.
JD.com's delivery drones are not limited to domestic use. They are also used in Europe, where JD.com has established operations in the Netherlands and is currently expanding into Germany. The company is also planning to pilot test the online marketplace Joybuy in the UK.
One of JD.com's most notable international ventures is the acquisition of MediaMarktSaturn, one of Germany's largest electronics retailers. This acquisition, subject to approval by the competition authority, is comparable to Amazon in terms of revenue. The previous majority owner of MediaMarketSaturn is Düsseldorf-based Ceconomy AG.
Post-acquisition, the MediaMarkt and Saturn brands will remain, with no forced redundancies for three years and collective bargaining agreements and co-determination remaining in place. This move is part of JD.com's omnichannel strategy, which aims to reach customers on all channels, including physical retail stores.
In addition to its e-commerce operations, JD.com is also involved in other ventures. For instance, there is a small, portable reconnaissance drone used for inspections along power lines and assessing conditions in earthquake zones.
In May 2025, the first 70,000 square meter JD-Mall flagship store opened in Beijing, featuring entertainment electronics, interactive services, coffee culture, furniture, home renovation offers, a family zone, a bookstore, children's play area, restaurants, and snack bars.
As of 2024, JD.com's revenue was nearly $159 billion. With its continuous growth and expansion, JD.com is poised to make a significant impact on the global e-commerce landscape. Forbes estimated Liu's wealth at $19.3 billion in 2023. Despite this success, JD.com remains committed to its mission of providing authentic products and efficient delivery services to its customers.
