Last week, Alibaba Group President Michael Evans joined NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay to discuss Alibaba’s response to COVID-19, and how the pandemic has altered the retail landscape in both the short term and long term. We share some of the key highlights. What has been the journey for Alibaba and its merchants since Feb 2020? Alibaba has been adjusting the business to respond to the ...

Alibaba is investing approximately US$3.6bn to double its stake in Sun Art to 72%, taking control of the largest retailer in China. Alibaba is purchasing the stake from Auchan, which on completion of the sale will see it exit the Chinese market. Alibaba strengthening bricks-and-mortar presence Auchan has accepted Alibaba’s offer to acquire its remaining c.36% stake in Sun Art. Alibaba acqui...

Alibaba is set to acquire a stake of around 10% in travel duty-free company Dufry. New Retail and digital transformation Full details of the deal have not yet been disclosed. It would, include, however, a new joint venture setup (51% owned by Alibaba and 49% by Dufry). As part of the JV, Dufry will contribute its existing travel retail business in China. Dufry is the world’s largest duty...