Suning, SAP partner over smart retail

1 min readUpdated May 27, 2025Jul 13, 20187:06 AM

In this article (5)

Chinese e-commerce giant Suning has signed a memorandum of strategic cooperation with German software company SAP to conduct technology cooperation in retail, logistics and sports sectors.

The two parties will conduct joint research in artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, big data, cloud computing and other frontier technologies to promote the development of the digital economy, according to a statement released by Suning.

They plan to build a smart retail service platform to empower China’s retail sector as well as a logistics platform to improve operational efficiency and user experience.

The two companies also aim to establish a digitalized platform for Chinese football clubs and youth training systems to support the development of the sport in China.

The Chinese e-commerce platform saw sales of German brands reach 1.5 billion euros last year. It now has about 1,000 types of German products on its overseas shopping platform.

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What this means

Suning's strategic cooperation with SAP to develop smart retail and logistics platforms is a robust move, expected to enhance its market position. By integrating cutting-edge technologies like AI and big data, Suning aims to significantly improve operational efficiency and user experience, directly challenging rivals such as Alibaba's Tmall, which previously partnered with Alo Yoga for market entry. This proactive digital transformation positions Suning to capitalise on the immense growth potential within China's tech-savvy consumer base. The initiative will likely pressure other major players, including Yum China and Panpuri, who are focusing on physical store expansion rather than integrated tech solutions. The critical element to monitor next is the initial rollout and adoption rates of these new smart retail services.

Minjun Park · Retail News Asia newsroom

Questions & Answers

Which specific technologies will Suning and SAP collaborate on for joint research?

The two companies will conduct joint research in artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, big data, and cloud computing. Their aim is to advance the digital economy by exploring these frontier technologies.

What are the main platforms Suning and SAP plan to build together?

They plan to construct a smart retail service platform to enhance China's retail sector. Also, they will build a logistics platform to boost operational efficiency and improve customer experience.

Beyond retail and logistics, in which other sector will Suning and SAP cooperate?

Suning and SAP will also cooperate in the sports sector. They aim to establish a digitalised platform for Chinese football clubs and youth training systems, supporting the sport's development in China.

What was the value of German brand sales on Suning's platform last year?

Last year, sales of German brands on the Chinese e-commerce platform reached 1.5 billion euros. Suning currently offers about 1,000 different types of German products on its overseas shopping platform.

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