Tmall Global launches duty-free platform
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Alibaba’s Tmall Global is to launching a prepaid duty-free service for Chinese travellers going abroad in the hopes of boosting international eCommerce opportunities.
Under the World Duty Free service, Chinese travellers can buy prepaid cards online before they go abroad, then purchase items from duty-free shops in the country they’re visiting. Tmall said the service will eventually allow customers to buy specific duty-free products online and pick them up at the airport.
The service will launch with Thailand’s King Power duty free monopoly.
Duty-free companies in South Korea, Japan and Europe are working with Tmall to open storefronts on the platform, Tmall says.
“Cross-border e-commerce has great potential in China and Tmall Global will continue to help brands and retailers sell into China through innovative solutions, at the same time providing Chinese consumers a wide variety of product choice,” Tmall Global head Maggie Wu said in a release.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the primary aim of Tmall Global's new duty-free service?
What is the primary aim of Tmall Global's new duty-free service?
The service aims to boost international eCommerce opportunities for Chinese travellers. It allows them to buy prepaid cards online before their trip, which they can then use to purchase items from duty-free shops in their destination country.
Q.How will the World Duty Free service function in the future?
How will the World Duty Free service function in the future?
Tmall expects that customers will eventually be able to purchase specific duty-free products directly online through the service. These pre-ordered items can then be collected by the traveller at the airport before their departure.
Q.Which duty-free operator is partnering with Tmall Global for the launch?
Which duty-free operator is partnering with Tmall Global for the launch?
The service will initially launch in collaboration with Thailand’s King Power, which holds a duty-free monopoly in that country. Other duty-free companies are also working to join the platform.
Q.Which regions are seeing duty-free companies open storefronts on Tmall Global?
Which regions are seeing duty-free companies open storefronts on Tmall Global?
Duty-free businesses from South Korea, Japan, and various European countries are currently collaborating with Tmall Global. They are in the process of establishing their storefronts on the new platform.
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