Suning Chairman Tours IFA 2017, Touts Smart Retail and Expanding Global Supply Chain

As one of the leading retail commerce platform both online and offline and IFA's premier partner in China, Suning introduces cutting-edge technologies and products, and supports innovation in home appliances and intelligent electronics around the world through its participation in IFA and its co-organizing of Consumer Electronics China, a global IFA event.

"There is an increasing appetite for high quality products and experience among Chinese consumers, as China is going through a 'consumption upgrading' right now. By partnering with events like IFA, Suning is working to introduce more global brands to Chinese customers," said Zhang during a conversation with Dr. Christian Goke, CEO of Messe Berlin Group and Mr. Jens Heithecker, IFA Executive Director and Senior Vice President of Messe Berlin Group.

Zhang also highlighted the "Smart Retail" business model that has been adopted by Suning which allows businesses to analyze data on consumer behavior and design tailor-made intelligent products and services. With this business model, Suning has brought a wide array of international brands to China. The retail giant is now a "gateway" to the Chinese market with its massive market share and impact.

In an effort to find ways to better improve and implement the "Smart Retail" model, Zhang has been paying attention to AI and Internet of Things technologies from IBM, Microsoft and Amazon. Suning is also working on forging a partnership with Amazon to integrate its Alexa voice technology into its own "Smart Living" system. In addition, Zhang has visited Suning's partnered brands' booths including BOSCH, Siemens, Samsung, and etc. He has also been impressed by the various high-end trendy home appliances that would improve consumers' quality living experience presented by Philips and De'Longhi.

Zhang's trip to Berlin also includes an appearance at the 50^th Anniversary Ceremony of BSH Home Appliances Group, the largest manufacturer in the sector in Europe, as invited by the Chairman and CEO Karsten Ottenberg. Suning is BSH's largest retail channel in Greater China. At the ceremony, the two signed a deal of 8 billion US dollars on a range of projects including products customizing and exploring new markets outside major cities, to further expand Suning's global supply chain.

Besides introducing global brands to China, Suning also helps Chinese home appliance companies expand into the international market. During the trade fair, Suning has provided solutions for companies and promoted their products on various platforms.

Zhang said, "While we are excited to bring more global brands to Chinese customers, we are also glad to see more Chinese brands as Haier, HUAWEI, Lenovo, Hisense, Midea and TCL appearing on the global stage at IFA. Suning will support them and build them into global brands, and eventually help forge a smarter and more convenient lifestyle for our consumers."

About Suning Holdings Group

Founded in 1990, Suning is one of the leading commercial enterprises in China with 180,000 employees and two listed companies in China and Japan. In 2016, with annual revenue of US$51.27 billion (350.288 billion RMB), Suning Holdings Group ranks as second of all non-state owned enterprises in China. With the mission of "Leading Industrial Advancement and Creating a Higher Quality of Life for All", Suning strives to continue its rapid growth across six vertical industries including Retail, Real Estate, Financial Services, Media and Entertainment, Sports and Investment.

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