TMTPOST — JD.com Inc. is set to open its first batch of large-format discount supermarkets this August, marking a significant expansion of its offline retail strategy aimed at China's lower-tier cities. The e-commerce giant will open five JD Discount Supermarket stores simultaneously across Suqian in Jiangsu province and Zhuozhou in Hebei province, the company announced Monday. Unlike existing discount store formats in China—typically characterized by small footprints and limited product selections—JD.com plans to leverage its supply chain strength to operate larger stores with a broad product assortment. The flagship Zhuozhou store will span 5,000 square meters and offer over 5,000 high-value daily essentials, with prices set below prevailing market rates, JD.com said.