Alibaba extends its push into bricks-and-mortar retail partnering with supermarket giant Bailian Group

Ecommerce giant Alibaba has signed a strategic partnership with supermarket operator Bailian Group as it seeks to merge online and offline retail. 
The deal will integrate Alibaba’s almost 500 million active users with Bailian Group’s 4,700 supermarkets, convenience stores and pharmacies across China. 
The two retail giants will leverage consumer data to integrate offline stores, merchandise, logistics and payment tools in a bid to create a better shopping experience f