Hema grocery stores team up with property operators

Hema Fresh, the prototype supermarket of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd's New Retail concept, is teaming up with 13 commercial property developers in China to boost its presence in local neighborhoods and communities.

The data-driven food chain pledged to help digitalize the commercial infrastructure for leading developers, such as Evergrande Group, Country Garden and Intime.

The deal will include synchronizing membership systems, hosting local community activities and providing other real estate-related, value-added services, the parties announced at an event in Shanghai, without disclosing details.