Exploring the JD Electronics Super Experience Store in Hefei
Recently, I heard that JD’s second global electronics super experience store opened, and it’s right here in Hefei. After a quick search on the map, I found it’s not too far away, just five subway stops or about a ten-minute bike ride.
Exiting the subway, from a distance, you can see a giant “JD Dog” (JD’s mascot, a dog, colloquially called “Dog East”) “climbing” the glass walls of the store. Since it’s still in its trial operation phase, you can spot some construction ongoing. Fortunately, the inside of the store is almost fully operational.
The superstore spans six floors, with five above ground and one below. The five floors above ground are operated by JD, while the basement houses the Bai Da-operated Hejiafu Supermarket, presumably for shoppers who might want to grab a bite after browsing.
Upon entering the lobby, the first thing that catches your eye is the expansive JD Apple Authorized Store and other smartphone brand stores. It seems the first floor is dedicated to mobile-related exhibits. The Apple Store is the busiest, crowded with customers around the display counter. I also checked out the newly released M1 chip-equipped colorful iMac. Honestly, the iMac’s screen bezel is too big for my liking, and I really can’t stand Apple’s Magic Mouse; its flat design is simply counterintuitive compared to Apple’s touchpad, which completely outclasses it.
Besides Apple, Xiaomi’s booth is bustling too. However, the camera module on the new Mi 11 Ultra protrudes quite a bit. Isn’t there a risk of it getting scratched by keys in your pocket? And with a case, this phone really does weigh a ton – a true “Mi Half Jin.”
Xiaomi’s Mix Fold also looks too much like the first generation Samsung Galaxy Fold. I’m seriously doubting if Xiaomi just bought Samsung’s solution. And the aspect ratio of the external screen is hard to accept; it’s like the Mi Home AI Speaker Ultimate Edition phone…
Huawei’s booth, as usual, keeps a clean and simple style.
Apart from mobile phones, a small section on the first floor showcases cameras, music players, drones, etc. However, Sony’s booth seems a bit too small (seems like there’s another Sony TV booth on the fifth floor, wonder if it’s the same company?).
This visit was mainly focused on the first floor, with brief walks through the other levels. The second floor features computer brands’ authorized stores and booths; the third floor is dominated by small smart home appliances and massage chairs; the fourth floor is home to water heaters, air conditioners, and refrigerators; the fifth floor showcases a dazzling competition among TV manufacturers. However, Sony, Samsung, and LG are truly dominant, showing that domestic display panels still have a long way to go.
PS: Location of the JD Electronics Super Experience Store in Hefei => Intersection of Qianshan Road and Wangjiang Road, Ganghui Plaza (right off Honggang Station on Metro Line 3)