Amazon rival JD.com expands into Spain with seven shops in the Canaries
The world of online shopping in Europe is set for a major shake-up as Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com, often dubbed the “Chinese Amazon,” makes its entry into the market. The company has secured a strong foothold by purchasing a majority stake in Ceconomy, the German parent company of Mediamarkt, in a deal worth around €2.5 billion.
JD.com is the second-largest online retailer in China, after Alibaba, and is well known for its vast catalogue ranging from electronics and fashion to food and household goods.
The deal gives the company access to Mediamarkt’s 1,000 shops across Europe.
MediaMarkt currently operates seven stores across the Canary Islands, with outlets in Las Palmas and Telde in Gran Canaria, Santa Cruz in Tenerife, Arrecife in Lanzarote, and an additional presence on Fuerteventura. Together they form part of JD.com’s new network of 112 shops in Spain.
Unlike Amazon, which has no physical stores, JD.com will be able to offer customers a combined service of online shopping with in-store collection, product testing, and personalised customer care. The strategy also strengthens the company’s promise of ultra-fast delivery, often within 24 hours, by using an already established and trusted European brand.
JD.com’s CEO, Sandy Xu, said the aim was to “create the next-generation consumer electronics platform in Europe.” The move also reinforces the company’s hybrid model that integrates digital sales with physical retail under one global network.
Industry experts believe it is too early to measure the full impact of the takeover, but agree that it marks a turning point for e-commerce in Europe. The Canary Islands will not be left behind, despite the added complexity of customs procedures that often affect online shopping. Large international firms have successfully overcome these barriers, and the local market is seen as having strong growth potential.
One of the Islands’ advantages is the IGIC tax system, which exempts products valued at up to €150 from additional charges, making online purchases even more attractive to consumers.
Another strength of JD.com lies in its advanced logistics network. Unlike many competitors, the company manages the entire process directly, using drones, driverless vehicles, and artificial intelligence to predict demand and optimise stock management.
With the seven Mediamarkt stores in the Canary Islands now part of JD.com’s network, shoppers can expect more choice and faster delivery, while Europe braces for a new phase of competition in online retail.
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