JD invests in luxury e-commerce firm Secoo

Chinese e-commerce giant JD said Tuesday it will continue to expand its presence in the fashion and luxury market with an investment in Nasdaq-listed Secoo Holding Ltd, a major player in Asia's online luxury market.

Secoo announced Monday a $175 million investment from L Catterton Asia, the Asian unit of the largest and most global consumer-focused private equity firm in the world, and JD.

"This partnership will help us enhance our luxury capabilities and provide the best possible luxury shopping experience to consumers in China," said Hu Shengli, president of JD Fashion & Lifestyle.

"Chinese consumers are increasingly discerning about their luxury purchases, demanding more variety and choice than ever. As we look to continue to meet this demand, we see many potential areas for future collaboration with Secoo," Hu said.

JD has made a big push into luxury, launching Toplife, its independent luxury e-flagship platform last year. The company aims to continue to add brands to the platform, and explore other ways to increase its traction among China's growing luxury consumer base.

It has grown its reach into different segments of the apparel market through its own JD Fashion offer and partnerships with Vipshop, Mogu Street and Meili, and into the luxury market with the launch of Toplife and investments in Farfetch and Secoo.

Richard Li, chairman and chief executive officer of Secoo, said by establishing relationships with leading partners in the consumer, luxury goods and e-commerce spaces, Secoo is poised to gain invaluable name recognition and further boost the company's reputation in the international luxury consumer space.

"Through this partnership, Secoo will be able to leverage L Catterton and JD's operational expertise and vast resources to expand and deepen our market presence not only in China, but across the globe," Li added.

Launched in 2008, Secoo provides customers a wide selection of authentic upscale products and lifestyle services on the company's integrated online and offline shopping platform, covering over 3,000 global and domestic brands.