JD Owner Cheered On Suqian’s 2-0 Victory Over Huai’an, Dancing After Goals

CNBC AI News, August 31st – The Jiangsu Provincial City Football League saw its tenth round of play recently, with Suqian playing host to Huai’an.

In a surprising twist, and according to videos circulating online from fans, JD.com founder Richard Liu (Liu Qiangdong) made an appearance at the match, beer in hand, to cheer on the Suqian team. The tech mogul’s presence added an unexpected layer of excitement to the local sporting event.

Suqian ultimately triumphed, securing a 2-0 victory over Huai’an.

Footage shows Liu exuberantly celebrating a Suqian goal, raising his arms in the air and even moving to the rhythm of the stadium music. His enthusiasm underscored his support for the team. This isn’t just a casual interest; it signals a deeper commitment to the region.

As previously reported, JD.com became an official strategic partner and top-tier sponsor of the Jiangsu Provincial Super League (of which Suqian is a part) back in June. This move signifies JD.com’s investment in local community initiatives and sports development.

Liu’s appearance at the football match coincides with the grand opening of four JD Discount Supermarkets in Suqian. This strategic alignment demonstrates not only his personal connection to his hometown, but also the company’s business strategy, intertwining community engagement with commercial expansion.

Adding to the grassroots feel, reports surfaced of Liu mingling with locals at a night market on August 30th, sharing drinks and posing for photos. This down-to-earth behavior contrasts with the often-distant image of tech executives and speaks volumes about his approach to public relations and community ties.

The four JD Discount Supermarket locations – Sucheng Xiwangcheng, Shuyang Central Shopping Mall, Sihong Wuyue Plaza, and Siyang Yangguangli – simultaneously opened their doors on the same day as both events. These openings represent both a financial opportunity and represent providing jobs to residents, demonstrating the company’s commitment to the region’s economy.

JD Discount Supermarkets operate on a “large store, multi-SKU” model, leveraging JD.com’s robust supply chain to offer a wide range of products, from daily necessities to fresh produce, packaged goods, and beverages. This positions them differently from traditional discount retailers, aiming to provide both value and variety to consumers.