UPS plans retail stores in Shanghai

UPS plans to open three retail stores in Shanghai this summer, its first locations in China, theShanghai Daily has reported. The US parcels firm has meanwhile announced a new marketing alliance

Two of the UPS Express Centers will be in the downtown area and the third in the Pudong businessdistrict, the newspaper said, citing Richard Loi, senior vice president of UPS Asia PacificRegion’s China District. The company is also apparently planning to open stores near hotels anduniversities in the future. The storefront strategy will allow UPS to court small and medium-sizeclients in China, where in the past the company focused on larger customers.

Earlier this month, UPS announced the start of five weekly MD-11F flights from Shanghai toCologne and three more flights connecting Shanghai to the USA. UPS, which increased its Chinaexport volumes by 50% last year, will open a new China air hub in Shanghai next year. UPS Chinacurrently operates 75 facilities, deploys more than 1,400 vehicles and employs more than 4,000people.

Meanwhile, UPS and Hong Kong Disneyland have announced an alliance making UPS the OfficialExpress Delivery Sponsor of Hong Kong Disneyland. Visitors to the theme park will be able to havetheir souvenirs and gifts shipped home or to other addresses from a UPS outlet in the park and atnearby hotels. The two organisations will also develop joint marketing initiatives in mainlandChina, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.