In big
box retail, Alibaba recently announced a $ 2.9 billion investment in China's second - largest hypermarket, Sun Art Retail; in the
medium - sized sector, Alibaba has invested in the Sanjiang supermarket
chain; and in small retail, Alibaba is aligning with Lianhua's Quik convenience stores.
Given the profile of its target customers, P.L.A.Y.'s products are a natural fit for specialty boutiques and small to
medium - sized higher - end
chain retailers looking to differentiate themselves from big
box stores.