(Yicai Global) Oct. 23 -- Chinese e-commerce stalwart Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. [NYSE:BABA] will has unveiled its 1688 Super Stores, which provide digital infrastructure and services for corporate procurement. The first 12 such stores will include many well-known distributors.

The 1688 Super Stores are positioned to provide digital infrastructure and services for the procurement of industrial products, such as customized packaging, electronic components and maintenance, repairs and operations.

Problems within traditional procurement include a lack of centralization, a low repurchase rate, low industry standardization and a lack of price transparency. Previously, small- and medium-sized enterprises found it difficult to obtain support from large-scale purchasing agents, keeping sourcing, procurement and aftersales costs high.

"The Super Stores integrate a batch of well-known professional goods grouping agents," said Chen Yiming, general manager of Alibaba's non-consumer goods division in China. "This enables corporate customers to quickly find sellers that can provide the services they need." Customers make requests and select their ideal agent, who will negotiate with suppliers and help the customer purchase what they need.

The first batch of 12 stores include professional maintenance, repair and operation distributors Grainger China Industrial Products Sales Co., Zhenkunhang Industrial Supermarket Shanghai Co., Linyi Xinminghui Safety Technology Co., and well-known vertical businesses, such as the world's third largest electronic components distributor, Future Electronics Inc.