(Yicai Global) Nov. 21 -- Chinese alcoholic beverage giant Wuliangye Yibin Co. [SHE:000858] has entered the New Retail sector with the start of trial operations at smart shops in six cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu, Jiemian News reported yesterday.

Wuliangye e-stores integrate intelligent terminals through the use of application of big data. They consist of the combination of physical stores and a mobile app, allowing customers to place orders online for delivery from nearby stores.

The firm will also build a system to manage big data information, so as to integrate third-party supply chain resources and improve marketing functions. Wuliangye will also introduce intelligent services like facial recognition and automatic vending in the future.  

Main products at Wuliangye's e-stores include the company's famous liquor and red wine, as well as other renowned domestic and international brands such as popular Australian wine brands, Treasury and Penfolds. The shops will also stock products from global wine behemoth Diageo Plc. [LSE:DGE; NYSE:DEO].

The development is not the first time that Wuliangye has attempted to enter New Retail. The firm formed a partnership with Chinese e-commerce platform Suning Commerce Group Co. [SHE:002024] in June this year for the introduction of a joint offline O2O experience store providing the home delivery services for users ordering through Suning's website.