McDonald’s China has opened 300 new stores during the last year, pressing ahead with an expansion strategy tied to deals with property developers.

The company has signed contracts with Country Garden and Evergrande Group, giving it access to more locations in new retail centres.

And the company has also invested in digital technology with more than 75 per cent of its stores now offering kiosk ordering and payment facilities for customers. Using touchscreens, customers can select their purchases and pay by electronic means before collecting their food from a counter.

McDonald’s China is also eyeing further expansion into tier 3 and 4 cities. By 2020, about 45 per cent of its anticipated 4500 outlets will be lower-tier locations.

Inside Retail Asia