Robots are whizzing around and sorting out packages at Chinese e-commerce giant JD's warehouse, ahead of the Singles’ Day consumer marathon that dwarfs the US Black Friday phenomenon. Everything from jewellery and video games to furniture and food was sold on the country's biggest e-commerce platforms run by tech titans Alibaba and JD.com. Conceived in 2009 by Alibaba as an antidote to Valentine's Day, the event falls on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, and was meant to be an occasion for individuals to treat themselves to something new. But it has expanded to encompass much of China's entire retail sector, including traditional bricks-and-mortar stores, which also offer Singles' Day promotions. STOCKSHOTS Chinese e-commerce giant JD's warehouse