Alibaba Diverts from New Retail Push in Strategy Reckoning

As part of a sweeping business revamp to rebuild growth, Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. has been dialing back its “new retail” push, sparking speculation that its offline retail businesses such as Freshippo and RT-Mart might be put up for sale.

While emphasizing its focus on its core e-commerce and cloud computing businesses, Alibaba’s leadership has signaled an intent to shed marginal assets.