In China, Costco, Sam's Club make play for thrifty shoppers

Membership-based chains hang on to customers with low prices, free samples

20240419N China Sams Club

A Sam's Club in Shenzhen: U.S. retail giant Walmart is the pioneer in the membership warehouse supermarket segment in China. (Photo by Kohei Fujimura)

KOHEI FUJIMURA, Nikkei staff writer

DALIAN, China -- Membership-based warehouse supermarket chains such as U.S.-based Costco and Sam's Club are growing in China, touting a different shopping experience and product lineup from conventional supermarkets and online retailers. Their low prices also resonate with thrifty Chinese consumers, who have developed hoarding habits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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