Nǐ Hǎo, Explorers!
Today, we’re diving into the world of Costco China — a store that feels familiar, yet is quite unique in its own way!
In this post, you’ll take a virtual walk through the store to see how Costco’s familiar warehouse layout has been specially adapted for the Chinese market
We’ll highlight some key features along the way — and for the full immersive experience, don’t miss the high-definition video tour at the end
Ready? Let’s discover it!
Entrance Deals: Full Chinese New Year Takeover
As it was close to Chinese New Year (CNY), the entrance zone was in full festive takeover — only CNY deals, nothing else! Usually, Costco loves to mix themes here — not this time
The mix featured Western brands like Lay’s in dragon-themed gift boxes, alongside Chinese classics like cookie sets, spice packs, sausage boxes, and more — all perfectly packed for gift giving, a key part of local tradition
Click on photos for best experience
Electronics: Not so local!
The electronics section at Costco China feels just like what you’d find in a Costco in the U.S. or Overseas. Surprisingly for China, this section featured almost no many Chinese brands!
A classical main feature is the familiar Apple tables, showing off MacBooks, iPads, and iPhones as the stars of the displays. There is no special spotlight on local Chinese brands like Huawei, Xiaomi, or Lenovo
In TVs, the shelves and displays are filled with familiar names like the Japanese Sony, Sharp, Korean Samsung, as well as the European Philips. but no Chinese Hisense, Haier, or TCL, which are in local stores and Walmart China
Similar vibe in the home appliances area — Strong presence of Japanese brands—Sharp, Panasonic, Hitachi, Daikin—with Casarte, a Chinese premium brand designed with an Italian-inspired image, also in the spotlight
Only a handful of small gadgets came from local brands, such as Insta action cameras from Shenzhen — City where this store is located!
While in Costco Korea, there is a strong push of local brands
As we move away from the electronics section and enter the store’s first main aisle
First there is the landmark Jewelry Box – what is quite interesting here – it is not branded with the eshop or other message, as they usually do
An important feature of Costco Asia and China China: live product demos.To support product on end cap deal, shoppers are greeted by a De’Longhi coffee machine demo
Home Section: Familiar Vibes, Unique Touches
The home section at Costco China feels mostly Westernized in style and product range. Something amusing is the fine bone china – a nod to the country’s deep ceramic heritage
Alongside this, traditional kitchen essentials like woks are displayed
Adding to the mix are mugs and cups with a Western artistic flair
To see this section more in details, check out our video linked at the end of this post
What’s interesting in the cleaning products is highlighted brands are mainly Western. Only adaptation is the packaging includes Chinese language where needed
What’s very helpful in China is that most signs, whether in stores or around the city, are bilingual — making everyday life easier for visitors
As we move further into the store, another Western product demo catches the eye—this time from 3M, showcasing a wide range of their water purifiers
Fresh Section: Into Familiar Territory – Except for…
Once past the non-food aisles, we step into the store’s expansive fresh zone—produce, meat, fish, and deli—which, at first glance, feels just like any other Costco around the world
The journey begins with the fresh produce and its chilled fridge, where fruits and vegetables are stacked high in true Costco bulk style
With Chinese New Year approaching, you’ll find dedicated seasonal products like the ever-popular gift oranges, alongside Driscoll’s berry boxes
On the way to the protein section, shoppers pass by the bakery, that is focusing on baguettes and other breads, products not typically part of the daily Chinese food routine
Protein Section: A Very Local Experience Awaits
Entering the protein section, overall quite standard compared to other Costco’s worldwide
In the meat area, for example, products are USDA beef and pork cuts, with no particular adaptation to local tastes—very much the same as in other Costcos
The fish section is also familiar, offering a wide variety of pre-packed seafood, including sushi and sashimi sets. Nothing here feels radically different
EXCEPT! for the LIVE SEAFOOD TANKS – something unique to Costco in China
Click on photos for best experience
Another noteworthy difference is in the poultry section. Shoppers can buy every part of the chicken or duck—even the feet, which are considered a delicacy in China
There is also a Costco staple: the rotisserie. With classic whole chicken as well as spicy chicken wings
To get an idea of the price of rotisserie chicken 💵 ¥39.80 ≈ 5.15 EUR/USD
In Costco Taiwan, it is NT$189 ≈ 5.35 EUR/USD
The deli section follows and strikes an interesting balance between the familiar and the specific.
It’s cleverly arranged in two parts: on one side, a long refrigerated display continues seamlessly from the meat and fish fridges,
offering ready-to-eat meals, salads, and sandwiches—products you can find in any Costco worldwide
Click on photos for best experience
Right next to these, you’ll also spot meal sets that are clearly tailored to local tastes
Opposite this, standalone fridges showcase a selection of deli products from around the world, mixing well-known international brands with some local Chinese specialties
Beyond Fresh: Pantry, Pets & Pour Decisions
At this point, we reach a kind of crossroad in the store, where there is first the dairy and egg fridge. Here, it’s a very classic setup with some more local products but nothing very exceptional
Right after the fridge, there is the pet food section. Here, you can find some very interesting products, International, Korean and Local
Next up, the beverage section, which we passed through quickly — and which you can discover more extensively in the video below — it offers a nice mix of local and international brands
One interesting highlight is the Coca-Cola box sets specially made for Chinese New Year: a festive pack of 15 cans (330 ml each), perfectly suited for gift giving, an important tradition during the season
Right after comes the alcohol section – worth noting the presence of a wide selection of good wines, including the American brand Decoy
💵 ¥175.90 ≈ 23.00 EUR/USD
Also in the section : Imported beers include Belgian Duvel in a CNY edition pack
A more spectacular feature for China is the display of Moutai, the famous and highly valued local spirit, which is kept safely in a security box
Most Expensive item here: 💵 ¥7,988.90 ≈ 1,050 EUR/USD
Selling premium items such as Moutai, Hermes designer bags, and even gold – is an important part of Costco’s China differentiation strategy
Now we enter the main groceries area, featuring a special event zone for Chinese New Year products, along with the freezers and the regular grocery shelves
The freezers offer a well-balanced mix of local specialties and international favorites
Next up, the grocery section stretches across a couple of aisles
Showcasing a strong selection of international products like Heinz, French mustard, Bonne Maman, Nutella—with a dedicated demo—and Spam
Noodles are, of course, popular in China, and what’s quite surprising is that pasta are quite popular too. The main imported brand is Garofalo, Not powerhouses Barilla or De Cecco
Local Ready-to-cook pasta meal sets are quite popular – next to fun Noodles sets
Additionally, you’ll find unique items like Borsch
Demos: The Costco Experience, Made Local
What’s impressive in the food section are the huge demos taking place
Snack Section: Meet Chinese Favorites
The snacking section is another key area for Costco, occupying significant space beyond the typical food aisles. This section features a large variety of international snacks
They sit alongside a rich selection of local Chinese brands, making us feel more in China than in most other part of the store
Center-Store Focus: Seasonal Finds and Clothing
In the central area, the first part is the in-and-outs section – it currently focuses on toys, as the weather still limits outdoor product promotions
The toy selection is mainly Western – Japanese, featuring popular brands like Lego, Paw Patrol, Jurassic Park, and Astro Boy
The clothing area is quite spacious with a strong presence of Western-style products
You will find a Costco Landmark, the Levi’s jeans
💵 ¥349.90 ≈ 45.49 EUR/USD
What’s quite interesting here — and something not often seen in other Costcos — is that they display product samples, allowing customers to see, touch, and feel items, especially in the underwear section
In China, for CNY, there will be some dedicated themed clothes
Health & Beauty: A Showcase of Variety and Detail
As we near the end of the store, the health and beauty section stands out. The product assortment is a great mix of Japanese, Korean, local Chinese, and international brands
What’s especially unique here is the consistent use of showcases next to products — small displays that reveal what’s inside the box and how the product looks
In this section, you’ll also find bestsellers and international brands like Pampers. What’s interesting is that the packaging is adapted to local standards — truly same same but different
They also offer hearing aids and an optical center, similar in style to those found in other countries
Chinese New Year: Grand Celebration at Costco
CNY is the biggest retail event of the year in China, and Costco goes all out for it.
As we’ve seen throughout the store, you’ll find festive products everywhere
A wide range of local and international products specially curated for the occasion
Click on photos for best experience
One interesting feature is their same-day delivery service, prominently highlighted with a dedicated pallet—something rarely seen so clearly showcased in other countries
One of the Costco landmarks we find again in this store is the flower display
Filled with beautiful flowers, it may not be as creative as the one in Taiwan, but it’s really well done — a great happy ending before checking out
Checkout with a Distinct Asian Touch
The checkout area is quite large and efficient, and what really stands out is a hallmark of Costco stores in Asia — the walls behind the counters are filled with vibrant ads
It extends beyond the checkout, at the store entrance and exit
The Food Court: Not So Different
The menu mostly features Western, Korean, and Japanese dishes, with very few authentic chinese specialties
Hot Dog 🌭 💵 ¥10.9 ≈ 1.42 EUR/USD
Membership: A Simple Choice
One membership option: the Gold Star for ¥299
💵 ¥299 ≈ 38.90 EUR/USD
In America: Gold Star membership costs $65 annually – 66% more expensive!
Conclusion: Same Same And Not So Different
At the end of the day, even with some differences here and there, you will for sure agree that the cultural shock at this Costco is much less intense than expected
especially if you compare it to RT-Mart or Walmart in China
You can find the full store tour in the YouTube video below — a great way to experience this beautiful Costco China store vibe in 4k resolution
Shanghai Address: Costco Shenzhen
Minda Road #68, Longhua, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
Opening Hours: 9AM to 9 PM
Click here for Apple Maps link (Google Maps is not working well in China…)
Thank you very much for your interest in this store
We really hope you enjoyed this post and video, and that it inspires you
Please feel free to share any feedback in the comments or to reach out to us directly in case of questions
Have a wonderful time 😁
The WizArno Team
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