The inaugural venture of the U.S.-based bulk-buy retailer, Costco Wholesale Corp., into South China is set to make its debut with the opening of the Costco Wholesale Shenzhen Warehouse in Minzhi Subdistrict, Longhua District on Jan. 12.

Guests from Costco Wholesale Corporation pose for a group photo at a news conference of the opening of the Costco Wholesale Shenzhen Warehouse in Longhua District on Jan. 4. Photos by Wang Haolan

The cargo offloading area of Costco Wholesale Shenzhen Warehouse in Longhua District. 

This membership-only, four-story big-box warehouse club spans a total construction area of 44,500 square meters, with a shopping area covering 15,000 square meters. The complex will feature around 4,000 brand-name products sourced from both domestic and international suppliers, including fresh meat, fish, groceries, deli items, bakery goods, frozen foods, liquor, snacks, toys, household appliances, housewares, hardware, apparel, jewelry, and cosmetics. Costco’s private label lines, such as Kirkland Signature, will also be available at competitive prices.

A journalist representing a media outlet in Hong Kong introduces a giant plush toy of Lotso, which is a pink, strawberry-scented teddy bear character from the Pixar film “Toy Story 3,” for her personal vlog during a media tour to the Costco Wholesale Shenzhen Warehouse in Minzhi Subdistrict, Longhua District, on Jan. 4.

“The Shenzhen warehouse is designed and arranged under Costco’s trademark guidelines, aiming to give customers authentic in-store experience,” Prudence Jang, country manager of Costco China, said. “At the same time, we attach emphasis on showcasing regional specialties and catering to local preferences by selecting locally sourced fresh meat, vegetables, and processed food.”

A view of a diverse array of snacks at the Costco store.

Customers will have the opportunity to indulge in Costco’s distinctive culinary experience at the store, thanks to the presence of signature live cooking and sampling stations set up throughout the premises. These stations are designed to tantalize the taste buds, offering a diverse array of samples, including fruits, snacks, beverages, prepared foods, and desserts. Complementing the shopping experience, the store boasts additional support facilities such as a tire maintenance center, an optometrist shop, and a hearing aid center. The services offered are member-only and free of charge.

A staffer prepares food at a sampling station in the store.

Membership for individuals aged 18 and above is available for 299 yuan (US$42.11) per year, inclusive of a complimentary household card. Before the official opening of the Shenzhen warehouse Jan. 12, a special offer of a 100-yuan discount is available. The membership is valid at any Costco warehouse worldwide.

“Tapping into Shenzhen’s local market marks a significant stride in implementing Costco’s development strategy in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area,” Jang noted. “The establishment of the Shenzhen warehouse is the result of a win-win collaboration between the corporation and the Longhua District Government. Shenzhen, with its globally minded citizens, provides a promising landscape for our multinational endeavors.”

A staffer shows Chinese bakery on sale.

Costco opened its first outlet on the Chinese mainland in Shanghai’s Minhang District in 2019. Following the Shenzhen warehouse, which stands as the sixth Costco outlet on the mainland, Costco’s expansion will continue with the opening of a warehouse equipped with a gasoline station in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province by mid-2024.

Founded in 1976, Costco currently operates over 850 warehouses in 14 regions across the globe and boasts a membership base of more than 100 million members.