A consumer carries a boxed item after shopping at a Costco store in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, on March 22. CHENG XIN/GETTY IMAGES
Costco Wholesale Corp is accelerating its digital expansion in China, deepening competition with Walmart Inc's fast-growing Sam's Club as the US warehouse retailer seeks to broaden its reach beyond a limited store network.
The company recently launched its first official flagship store on JD, marking its first partnership with a major Chinese e-commerce platform. The online storefront offers direct-operated merchandise with products aligned with Costco's warehouse clubs.
The launch also introduces Costco's membership-based pricing model to a broader online audience. Active members receive the same prices available in physical stores, while non-members pay roughly 20 percent more.
Its Kirkland Signature 140 pacs (2.52 kilograms) UltraClean laundry detergent, for example, sells for 89.9 yuan ($13.29) to members versus 109.80 yuan for non-members.
