The new Costco store in Shanghai, the first one in China, had to close its doors when it opened last week after too many customers arrived at the grand opening event. Videos on social media show customers fighting over meat and other products at the new store.
"So many of the American articles I've seen written in advance of the opening asked the question if Costco and the bulk buying market can survive in China. I was shocked by the turn out on opening day today. It was 99 percent Chinese locals. Western faces were few and far between,” Natalie Judd, a local Costco member, told Business Insider.
While the store’s food court was serving up favorites from its U.S. Costco stores – including hot dogs – the club store was also selling food that matched local tastes.
A seafood pizza featuring mini shrimp and other items is included on the food court’s menu, as well as mango soft serve and coconut smoothies, according to Business Insider.
Fresh and frozen seafood – including wild Alaskan salmon and king crab legs – are big sellers at Costco’s U.S. stores, and are expected to be also featured in the Shanghai store.
Costco has had an aggressive sustainable seafood policy in place since 2011.
