Walmart(US:WMT) Bei Jing Shang Bao·2026-02-02 23:45Core Insights - Metro China has appointed former Walmart China executive, Wenda, as a consultant starting February 2026, aiming to enhance its competitive position in the membership supermarket sector [4][5] - The appointment comes amid a challenging environment for membership supermarkets in China, with ongoing debates about their market strategies and consumer trust [4][8] Group 1: Company Strategy - Metro China has identified the development of private labels as a key strategic focus [3][11] - The company aims to transition from a channel-focused approach to a supply-side strategy, requiring new team support to enhance its market position [11][13] - Metro China's supply chain company plans to use IPO funds to strengthen supply chain capabilities and develop differentiated products [11][13] Group 2: Market Context - The membership supermarket sector in China is experiencing intense competition, with significant changes in consumer expectations and trust issues, particularly highlighted by recent controversies at Sam's Club [8][10] - Sam's Club has faced backlash from members due to changes in product offerings, which has led to a perceived decline in the value of membership [8][10] - The retail industry expert suggests that foreign executives can help Metro China integrate international supply chain resources and enhance its digital and global strategies [7][10] Group 3: Consumer Engagement - Metro China is shifting its marketing model from traditional promotions to value-driven marketing, focusing on enhancing in-store experiences to improve member engagement and conversion rates [11][13] - The company is encouraged to collaborate with factories to create differentiated products and streamline its SKU offerings to focus on high-demand categories [13]