Core Viewpoint - Costco's recent launch of its city-wide delivery service has led to disappointment among members, highlighting issues with delivery speed, food quality, and customer service compared to competitors like Sam's Club [1][2][6] Delivery Service Experience - Members have reported slow delivery times, with some orders taking up to half a day to arrive, and inadequate packaging for perishable items, leading to food spoilage [1][5] - Costco's delivery options include "immediate delivery" and "scheduled delivery," both costing 20 yuan, which some members find unappealing given competitors' free or faster delivery services [5][6] Comparison with Competitors - Sam's Club has established a more efficient delivery system, having partnered with strong local partners and offering a "1-hour express delivery" service since 2018, which has contributed to its competitive edge [4][7] - Other competitors like Hema and Dingdong have also successfully implemented superior delivery services, reshaping consumer shopping habits [4][7] Challenges in E-commerce Strategy - Costco's e-commerce strategy has been slow to develop, relying initially on third-party services and only recently moving towards self-operated delivery systems [3][6] - The company currently lacks a dedicated customer service platform for e-commerce, leading to confusion and dissatisfaction among members regarding order fulfillment and returns [3][6] Market Position and Future Outlook - With only seven stores in China, Costco faces high delivery costs, which is reflected in its pricing strategy for delivery services [7] - The company needs to adopt more effective e-commerce practices and learn from local competitors to improve its market position and member satisfaction [7]

不少会员在试用 Costco 近期上线的全城配服务后，流露出失望的情绪。 "上海最快只能半日达，中午11点半下单，下午6点才送到，地图上看配送来回倒腾，最近这么晒的天气，袋子里甚至没有冰袋，我的冻虾已经发红了， 这不是在糟蹋食物吗？"家住长宁、碰上堵车开了1个多小时到达 Costco 上海闵行店的 Alice 准备找店员理论。 会员对 Costco 的信任，因缺失的冰袋和保温箱而有部分流失。 作者 | 彭倩 编辑 | 乔芊 "Costco 全城配是来劝退会员的吗？" 她发现，走进这家 Costco 中国内地的线下首店，看不到任何与配送服务相关的信息，哪怕大老远跑来门店向线下店员咨询情况，对方的回复则是：不 是一套系统，不太清楚线上的事情。但线上客服并未告知如何退货，售后退货的问题一时卡在原地。 对比之下，山姆的服务显得省心许多。上周五，她照例在下班前购买了一次山姆的冻品，"极速达"送到家门口只花费了1个小时，下班后她临时选择去打 球，当天晚上到家已经11点左右，山姆保温袋里的冰袋和冷冻食物都还好好的。 当会员超市"免费配送"、"小时达"在中国已是司空见惯，Costco "满足299元门槛还要收费"，"最快半日 ...

Core Viewpoint - Hema is shifting away from its ambition to replicate the Sam's Club model in China, as evidenced by the closure of several Hema X membership stores and a strategic pivot towards expanding its Hema Fresh and Hema NB formats [2][4][6]. Group 1: Hema's Strategic Shift - Hema X membership stores will reduce from a peak of 10 to 5 locations nationwide due to business adjustments [4]. - Hema plans to open nearly 100 new Hema Fresh stores in the new fiscal year, indicating a focus on core business areas [4][6]. - The closure of Hema X stores signals a departure from the membership model, as Hema aims to concentrate on Hema Fresh and Hema NB [4][6]. Group 2: Challenges Faced by Membership Stores - Other membership-based supermarkets like Yonghui and Carrefour are also facing operational difficulties, with reports of store closures and business contractions [2][9]. - The initial enthusiasm for membership supermarkets in China has waned, as many local retailers struggle to adapt the Sam's model to the Chinese market [9][12]. - The performance of Sam's Club in China remains strong, with a reported sales figure of 100.5 billion yuan and 50 stores by 2024, contrasting sharply with the struggles of local competitors [14][15]. Group 3: Market Dynamics and Future Outlook - The collective retreat of local "Sam's Club" imitators highlights the challenges in supply chain management, brand recognition, and operational efficiency compared to established players like Sam's Club [14][15]. - The retail landscape is evolving, and the ability of local companies to adapt and find their unique paths will be crucial for future success [12][15].