American Sam’s Club in Shenzhen launches online shopping and delivery for Hong Kong
- Bulk-buying store has been drawing residents over border in search of deals and new service appears to pose threat to local retailers
United States supermarket chain Sam’s Club in Shenzhen launched an online shopping and delivery service for Hongkongers on Friday, firing a salvo at local retailers struggling as residents head over the border in search of bigger bang for their buck.
The warehouse-style Sam’s Club has become popular with Hongkongers in recent months, who shop at its outlet for everything from cooked food to groceries to appliances.
The company said it would operate its own delivery service and charge HK$30 (US$3.8) for the first 1kg (2.2lbs) of items, and then HK$4.5 for every subsequent 1kg. The delivery service covers all of Hong Kong, including outlying islands.
*Mandy, a 48-year-old professional, said she visited the Shenzhen store to become a member after reading the Post report, so that she could eventually use its delivery services.
“I like buying French bottled water and wine, which is much cheaper at the store, but it is not economical to order delivery,” she said. “So I will order lighter goods such as tissue paper and snacks, which are better value for money even after paying the delivery charges.”