This week's spotlight covers major events, corporate strategy shifts, and emerging trends in the supermarket and retail sector, offering actionable insights for buyers and food suppliers.

1. This Week's Headline

1. Walmart Sam's Club China Dual-Format Chief Procurement Officer Role Sees Leadership Change

On 9/22, Walmart China announced two key procurement appointments: Sean Jackson, currently Senior Vice President of Non-Food Procurement at Sam's Club US, will serve as Chief Procurement Officer for Sam's Club, reporting to Liu Peng, President of the Sam's Club business unit; Amber Bynum will be appointed Chief Procurement Officer for Walmart Stores, reporting to Zhu Jun, President of the Walmart Stores business unit.

Super Sampling Review:The Buyer is the "chief architect" of a retailer's product power. Sam's Club bringing in a 30-year veteran buyer from the U.S. signals that China's product differentiation capabilities are reaching new heights. With Walmart's Q2 report showing Chinese net sales up 20.7% year-over-year and online penetration exceeding 50%, this leadership change represents a strategic upgrade. For suppliers, expect potential shifts in Sam's future selection criteria and product development timelines.

2. Costco's full-year revenue surpassed $1 billion, with $2 billion accelerating expansion.

On 9 24, Costco released its Q4 earnings report: total revenue of $957 billion (+11.1%), net income of $30 billion (+14.9%). Annual revenue surpassed $6 billion for the first time. The company announced a $7 capital expenditure plan for fiscal year 8 and plans to open 9 new stores globally. Global paid memberships reached 10 million, with members under age 11 growing by nearly 60%.

Super Sampling Review:Costco has proven the global resilience of warehouse clubs with hard numbers. In China, with only 7 stores, it remains "bullish on long-term potential," prioritizing steady growth over speed and focusing on densifying its presence in mature markets. Costco's selection strategy limits each category to just 2-3 SKUs; earning a spot on these shelves is a powerful endorsement that drives significant traffic.

3. Shiseido sues Aldi; debate over boundaries of own-brand "dupes"

Shiseido sued Aldi for "unfair competition"; the trial is scheduled for 11 5. A primer priced at 24.9 yuan was accused of being "highly similar" to CPB's product at 540 yuan, representing a price difference of 20 times. Following the lawsuit, the product surged to the top of the bestseller list.

Super Sampling Review:This isn't just an IP dispute; it reflects the power struggle between channels and brand owners during the rise of private labels. What truly worries brands is that retailers are using private labels to reclaim pricing power and shelf control. For suppliers, extra care must be taken regarding compliance boundaries for packaging design in OEM partnerships.

II. Leading Company Updates

🛒 Walmart China

• Grand Opening of Chengdu Wenjiang's Next-Gen Store(9.16): National's first newly opened store, 3800 sqm / 1k SKUs. Limited entry at launch; over 1000 items available on Wojixian.
• Community store opens its first location in SuzhouSuzhou becomes the first city outside Shenzhen to host a community store launch.
• Completed upgrades for approximately 70 stores this year, with a target of over 100.

🏪 Sam's Club

• Dual-format Procurement Officer Changes（9.22）
• Beijing-wide coverageFangshan store launch is a huge success. Three new stores in Tongzhou, Haidian, and Chaoyang are planned. Beijing will have 9 locations in total.
• Featured at the National Food Safety Conference

🥬 Hema

• Suzhou Jiangxing Plaza Store Opens(9.24): 700㎡, offline + online dual-mode
• Strategic Cooperation Agreement Signing in Suzhou High-tech Zone(9.16): Expand coverage
• Upcoming Grand Opening of Three Suzhou Xiangcheng Stores in 11 Month

🛍️ ALDI

• Grand Opening of Our New Kunshan Store(9.25): Store #1 in Suzhou
• Sued by ShiseidoIsolation cream "looks like" CPB sparks controversy
• Added more than 50 stores this year, with a growth rate of 40%

RT-Mart / Sun Art Retail

• M Membership Stores to eliminate membership fees entirely(9.8 refund): Transition to "Light Store" with zero entry barriers, expanding SKU count to 10000+.
• Private label share: 3.2%, target: 5%

📋 Other Activity

• YonghuiGuangzhou's first all-health scenario store debuts at Tianhe City, Beijing Road (9.19)
• LawsonZhongbai Lawson launches a 190 sqm community fresh food "micro-market"
• Pagoda: Its hard-discount subsidiary "Wholesale Dock" has opened over 300 stores.
• KK Group invests in JinlimenFresh Snacks Sector Sees First Capital Investment
• Olé: Wenzhou Impress City Store Closed

3. Industry Trends and Insights

🔥 Retail Self-Operation Enters Its "Year One"

In 2025, the sales of private label products in supermarkets and retail stores surpassed3800 billion yuan(+17%), penetration rate is approximately 8%. It is expected to rise to 20%–30% over the next five years.

Some argue that a self-operated product rate of 30% could become the industry's make-or-break threshold.Sam's Club 38%, Hema 35%, Costco 40%+, and Aldi 90%—the top players are already above the passing threshold. For suppliers, this presents two opportunities: become a private-label manufacturer for retailers or deliver stronger differentiated value to secure shelf space.

🏘️ Traditional supermarkets embrace discounts

Suguo Value Store, Tiantong Daily, CR Vanguard Family Selection, Wumei Value Dense Rollout — 500 sqm, 2000 SKUs, over 50% private label.A new wave of community discounts is underway.An opportunity and challenge for small and medium suppliers: lower barriers to enter discount store supply chains, but products must maintain profit margins despite extreme cost-effectiveness.

⚡ Instant Retail Enters the "Product Era"

NielsenIQ Data: Top 1 instant retail category shows only 00% SKU overlap. 81% growth driven by differentiated products. Core shift: from "Can it arrive in 30 minutes?" to...What can be delivered in 30 minutes?Instant retail sourcing logic has shifted: it's no longer about "what you have," but "can you provide exclusive, high-quality products for me?"

IV. Policy and Supply Chain

The Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission holds a special meeting on food safety

9 24, emphasize strict enforcement against food safety crimes and violations in accordance with the law. Focus on meat products, school foods, and health supplements to advance...Comprehensive revision of the Food Safety LawClarify regulations for emerging models such as fresh food e-commerce and live-stream shopping. Impact on the industry: Regulatory oversight is tightening; retailers and suppliers must proactively monitor legislative updates.

8 retail sales data remain weak

Total retail sales of consumer goods grew 1.1% year-over-year from 1 to 8, but only 0.4% in 8. Consumption recovery fell short of expectations, making product quality and service excellence even more critical in a competitive market.

V. This Week's New Arrivals

🥮 Sam's Club Member's Mark Mid-Autumn Festival Mooncake Gift Box

13 gift box varieties featuring healthy, low-sugar options and regional innovations (e.g., Inner Mongolia milk skin mooncakes, seven-color fruit and vegetable mooncakes), priced at 69-299.Trend Signal:Mooncake categories are shedding their "high sugar, high fat" label. Health-focused offerings with regional characteristics are emerging as the new trend.

🌿 Walmart Woji Xian Osmanthus Festival Collection

Osmanthus Scented Oolong Kombucha Sparkling Water, Pomelo Osmanthus Gyokuro Juice Sparkling Water, and more. Drinks 9.9-19.9 yuan.Trend Signal:Seasonal + Emotional Value: Private brands are creating moments of consumer delight with "seasonal exclusives."

🎁 Aldi Mid-Autumn Festival Seasonal Selection

The new Kunshan store introduces Mid-Autumn mooncake gift boxes, fresh meat and poultry, and seasonal fruits.Trend Signal:Hard-discount supermarkets are also adopting holiday-themed operations.

🥬 Lawson "Micro-Grocery" Community Fresh Food

190 sq ft, 2800 SKUs. Positioned as a "micro grocery market" for one-stop shopping for all three daily meals.Trend Signal:Convenience stores expanding into fresh food supermarkets are blurring the boundaries of community commerce.

VI. Next Week's Highlights

  • Mid-Autumn Festival spending data reviewPlatform data to be released; watch performance in the mooncake category.
  • New store openings in 10Hema Xiangcheng Store 3, Walmart Suzhou/Guangzhou, ALDI new stores
  • Followed TopicsCommunity discount rollout pace? Private label packaging compliance discussion?
Source:Lianshang Network, 36 Kr, Beijing Business Today, 21 The Economic Observer, Southern People Weekly, Yibang Power, Consumer Reports, Securities Times, The Paper, Jiemian News, People's Daily, Suzhou Release, Huaxia Times, Sina Finance, Costco Investor Relations