This week, the retail sector saw major developments: Aldi opened 11 stores in Hangzhou and signed its Anhui headquarters deal, intensifying competition in the hard-discount segment; Walmart's next-generation store made its national debut in Chengdu; and Shiseido sued Aldi's private label for "unfair competition," sparking industry-wide debate over the boundaries of private brands.
1. This Week's Headline
1. ALDI's "Lightning Blitz": Hangzhou 11 Store + Anhui 6 Store — Hard-Discount Pioneer Accelerates National Expansion
On 9 15, multiple media outlets reported that ALDI's first 11 store locations in Hangzhou have been largely finalized, including Gudun Impressions Mall, Qingchun Intime, Qibao Garden City, and Zhuan Tang Zhili Shopping Center. These stores will cover the main urban area of Hangzhou as well as Lin'an and Fuyang regions, with the first batch expected to open in 2027 1. Subsequently, on 9 14, ALDI's Anhui headquarters officially signed an agreement to settle in Shushan District, Hefei, with its first 6 stores set to open simultaneously in 11.
SuperCaiHui's Viewpoint:Aldi China has been deeply rooted in Shanghai for 7 years and is now rapidly expanding into two new tier-1 cities. As of now, the retailer operates over 120 stores in China, with plans to add more than 50 additional locations this year. For suppliers, Aldi's procurement strategy focuses on "fewer SKUs, hero products, and deep partnerships," with private label brands accounting for over 90% of its assortment.
2. Walmart's new-generation store launches in Chengdu as the first nationwide location; CEO announces "consecutive 3 years of growth exceeding 20%".
On 9 17, Walmart's Wanda Plaza Wenjiang Store in Chengdu grandly opened, spanning approximately 3800 square meters and featuring around 1 SKUs. The store differentiates itself with its private label brand, "Walmart Great Value." CEO Zhu Xiaojing stated that Walmart China has maintained growth of over 20% for 3 consecutive years, with net sales reaching $70 billion in the latest quarter, up 20.7% year over year.
SuperCaiHui's Viewpoint:Store area shrank from 1 ten-thousand square meters to 3000 square meters, yet foot traffic surged. Wojiexian is evolving from a "Sam's Club alternative" into an independent brand asset. Suppliers must understand Walmart's new customer profile: urban small families, singles, and high-frequency, low-quantity shoppers.
3. Shiseita sues Aldi for "unfair competition": Where does the legal line lie for private-label alternatives?
The Shanghai Pudong New Area People's Court scheduling shows that Shiseido (China) has filed a lawsuit against ALDI-related entities for unfair competition, with the defendant covering the entire supply chain of ALDI's private label LACURA. Shiseido chose the cause of action for unfair competition due to its lower evidentiary threshold. The case is scheduled to be heard on 11 month 5.
SuperCaiHui's Viewpoint:What truly worries brand owners is that retailers are reclaiming pricing power and shelf control through their own brands. The outcome of this lawsuit will directly shape the development trajectory of private labels in China's retail sector.
II. Leading Company Updates
- Yiwu Sam's Club is scheduled to open in 2027 4, becoming the fourth county-level Sam's Club nationwide.
- Xiamen Xiang'an Sam's Club project initiation filing; total investment of 4.53 billion yuan.
- Walmart's largest single supply chain investment in China lands in Jiaxing
- New-generation store debuts in Chengdu as the first nationwide location
- Signed strategic cooperation agreements with Suzhou High-tech Zone and Yangzhou Hanjiang District
- Chaohe Super Box NB has expanded to over 550 stores nationwide, covering 24 cities.
- Hema Exclusive at Li Jiaqi's Live Stream: Over 1000 Million Views
- Hangzhou's first 11 store locations finalized; expected to open in 1 of year 2027.
- Anhui headquarters signed and settled in Hefei; the first 6 stores will open simultaneously in 11.
- Sued by Shiseido for unfair competition
- Global Vice President Zhang Sihuan: 2026-2030, we plan to add 9 new stores.
- Renewal rate is approximately 60%, target to increase to 70%.
- JD Flagship Store minimum order reduced to 99 yuan, with first-ever annual sales exceeding 10 billion.
- Guangzhou's first "Full-Health Experience Store" debuts on 9/19
- H1 self-branded product matrix sales reached 25.33 billion yuan, accounting for 10.07% of total revenue.
- Dong Laili responds to "four-year contracts for new employees": Strictly implemented in accordance with labor laws.
- Jiugui Jiu launches 65 yuan Xiangquan new product, available exclusively at Pang Dong Lai.
- RT-Mart:"Super-Filled Hot Pot Season" kicks off, with dedicated hot pot zones now open at stores.
- Zhongbai Group:H1 revenue down 22.35%, loss of 2.96 billion, net closure of 62 stores.
- Pupu Supermarket:The nation's first offline store is expected to open in Fuzhou by the end of 10, spanning 6500 square meters.
- Xiaoxiang Supermarket:Central China's first store opens in Yichang
- Dingdong Maicai:Establish a PB department to accelerate independent operations of our private label.
3. Industry Trends and Insights
Trend 1: Hard discounters enter the "close-quarters battle" phase
ALDI120+, SuperBox NB 550+, Happy Monkey 40+, and JD Discount Big Store model—four forces racing on the same track.
Supplier Insights: Hard-discount channels carry fewer SKUs but high volumes per item, requiring long-term stable low pricing, a focus on direct sourcing, and factory customization.
Trend 2: Private brands are shifting from "affordable alternatives" to "brand equity export."
CCFA/BCG Report: Willingness to purchase private label products in China reaches 40%, yet penetration is only 8%. Hema has Li Jiaqi promote its private label items, Pang Dong Lai's DL brand enters Yonghui, and Dingdong's private label products are expanding beyond their own ecosystem.
Supplier Insight: Private label products in contract manufacturing are no longer seen as low-value; they represent a new opportunity to access other channels.
Trend 3: Foreign Retailers' "Second Evolution"
Walmart cuts store area by 2/3 yet sees a surge in foot traffic; Costco considers downtown locations; ALDI tailors products to local preferences. Walmart China posts double-digit growth for the 15nd consecutive quarter.
Supplier Notice: Our China team is gaining increasing autonomy, enabling faster localized decision-making.
IV. Policy and Supply Chain
- National Food Safety Awareness Week launches on 9 22.— 28 departments issue joint notice to implement "Internet + AI regulation"
- Retail Sales Data for 1-8— Total spending up 1.1%; food and grain consumption up 6.8%; rural consumption growth outpaced urban.
- Walmart Supply Chain InvestmentChina's largest single supply chain investment lands in Jiaxing
- Breakthrough in Domestic Medical FoodTwo full-spectrum medical foods for oncology nutrition approved
V. This Week's New Arrivals
VI. Next Week's Highlights
Information Source
LianShang.com, FoodTalks Global Food News, Foodaily, China Daily Economic News, 36Kr, East Money, Shanghai Business Daily, Shushan News Network, State Administration for Market Regulation, Ministry of Commerce, Shenzhen Business Daily, Retail Business Finance