SHANGHAI — Costco opened up its first physical store in China on Tuesday, but then had to close it early because it was swamped with China-sized crowds.
According to CNBC, videos posted to Chinese social media show hoards of Chinese shoppers descending upon the store like it was packed with nothing but the latest Jordans.
"The store has been clogged up with crowds," Costco said in a text message to customers. "To provide you with better shopping experience, Costco will suspend business in the afternoon. Please don't come."
According to CNN, the police had to be called in to help corral all the crazy shoppers, restore order and manage traffic jams around the store.
Photos posted by the police show one Costco sign reading, "the parking lot is full. It takes three hours to wait."
CNN reports that Costco has had an online presence in China for five years in a venture with Alibaba. Their first physical store marks a big investment.
According to CNN, annual membership costs around $42.
Wonder how long it will be before Chinese consumers realize you probably didn't need a year's supply of peanut butter?
