Walmart Expands China Presence Through Omnichannel Strategy

Walmart Inc. is expanding its retail presence in China through an omnichannel strategy that integrates digital channels with physical stores. President and CEO of Walmart China Zhu Xiaojing reported that online sales accounted for more than half of the company's China revenue in 2025.

To drive further growth, the company signed cooperation agreements with local governments to open new Walmart and Sam's Club locations in Beijing, Yantai, Shenyang, Wuhan, and Nantong. This expansion follows a long-term shift since 2016, during which the company closed underperforming hypermarkets to prioritize high-growth Sam's Club membership warehouses.

Despite this growth, the company faces intensifying competition from Costco Wholesale Corp, which aims to increase its store count in China to 16 by fiscal 2030. Additionally, Sam's Club has dealt with operational setbacks, including a June summons from China's market regulator over food safety issues and the subsequent resignation of Chief Merchandising Officer Zhang Qing.