In recent years, heading north has gained another "must-do" for Hongkongers — supermarket haul shopping! Sam's Club, Hema Fresh, and Costco (Shenzhen store) are all top targets, with bulk-pack groceries, fresh ingredients, and baked goods that are not only cheaper than in Hong Kong but also offer many varieties not available there.
Comparing the Three Supermarkets
| Sam's Club | Costco | Hema Fresh | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Membership warehouse club | Membership warehouse club | New retail supermarket (has membership but some options without) |
| Highlights | Bulk packs, bakery (mochi muffins/Swiss rolls), beef | Bulk packs, American brands, value for money | Cook-to-order seafood, daily fresh items, online delivery |
| Entry | Membership card required | Membership card required | Generally no membership needed to enter (some deals require it) |
| Popular with Hongkongers | Extremely high (even resellers are in on it) | High | High |
How to Get a Membership Card?
- Sam's Club: Annual fee membership card (regular/plus), can apply via the app, and Mainland Travel Permit holders are eligible; many Hongkongers share family or friend cards
- Costco: Annual fee membership card, valid worldwide (no Hong Kong branch, sign up at the Shenzhen store)
- Hema: You can shop without a membership; membership mainly offers discounts and delivery perks
⚠️ Membership fees and card application requirements are subject to each supermarket's latest announcements.
Shopping Tips
- Bring a big bag or reusable shopping bag: Warehouse store packaging is huge — just two or three items already need a large bag
- Check expiry dates: For bulk-pack food, check the expiration date carefully and don't buy things about to expire just because they're cheap
- Keep frozen items cold: If buying ice cream or frozen meat to bring back to Hong Kong, prepare an insulated bag, and think twice if the journey is long
- Mind the restrictions: Items like meat and fruit have quarantine restrictions when entering Hong Kong — check before you go (raw meat/fresh fruit are mostly not allowed)
- Sam's popular bakery items (Swiss rolls, mochi muffins) sell out fast, so go early if you want them
Want to know what else to buy? Check out the Shenzhen shopping guide and the Outlet guide.
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