Costco was forced to shut its first China store early due to chaotic overcrowding.
The frenzied scenes saw shoppers battle for roast chickens on the opening day of the Shanghai branch.
The enormous amount of people flocking to get into the US-owned supermarket also created further gridlock on the city’s already-congested roads.
One nearby school even had to warn parents they wouldn’t be able to pick up their children at the normal time “due to the grand opening of Costco supermarket”.
Videos posted on social media showed thousands of people crowding the aisles of the store on Tuesday.
The Shanghai government even had to urge people to visit the store at off-peak times in future.
It said in a statement: “Due to the extremely large crowds at the newly opened supermarket, for the safety of the public we urge that residents consume in a rational manner and choose to go shopping at an off-peak time.”
Costco is an exception in terms of western retailers targeting China.
The likes of Amazon and Tesco have shied away from the country having struggled in the face of strong competition from domestic rivals.
