Sam's Club Faces Backlash in China for Removing Popular Orion Products, Sparking Debates on Product Quality and Membership Value
The recent decision by Sam's Club, a membership-based warehouse store in China, to remove Orion products from its online platforms has sparked widespread criticism among its members. The move has been met with dissatisfaction and frustration, with many feeling that the store is no longer offering the differentiated shopping experience that justifies their membership fees.

15 July 2025
At the heart of the issue is the perception that Sam's Club has been removing popular, high-quality, and cost-effective products that were unique to the store, and instead introducing more common, mass-market items. The removal of Orion Pie, a low-sugar version of the popular snack, has been particularly contentious, with many members expressing their disappointment and frustration on social media.
According to Sam's Club's customer service, the removal of Orion products was due to "significant feedback regarding product selection." However, the exact reasons for the removal are still unclear, and many members are left wondering why the store would choose to stock products that are readily available in regular supermarkets. The move has led to accusations that Sam's Club is prioritizing profits over product quality and uniqueness.
The backlash against Sam's Club's decision has also highlighted the growing demand for healthier and more unique products among Chinese consumers. Many members have expressed their disappointment and frustration with the store's decision to remove products that were perceived as healthier and more premium. The controversy has also sparked a wider debate about the role of membership-based stores in providing high-quality and unique products to their members.
The incident has also raised questions about the competitiveness of China's retail market and the challenges faced by membership-based stores in differentiating themselves from regular supermarkets. As the market becomes increasingly crowded, stores like Sam's Club are under pressure to offer unique and high-quality products that justify the membership fees paid by their customers.
In response to the backlash, Sam's Club's customer service has acknowledged the significant feedback regarding product selection and has indicated that adjustments are being made. However, for many members, the damage has already been done, and the controversy has highlighted the need for greater transparency and communication between the store and its members.
Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Sam's Club's decision to remove Orion products from its online platforms highlights the growing demands and expectations of Chinese consumers when it comes to product quality, uniqueness, and healthiness. As the retail market in China continues to evolve, stores like Sam's Club will need to adapt and respond to these changing demands in order to remain competitive and maintain the trust and loyalty of their members.
Share this article
Related Articles
Xi and Tokayev Cement Deepening China‑Kazakhstan Partnership with Over 20 New Agreements at Tianjin Summit
By Trending on Weibo
News & Politics
31 Aug 2025

China Sets September 2025 Deadline for Mandatory Overhaul of Electric‑Bike Safety Standards】
By Trending on Weibo
News & Politics
31 Aug 2025

Viral Video of Chinese “Good Boss” Instantly Paying Summer Student Workers Sparks Nationwide Debate on Fair Temp Labor Practices
By Trending on Weibo
News & Politics
31 Aug 2025
Chinese Livestream Star Helen Faces Domestic Violence Allegations, Sponsor Fallout, and Growing Influencer Scrutiny
By Trending on Weibo
News & Politics
31 Aug 2025
Trump's 600,000-Student Pitch Splits U.S.-China Debate Over Academia, Economics, and Security
By Trending on Weibo
News & Politics
31 Aug 2025