A server at Costco's Shanghai outlet looks on helplessly as customers fight to purchase rotisserie chickens. Photo: VCG

A shoving match breaks out next to the rotisserie chicken counter. Bottles of Moutai liquor were reportedly selling for half price. Photo: VCG

Customers queued to snatch up discounted luxury brands such as Hermes, MCM, Prada and Burberry. Photo: VCG

Customers circle the meat and fresh food section at Costco Shanghai on Tuesday. Photo: VCG

The discount retailer’s first store on the Chinese mainland opened at 9 a.m. Tuesday and was instantly set upon by bargain-hunters. Photo: VCG

Security guards control the flow of shoppers into the store. Photo: VCG