But Costco has avoided jumping straight into China's retail scene until relatively recently. Costco began offering online delivery options to China around five years ago, according to local media.

The sole Costco location in China had a chaotic first day of business, with thousands of people trying to shop at the iconic bulk retailer during its grand opening. Costco was forced to shut down ...

"They (salted duck eggs) are very Chinese gourmet," Chen said. "I can't believe Costco in America carries such a household name from Gaoyou, a small, remote place in China's Jiangsu province. I bought ...

Cabanilla said that the worker at the sample station, who was not a Costco employee, asked whether they were from China before telling them to go away because she was afraid of getting the virus.

While Costco's valuation appears high, its predictable operations and potential for aggressive expansion, especially in China, justify a watchful approach toward COST stock for a 10%-20% pullback.