Sam’s Club Accused of Altering Brand Trademarks: PANPAN Instead of Want Want, WeiLong Trademark Removed

CNBC AI News, July 15th – Following recent scrutiny over its handling of brands like Orion and Weilong, Sam’s Club is facing fresh allegations of altering brand trademarks on its Chinese mini-program, sparking online debate and raising questions about brand relationships.

Eagle-eyed consumers have noted that Sam’s Club replaced the Chinese brand name “盼盼” (Pàn Pàn), belonging to Fujian Panpan Foods Co., Ltd., with its pinyin equivalent, “PANPAN” on the platform. The rationale behind this rebranding move remains unclear.

Adding to the controversy, a product called “High-Fiber Boletus Konjac,” manufactured by Weilong, appeared without the Weilong logo on product images. This has fueled speculation that Sam’s Club may be deliberately downplaying the brand’s visibility.

When contacted for comment, Sam’s Club customer service confirmed that “PANPAN” is indeed the product’s brand name but did not provide an explanation for the decision to omit the Chinese characters. Regarding the missing Weilong logo, a representative stated that the feedback would be relayed to the relevant departments.

The representative further emphasized that product selection and presentation are subject to internal adjustments, but these changes would not compromise the quality of the goods offered. The company added that changes are determined by internal policy.

The incidents have ignited a flurry of reactions on Chinese social media. Some users ponder the legal implications, questioning whether these alterations infringe on trademark rights. Others view the “PANPAN” rebranding as condescending, suggesting it underestimates the intelligence of Chinese consumers.

Adding fuel to the fire, some members are threatening to cancel their memberships, citing declining quality of fresh produce and seafood as a catalyst for seeking alternatives at retailers like Hema and Yonghui.

The debate extends beyond product presentation, with some online commentators poking fun at the perceived status associated with Sam’s Club membership. “It’s 2025,” one user quipped, “and people still think a Sam’s Club membership makes them upper-class.”