I have been to a Walmart in Germany back then, out of sheer curiosity. Let me tell you, it was definitely not just the price that was the problem. The whole shop screamed "We were to lazy to even think about German shoppers being different from American ones".
A Costco moved in down the road from us (Australia ) and we signed up - have had a membership in the past at one much further away but thought we should give it another go.
Won't be renewing, we decided we just aren't Costco people. It's so inefficient and backwards and has that Americanness that just doesn't suit us and I bet a lot of other Aussies.
Sure it's not dying off here, but I totally get what you mean.
If it makes you feel any better, Costco and Walmart also don't work for a lot of Americans in the US who don't like that inefficient way of shopping. You're not alone.
Like no personal relationships between workers, everybody speaking these overly friendly corporate speak and one of these death clowns at the entrance, I believe they are called greeters or something.