German cash and carry giant Metro has shut down its concept store in Shanghai.

The HoReCa (hotel, restaurant, canteen) format store has been closed after three years of operation, unable to excite Chinese customers.

HoReCa was opened in 2010 with an aim to provide a unique “all under one roof” solution for food professionals’ needs, close to customers’ premises. The 2100 sqm store offered 6000 goods, tailor made to HoReCa customers’ needs.

“The management of Metro C&C China has decided to pull out of the Metro for HoReCa format which was opened in Shanghai in October 2010 as a trial to be physically closer to HoReCa customers. Our experience from the trial in the past two years is that proximity for HoReCa does not mean the same as for private consumers, for chefs this means speed and quality of delivery,” said Metro China in a statement.

Metro assures the closure will not affect its expansion plan for China, where it plans to open 12 new stores this year.