Costco - will it actually ever open in New Zealand?

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kingdragonfly

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#289884 5-Oct-2021 21:16

It seems like there's a stream of news item since 2017 about Costco opening in New Zealand, but never actually happens.

The latest I saw was from May this year: Costco has started recruiting managers for its Auckland superstore ahead of its opening early next year

But their NZ job site has no vacancies

I'd love some competition in the grocery monopolies.

Here's a video called "Why Costco is Cheaper than Amazon" (I have no affiliation with Costco)

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Max
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#2790258 5-Oct-2021 21:21

Costco Auckland warehouse,
opening 2022

As per their website.

Wil it actually open in 2022?

Magic 8 ball says doubtful in pandemic.

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DjShadow

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#2790259 5-Oct-2021 21:23

Still hope this bit is true about CostCo looking for sites in Wellington and Christchurch - https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/123230944/costco-delays-its-new-zealand-launch-but-is-actively-looking-for-additional-sites

Inphinity

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#2790263 5-Oct-2021 21:46

I mean, the building is physically underway for both the store & the fuel station, but construction keeps getting delayed with lockdowns.

mentalinc

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#2790267 5-Oct-2021 21:57

Construction is underway with workers on site recently.

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SATTV

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#2790269 5-Oct-2021 22:15

I cant see Costco being that much cheaper than anyone else to be honest.

Shipping prices have risen 10 fold over the past 12 Months.

Product that they source locally will possibly be no cheaper or more expensive as they wont have the buying power.

I have never been to a Costco but from what I have seen on TV they have bulk toilet paper and bulk Cheetos.

Some product will be piggy backed off Australia for sure but double shipping is expensive.

The Auckland site is only a few minutes from work and I will go and have a look once the hysteria dies down, but I dont think it will be the silver bullet to lower prices sadly.

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Goosey

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#2790271 5-Oct-2021 22:18

It wouldn't be surprising if they have been recruiting by stealth...

Using an agency to "find" people... after all they will need some local industry expertise......Poached eggs anyone?

openmedia

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#2790278 5-Oct-2021 23:48

mentalinc:

Construction is underway with workers on site recently.

Drove past it a week ago on the way to a click and collect at Mitre 10. Still a build in progress.

Really surprised they let them build so high on that site.

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quickymart

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#2790281 5-Oct-2021 23:54

If there's three players in the supermarket field though, maybe it will make a difference with pricing.

gzt

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#2790283 6-Oct-2021 00:03

SATTV: I have never been to a Costco but from what I have seen on TV they have bulk toilet paper and bulk Cheetos.

Excellent. Panic buyers have a specialist retailer to suit their irrational needs if another covid variant emerges.

Handle9

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#2790295 6-Oct-2021 06:35

SATTV:
I cant see Costco being that much cheaper than anyone else to be honest.

Shipping prices have risen 10 fold over the past 12 Months.

Product that they source locally will possibly be no cheaper or more expensive as they wont have the buying power.

I have never been to a Costco but from what I have seen on TV they have bulk toilet paper and bulk Cheetos.

Some product will be piggy backed off Australia for sure but double shipping is expensive.

The Auckland site is only a few minutes from work and I will go and have a look once the hysteria dies down, but I dont think it will be the silver bullet to lower prices sadly.

John

I don’t know why you think they’ll piggyback stock from Australia? Send 150 containers to the US, 10 to Australia and 1 to NZ. It all comes from the same factories, it just goes to different destinations.

SATTV

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#2790356 6-Oct-2021 07:55

Handle9:
SATTV:

I cant see Costco being that much cheaper than anyone else to be honest.

Shipping prices have risen 10 fold over the past 12 Months.

Product that they source locally will possibly be no cheaper or more expensive as they wont have the buying power.

I have never been to a Costco but from what I have seen on TV they have bulk toilet paper and bulk Cheetos.

Some product will be piggy backed off Australia for sure but double shipping is expensive.

The Auckland site is only a few minutes from work and I will go and have a look once the hysteria dies down, but I dont think it will be the silver bullet to lower prices sadly.

John

I don’t know why you think they’ll piggyback stock from Australia? Send 150 containers to the US, 10 to Australia and 1 to NZ. It all comes from the same factories, it just goes to different destinations.

Sorry I should have been a bit clearer, thinks like electrical devices, car tyres and the like that have to be approved for use in ANZ, NZ is just too small to get FCL all the time so I am sure they will be relying on the Costco warehouse and distribution network in Australia. The way they keep their prices low is FCL on one product, LCL costs time and money.

You are correct, things like bulk Cheetos will come in by the FCL container.

John

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Senecio

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#2790361 6-Oct-2021 08:02

quickymart:

If there's three players in the supermarket field though, maybe it will make a difference with pricing.

Costco isn't really a competitor to New World or Countdown. You don't go there to get your weekly groceries. You go there to bulk buy and stock up on things that you would normally buy every 4th or 5th trip to the Supermarket (cleaning products, toiletries, pantry fillers etc...). And with only 1 physical store in the country, they're not really going to have a big influence on prices.

rogercruse

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#2790367 6-Oct-2021 08:24

SATTV:..I have never been to a Costco...

We signed up for Costco when the first store opened in the UK and used it about once every month for years. Its great for bulk buying stuff like batteries, cans of soft drink, beers, wines, books, frozen pizzas & large pieces of fresh meat. Costco stores are great to explore as they always have something new and 'when it gone, its gone' products like garden furniture, washing machines. The catering on site is heavy subsidised so its also worth checking out.

Costco stores in the UK didn't offer a delivery service - we purchased a large wooden garden table and six chairs to match before we discovered this - but there's always a member of staff who could deliver it for you.

Again, back when Costco first opened in the UK stores they like their US counterparts required membership before you could shop - the fees aren't too high and you can justify these with your first full shopping trolley. Don't know if they still have this rule but almost everyone can meet the membership requirement.

Handsomedan

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#2790411 6-Oct-2021 09:49

SATTV:

I have never been to a Costco but from what I have seen on TV they have bulk toilet paper and bulk Cheetos.

You need the bulk toilet paper for after you've consumed the bulk Cheetos

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Kyanar

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#2791190 7-Oct-2021 12:56

rogercruse:

Again, back when Costco first opened in the UK stores they like their US counterparts required membership before you could shop - the fees aren't too high and you can justify these with your first full shopping trolley. Don't know if they still have this rule but almost everyone can meet the membership requirement.

What do you mean "almost" everyone? The only requirement is "do you have $60?" - a Business membership costs a bit less, but requires you have a business name registration at least.

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