Open for business
Shoppers get first taste of Costco in New Zealand
New Zealand’s first Costco store has opened, an hour earlier than expected, in Westgate in Auckland.
Some shoppers camped out to be among the first through the doors when they opened at 7am on Wednesday and some slept outside the shop overnight.
A spokesperson said it ‘‘usually happens’’ with Costco openings. But Patrick Noone, Costco’s New Zealand managing director, said he had not seen people camping outside a new outlet since the first Australian store opened.
He said there were 200 staff working and about 20 had been brought in from Australia to help train staff on the first day.
The bulk retailer sells everything from food to clothing and tyres – including diamond rings and coffins.
Among the $24 million worth of goods, New Zealand brands are also on display.
Noone said some local brands included Two Islands, Manuka Health, and Canterbury of NZ, although the latter was actually owned by a British company called Pentland Group.
To shop at Costco, or even enter the building, you need to be a member. Individuals pay $60 a year for the Gold Star Membership, while businesses pay $55.
A duo who had camped out the night before in order to be one of the first in the door said they hoped Costco would lead to more affordable essentials ‘‘across the board’’ and introduce new competition.
One woman, who claimed she was the first person in New Zealand to sign up for the Costco membership, said the retail giant was the ‘‘best thing ever’’ to come to New Zealand.
‘‘It’s going to be good for our economy, because New Zealand retail, we’re being ripped off so much so Costco will be fabulous.’’
A lot of the fresh produce, including its bakery foods, butchery meat, fruit and fish, would be local. One shopper, Donna Stevenson, said she had come to see the fresh produce but had a trolley full of Christmas decorations. ‘‘I wasn’t going to come because I can’t deal with crowds,’’ she said.
But she said her son had convinced her.
The Ministry of Social Development said Costco had hired 44 people off benefits.
‘‘Costco provides opportunities for people who want to build a career in merchandising and warehouse operation,’’ Glenn Mckay, regional commissioner, said.