Costco is intending on opening it's first store/warehouse in Auckland NZ, At this point in time they have purchased land for development but construction hasn't started yet so it probably won't open until next year.

What impact is this likely to have on NZ based businesses or importers based on the US or other foreign country experience? I've heard horror stories of Wal-Marts opening in US towns and all the Mom & Pop stores or even smaller chain stores go out of business as they can't compete on price.

NZ has a population just shy of 5 million, with around 1.7 million of those living in Auckland and about half of the total population living within 100 miles of Auckland.

If it's anything like the impact they have had in Brisbane - it doesn't mean very much. Aldi has made much bigger waves.

I can't speak for what difference it would make in New Zealand, but it made a big difference for me here in the US. Specifically, it dramatically reduced the number of grocery shopping trips I make to just once a week.

The number of items you're getting at Costco last a few weeks. For example, you can't just buy a can of fish, since it only comes in a pack of 10. The price is low, and the savings are huge! But if you don't like the taste, then you're stuck with the nine cans for a while.

For what Costco makes up in savings, it lacks in variety. There are only 2-3 choices of any particular type of item. Costco can't store and sell many varieties. However, those lucky enough brands to get on their shelves are carefully picked and are of high quality. The return policy is so good (return anytime for most items for whatever reason) that brands can't mess around too much.

I still supplement grocery shopping in Costco with stops at a local market. Small items like cilantro, green onions, and some fruits are only available there.

Bigger chains, like Whole Foods, are thriving too. They offer food court (though currently closed for pandemic) and lots of varieties in small quantities. For example, there are at least 20+ varieties of chocolate, where at Costco, you'll only find a few.

My 2 cents. irresistible

Oh I wish Aldi or Lidl would come to NZ. Our supermarket sector is a duopoly with no real competition and seriously needs a shakeup.

Kind of a side question, but how global is Costco?

Discover Costco's Secret to Conquering the Retail SectorDiscover what's behind Costco's popularity and how its retail innovation has created "The Costco Craze" both in the United States and worldwide.www.thebalancesmb.com

"... includes more than 200 international Costco Warehouse locations operating in eight countries outside the United States."

Still waiting for the continued expansion of Aldi here in the U.S. into areas where I think they would do well.

Updated guidelines effective April 29, 2020 for all US locations.

Priority Access for Healthcare Workers and First Responders

Costco is temporarily allowing priority access to our warehouses during all open hours for Costco members who are healthcare workers and first responders such as police officers, EMTs and firefighters. Healthcare workers (which includes pharmacists and all hospital employees with a hospital ID) and first responders who present a Costco membership card and official identification of their role, will be allowed to move to the front of any line to enter the warehouse . Only members who meet this criteria will be able to shop during these hours. Guests will not be admitted.

Face Mask Requirements

To protect our members and employees, effective May 4, all Costco members and guests must wear a mask or face covering that covers the mouth and nose at all times while at Costco. This requirement does not apply to children under the age of 2 or to individuals who are unable to wear a mask or face covering due to a medical condition.

The use of a mask or face covering should not be seen as a substitute for social distancing. Please continue to observe rules regarding appropriate distancing while on Costco premises. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation .

Face masks are not required in Australia and New Zealand. In fact the Governments warn against wearing them unless you have symptoms.

I remember Aldi from my days in Minnesota as an LDS missionary. Good times.

The use of a mask or face covering should not be seen as a substitute for social distancing. Please continue to observe rules regarding appropriate distancing while on Costco premises.

If only it were that easy...

🙄

I needed to invade Costco on Saturday (mistake #1...); I had medications awaiting me at the pharmacy.

My wife heads in one direction, I head in the other. The sentences I quoted...boy, they seemed to be summarily ignored by the masses!

😷 now means that whole six foot thing...yeah, we can forget about that.

Unbelievable.