By Aimee Chanthadavong
Since opening its first store in Australia in July 2009 at Melbourne Docklands, Costco is now a month into construction for its first Sydney store.
Patrick Noone, Costco Australia managing director, told RetailBiz that the Sydney store, which will be located on Parramatta Road, Auburn, is expected to open in the middle of next year.
“We chose Auburn because it’s central to Sydney and it’s accessible by all the major highways including the M4,” he said.
The Auburn warehouse will house top Australian brands including Vegemite, Byron Bay Cookie Company, Huggies, Tuckers and Camerns, as well as international brands, such as Calvin Klein, Apple, Sony and Prada. There will also be a fresh meat, bakery, and freshly prepared meal department.
According to Noone, many of its customers who have visited its Docklands outlet are small retailers, such as those that own their own corner store, and hopes it’ll be the same for its Auburn store.
“We are a cash and carry warehouse that offers great items at great values and in large sizes, allowing them to save a lot of money.”
Noone also urge people to sign up to its annual membership warehouse club to get a better deal when they shop at Costco.
“Membership is voluntary but it gives buyers access to great items and great prices, and the more you shop, the more you save.”