Only the most addicted consumer would join NZ Costco

ByMartyn Bradbury

Wait. WHAT?

Costco in NZ: Will first Auckland store change the way New Zealanders shop?

Multiple delays and a $60 entry cost have done little to quench enthusiasm for New Zealand’s first Costco, with New Zealanders lining up for more than 90 minutes recently for a chance to buy a membership to the store.

Am I reading this right?

Comrades, forgive my ignorance, but you have to PAY THEM $60 a year, to just enter the store and shop there???

PAY THEM?

To gain entry to a store that you are buying from?

What sort of consumer addict is going to pay a glorified mall supermarket a membership fee to spend money with them?

I am astounded by some peoples consumer addictions.

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8 Comments

  1. Sounds similar to Cherry Tree. You supposedly get cheaper goods, but not necessarily the variety

  2. Yeah so 60 bucks times say one million fools ( I mean customers) equal how much? too much if you ask me maybe card sharing is the way to go if you can do that. I’m assuming buyers get a card like Moores Wilson perhaps they get discounts based on how much they spend and how often etc but that is a lot of money (of set up costs) Its greed of you ask me.

  3. It’ll be a good thing Martyn – it might seem odd to you that there’s a membership fee but groups and large families will really benefit from much lower prices on food, clothes, household goods, etc.

    More than that, it’s a tiny wedge of competition to drive into the greedy supermarket duopoly which will benefit all consumers

  4. I think you misunderstand the model- it’s actually a form of cooperative where everyone’s membership allows bulk buying and cheaper goods.

    It’s a left wing take on capitalism.

    Farmlands cooperative in NZ has an initial compulsory buy in also.

  5. Costco offer a great deal if it’s the same as the States. You pay them $60 so they can pay their staff well and receive groceries etc way below NZ supermarket prices

  6. With one store in outer West Auckland it won’t help the council’s efforts to reduce Auckland’s carbon emissions!

    1. That is why there is renewed push to have a dedicated walking and cycling lane on the Auckland Harbour bridge. Us South Aucklanders need to walk and cycle to this Westgate store somehow. No cycle lanes along SH20, cycle lanes are only for the gentrified suburbs. All we get is speed humps and 30km streets. Plebs get nothing. They want us to catch a bus, but South Auckland is devoid of bus shelters. Stand in the rain you plebs.

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