Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better with Costco in Ipswich, the retail giant has announced the launch of online shopping from early 2020.
Managing Director of Australia Patrick Noone said Costco online would give all members access to “our quality products at the click of a button”.
“I’m proud to announce the launch of Costco online shopping is set for this coming February,” he said.
“If you’re currently a member, all you need to do is head to our website, costco.com.au, to register your online account.
“For non-members, sign up before February so you have access to our wide range of products, delivered to your door.”
Costco opened in Bundamba in May last year and created almost 300 jobs locally. It was just the second warehouse in Queensland for the US company.
Costco had investigated the possibility of online shopping in Australia for several years and was expected to launch a program in 2019, but apparently held back to watch the introduction of Amazon in this country.
“As more consumers look online to do their shopping. It seems only natural that we would add an online store to our offerings,” Mr Noone told the media last year.
“It’s going to be successful here, it’s just a matter of getting the right infrastructure in place to launch it.
“That would include home delivery options and possibly click and collect from stores.”
E-commerce was seen as a logical step with the online option accounting for 5-6 per cent of sales in the US.
“I don’t know what it will be here for us, it will be interesting to see,” he said.
Tens of thousands of people flocked to Ipswich for the official opening last May. The store was stocked with $20 million of cut price merchandise.
The big ticket items included a $144,000 diamond ring and an $18,000 big screen television.
Costco has also provided a hit with Ipswich motorists with cheap fuel at his adjacent petrol station.
Mr Noone told members in the latest Costco catalogue that there would be plenty of offerings at the Bundamba store to kick-start New Year’s resolutions, including top-of-the-range camping and fitness items.
“Expect to find everything you need in the warehouse to celebrate upcoming holidays, whether it be festive food to feed the family at Lunar New Year, gifts for your partner on Valentine’s Day or picnic and barbecue essentials for Australia Day,” he said.
Costco plans to open five to six new stores across Australia over the next few years.
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