The US-owned discount supermarket Costco started trading in Australia in 2009 from its Docklands warehouse store in Melbourne. Its next growth phase included sites in Sydney and Canberra adding to the Melbourne-based business. Costco specialises in bulk-food, whitegoods, luxury items, furniture, alcohol and household goods. Shoppers need to pay an annual membership fee of $60.
Recent statistics show a 9% rise in Costco’s new membership. The rise makes Costco a strong competitor in the ongoing supermarket war between giants Coles and Woolworths.
In the petrol game, Coles is in alliance with Shell, while rival Woolworths is linked to Caltex, and convenience store competitor 7-Eleven has a deal with Mobil.
Costco’s entry to the petrol market follows recent intensification of the existing conwenience store battle amongst the supermarket giants.
