It's been a year since Costco opened its doors in Auckland. I've visited about 10 times and spent thousands of dollars. Here's what I have to say:
I loved Costco at the beginning; we received significant rebates on meat during our first visit. That was fantastic! However, the more I visit, the fewer rebates I find, particularly on food and meat. The car park on the second floor is poorly engineered. Firstly, there's no sign at the entrance indicating that only the right lane leads to the covered car park (2nd floor) and the left lane goes to rooftop parking. I was caught off-guard once but fortunately, no one was behind me, so I switched lanes. Today, I observed another person fall into the same trap. While there's nothing wrong with rooftop parking, it's a significant inconvenience during rain, like today. The car park has minimal signage indicating the exit route. Its layout is also confusing. I believe this contributes to the chaotic traffic within. Prices aren't necessarily lower. It's worth purchasing when there's a rebate. I live far from Costco and often miss the best deals. Shopping at Costco feels like a gamble; you might get a good deal, or you might not. I've tried going on different days and at various times, but I've yet to discern a pattern. If you're visiting, I recommend the rotisserie chicken. It's delicious. As for the toilet paper... I'm not entirely convinced. I adore the box of 4 hand washes with Mexican-style designs that I purchased during my first visit in October 2022. (Sadly, they've not been restocked). They lasted a good 8-9 months for our family of three. Afterwards, I couldn't revert to "regular" hand wash and resorted to pricier alternatives like Mor and Aesop. However, today was my lucky day – Costco had a Christmas series of these hand washes. Four bottles for $27 made me incredibly happy. "More than just a bagel seasoning", steak seasoning, and taco seasoning are must-buys. Excellent value for the quality. Downy scent pearls have become a hit in NZ. While Countdown now stocks them, they're pricier than at Costco.
In conclusion, Costco has its pros and cons and may not be ideal for everyone. However, it's beneficial for Kiwis to have access to a diverse range...
Read moreI went there with my 26 month old daughter today and came out with tears all over my face. Here is what happened, I was at the check out with a good size of shopping bag being full and heavy in my hand as well as my daughter carried in my arm. Then, there was a front staff told me at the checkout I could go and get another pack of this big muffins because it’s 1+1 deal. I hesitated because my hands are already so full and the shopping bag will be overflowing with another item in. Thinking of what to do, I saw an empty trolley next to the casher so I asked if I could have it. She was like “nah” without even looking at me. I got intimidated then another customer behind me kindly offered me and the casher if I could have his trolley but the answer was “no”again. Somehow I understood why but what I still don’t understand is things could be flexible. When I have no problems at Paknsave and elsewhere asking about a trolley at their checkouts in the last minute, why can’t you?
I came to think I would pay first and put my stuff somewhere safe and get that muffin but then how am I carry everything with my clingy daughter? then there was another lady at the end of the checkout greeted me with a big smile and said “I will go and get you muffin don’t worry I also have a baby I understand it can get difficult “ my eyes started brimming with tears with her kindness.And I was thinking what a beautiful human being I just met. She briefly came back to me with a trolley with my stufff all sorted and she said to me“ I’m pregnant and it’s a daughter” and looked at my girl “you are so pretty I wish my daughter was going to be pretty like you! “ after that.. I just let go of myself, I hugged her with my whole heart and cried. I’ve never hugged anyone so tight other than my family or friends. Her kindness, her smile and her empathy are just beyond usual, she is execptional. I quickly glanced her name badge to remmeber before I left. Her name is ‘Awa’ I just wanted to tell her again, I won’t forget your kindness and thoughful gestures today. Thank you, Thank you so very much! it was really really lovely and honored to meet you. And I wish all the best for your journey with baby number 2 and the best wishes for your...
Read moreGood shopping experience. If you go there over weekends, expect very big crowds doing their business.
Have a specific shopping list and stick to it. Otherwise, you will end up seriously overspending and baying things you definitely did not plan for.
Just make very sure that you know the prices of items you intend to buy, there are so many items that are more expensive, don't always think that buying in bulk is cheaper, you will definitely waste money.
The meat / chicken fridges are well stocked, but again, not everything you buy on bulk is cheaper.
The rotisserie chickens that you buy there have also gone through some Shrink Flation, and they have changed the packaging, not cool at all. Pre prepared meals are making it easier for you when you have big catering to cover, definitely a plus point there.
Great baking items are available at the Bakery section, continuously putting out freshly baked items - love the Giant Muffins, value for money.
What I have noticed over the last few months, the same thing is happening with a lot of the items purchased, SHRINK FLATION HAS CRAWLED INTO LOTS OF DIFFERENT ITEMS, you are still paying the same "low price" for specific items, but the amount you get is either smaller or less - burnt Myself there, so be very vigilant and know what you are buying.
Plus, point for them is the very quick checkout system they have, definitely no time being wasted there.
There is lots of parking available on 2 levels. Reccomend to current cost future customers - just remember that there is an annual registration fee to pay.
They have additional services that they provide such as - a Chemist, Eye Testing, Ear Testing, a Tyre service, a Petrol Station with 26 double sided filling points and extended filling hoses to cover which ever side you park on.
Great opportunity to buy a variety of furniture and kitchen utensils, fridges, deep freezers, washing machines, and dryers.
They have a big selection of Electronics, jewellery, gold products, and watches. They also have a very big selection of clothing and shoes and very competitive prices.
They have a full selection of equipment that can be used for building,...
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