Costco confirms first Australian store will open on 17 August 2009 at Docklands

With membership applications now numbering in the thousands, Managing Director of Costco Australia, Patrick Noone, is urging everyone to make most of the unique shopping experience by signing up for membership prior to the August opening.

An annual Costco membership will cost $55 for businesses, and $60 for individuals.

"Costco provides its members with exclusive access to quality brand-name merchandise at substantially lower prices than typically found at conventional wholesale or retail stores. By becoming a member before the opening, you'll be able to take advantage of the great savings without queuing to sign up for membership," said Noone.

Thousands of brand-name products can be found in groceries, confectionary, appliances, television and media, automotive supplies, tyres, toys, hardware, sporting goods, jewellery, watches, cameras, books, housewares, apparel, health and beauty aids, tobacco, furniture, office supplies and office equipment.

The 14,000 square metre Costco Docklands store will also feature a variety of convenient specialty departments including a fresh bakery, fresh meat, fresh produce, deli, optical department, one-hour photo, tyre centre and food court.

To serve the needs of members at the Costco Docklands location, 230 full and part-time employees will be hired by the time of opening. The new team members receive highly competitive remuneration and benefits with potential for great career growth as the company continues to expand its operations in Australia.

Minister for Industry and Trade, Martin Pakula welcomed the announcement.

"Delivering 230 new jobs to Victorians, Costco's decision to base their first outlet in the heart of Melbourne is very welcome and reconfirms our position as the retail capital of Australia," said Mr Pakula.

"We are eagerly anticipating the opening of this new retail experience - a first in Australia that will see increased retail expenditure and provide new opportunities for Victorian suppliers."

Costco has 58 million cardholders at more than 550 locations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, England, Scotland, South Korea, Taiwan and Japan.

Costco's home office is located at Issaquah, Wash. The company is publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol COST.

To sign up for a Costco membership, visit www.costco.com.au