Kiwis have been queuing for over an hour for membership to a supermarket that hasn't even opened yet.
Thousands of New Zealanders have bought memberships from Costco, a global retailer which is set to open in Auckland in September 2022.
Costco Australia and New Zealand's managing director Patrick Noone is excited by how eager New Zealanders are to shop at the global retailer.
"We don't sort of give away our membership information but it's been really gratifying and really exciting for Costco, for us to see the response from the people of New Zealand."
Noone describes the wholesale store giant as a department store inside a hardware store.
"We have no frills. It's got a concrete floor, and open ceiling lighting but the merchandise is what makes the excitement."
Noone also said having Costco in Westgate will help with exports for the economy.
"There are about 800 Costcos in the world, so we have a pretty diverse supply chain and part of the investment in New Zealand is looking at what's available in New Zealand for Australians to sell and for Asians to sell and ultimately North America as well. "
Noone told AM people with memberships could expect to save at least 20 percent on some items and is thrilled to join the retail competition in New Zealand.
"We are very excited about coming there because there's only really a duopoly in the market place and then we could offer a third leg to that competition."
If Costco is successful in Auckland, there could be more of them appearing across the country.
"I think the two major centres for us would be Christchurch in the South Island and then Wellington in the North Island. If we do really well here we will roll them out quicker. Within a year or two, I would think if everything goes well."
Costco Memberships are between NZD$50 to NZD $60 which people can purchase before the store opens in Westgate, Auckland in September 2022.
