It’s one of the biggest pizza chains in the US

With around 450 stores in the US all offering pizza by the slice, Costco rivals some of the biggest names in the fast food world. Pizza at its Gold Coast store is expected to sell for $2.99 a slice.

Costco is about buying big

Bulk buying is the name of the game at Costco, with many goods sold in measurements of 1kg or above. You may not need 2kg of cooking salt, 330m of cling wrap or 10 litres of long life milk for your bachelor pad, but for businesses or large families the balance of volume and price is perfect.

The Gold Coast will miss out on happy hour

While Costco offers cut price liquor, beer and wine in other Australian states, Queensland’s liquor laws will mean customers at the Costco in Coomera will be left high and dry.

Costco is considered a good employer

Costco does not typically hire casuals, and the employee breakdown at their warehouse stores is usually 50 per cent full time and 50 per cent part time contracts. In March, at the height of coronavirus panic buying, Costco gave its Australian staff a $750 bonus, as well as an extra $3 an hour for those who worked in the five weeks between March 2 and April 5.

Its hot dogs cost the same as they did 30 years ago

Costco in the US sells their famous hot dog and drink combos for $1.50, the same price its been since 1985. In Australia the same meal deal goes for a super low $1.99.

It started small

The retail giant had humble beginnings, with the warehouse concept mapped out on a napkin by Sol Price, who founded the “Price Club” store in an aircraft hangar. A former Price Club employee started Costco, and the two brands later merged.

Costco also sells cheap fuel

The development application for the Coscto at Coomera includes a petrol station, which is great news for Gold Coast drivers, with existing Australian Costco stores consistently selling petrol at a lower price than competitors.

It has its own fan clubs

Costco members can be a passionate mob, with blogs and fan sites dedicated to the following the retailer’s every move.

It’s not free to shop there

In case you didn’t know, Costco runs on a membership basis, meaning you have to shell out $60 a year for a membership to access their bulk discounts.

You can get your eyes or hearing tested, or your tyres replaced

Costco warehouses also include optical and hearing aid centres where you can get free eye and hearing tests when you visit. And you can leave your car in the warehouse tyre centre to get a new set of boots fitted while you shop.