Costco has finally confirmed the date of its first Australian store opening, with 17 August 2009 slated as the day the store will begin trading at Waterfront City, Melbourne Docklands.

The opening represents the international retailer’s first Australian warehouse, where customers must sign up to an annual membership program to receive the discount prices on offer.

“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 Patrick Noone, Costco Australia managing director.

The new retail destination is set to offer consumers thousands of brand name products in categories like groceries, 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 few speciality departments including a fresh bakery, fresh meat, fresh produce, deli, optical department, one-hour photo, tyre centre and food court.

According to Costco the store opening will create 230 full and part-time jobs for Australians, and it claims there is great potential for career growth as the company continues to expand its operations in Australia.

Martin Pakula, Minister for Industry and Trade, was very happy with the decision to open in Melbourne.

“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,” he said.

“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 in the USA, Canada, Mexico, England, Scotland, South Korea, Taiwan and Japan.

An annual membership to Costco will set back individuals $60 a year and businesses $55 a year.