Ernie Newman: Grocery Policy Expert on Costco's possible expansion to Wellington and Christchurch

Costco is assessing its options for a potential expansion.  The US big box retail chain has seen a sharp rise in membership and revenue since opening in Auckland's Westgate in September 2022.  It launched home delivery to members and non-members across Auckland last week, and is working on expanding to new regions.  Grocery Policy Expert Ernie Newman told Francesca Rudkin that he’s not all that convinced this expansion will pan out.  He says Costco is successful in the North American market as people are able to access it within a relatively short drive, but New Zealand is much more fragmented.  Newman says that New Zealand supermarkets go to where the consumers are, but Costco expects the consumers to travel long distances to get to them.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.