MORE than 5000 shoppers yesterday weathered heavy rain and traffic to snap up bargains when the US bulk-goods retailer Costco opened in the western Sydney suburb of Auburn.

Nurse Marilie Guevarra and her husband Miguel took a day off and spent more than $200 on groceries.

"Prices are cheap. I paid $10 for 12 large muffins when they usually cost $3.50 each at other stores.

I paid $10 for a large tub of strawberries and $10 for a 1kg pack of chicken. Prices are definitely cheaper than Woolworths."

Truck driver Jerry Qura spent $191.47 on groceries, including $32 for a gas cylinder which he said was $20 cheaper than he usually paid.  read more...