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If you drove past Dingman Drive at 6:30 AM this morning, you might have wondered why the parking lot at Costco South London was already buzzing. Today, the London Chamber of Commerce partnered with Costco to offer our members an exclusive, before-hours VIP experience—and it was an absolute success.

For those who braved the early morning alarm, the reward was well worth skipping the snooze button. The event offered a unique blend of networking, education, great food, and the holy grail of retail: Costco shopping without the crowds.

Here is a look at what we experienced during this exclusive morning event:

All attendees were treated to a fantastic breakfast spread. We enjoyed hot breakfast sandwiches, continental options and off course coffee. The energy stayed high with Costco-themed trivia, where members won fantastic prizes and mingled with fellow London business owners.

An extensive, behind-the-scenes tour led by Assistant General Manager Hazel Musonda guided us through the various departments, sharing the fascinating logistical secrets that make Costco a retail powerhouse. To put their operations into perspective, the South London location averages an incredible $8 million in sales per week. With the Easter holiday weekend upon us, they are projected to do $2 million in sales today alone!

Global Impact and Local Support

One of the most inspiring takeaways from the tour was learning about Costco’s commitment to ethical sourcing and community building. We learned that Costco sources most of its cashews directly from Ghana. This partnership goes far beyond simple commerce; Costco actively supports these local farmers by helping to fund and build essential infrastructure, including schools and medical clinics, right in their communities.

Investing in People: The UGRP

Costco’s dedication to community extends to its own staff. We were introduced to their UGRP (University Graduate Retention Program), an 18-month initiative that helps students navigate through various departments, ultimately fast-tracking them into management roles.

A standout success story from this program is Tania. Tania began her Costco journey working at the checkout. While working, she pursued her Master’s degree in Audiology at Western University. Today, she utilizes her specialized degree as an Audiologist right inside the Costco warehouse, proving that the company is deeply invested in the long-term career growth of its team members.

Finally, from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM, the warehouse was ours. Members enjoyed a full hour of private, crowd-free shopping before the doors officially opened to the public. As a final thank you, every attendee walked away with an exclusive Kirkland swag gift bag. For those who attended as non-Costco members, the team provided generous sign-up promotions, including a $25 shop card.

Thank you to Tim Taylor and the entire staff at Costco South London for their incredible hospitality!

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