Photo: Jacob Blanck / CC BY-SA 4.0
Costco’s October net sales rose 12.6% to $24.50 billion, with growth continuing after the effects of gasoline prices and foreign exchange were stripped out, the warehouse retailer announced Wednesday.
The retail month covered the four weeks ended November 1, 2026. Sales in the corresponding period a year earlier were $21.75 billion, according to the company’s monthly sales release.
For suppliers and other retailers watching household spending, the figures provide a current measure of sales at Costco’s existing locations and digital channels. They are sales results, not a report of monthly profit.
Comparable sales rise 7.3% excluding gas and currency
Companywide comparable sales increased 11.1% in October. Excluding changes in gasoline prices and foreign exchange, comparable sales rose 7.3%.
U.S. comparable sales increased 12.6%, or 8.1% on that adjusted basis. Canada recorded growth of 4.9%, or 3.5% excluding the specified effects, while other international markets grew 9.4%, or 6.9% adjusted.
The gap between the reported and adjusted figures matters when reading the headline growth rate: the adjusted measure removes two influences on the dollar value of sales. Costco describes comparable-sales measures as supplemental information rather than substitutes for net sales.
Digital sales outpace total growth
Digitally enabled sales increased 22.5% during the four-week period and 22.6% excluding foreign exchange. Costco defines that measure as sales initiated through a digital device, including purchases fulfilled through warehouses, distribution centers and Costco Travel.
For the first nine weeks, total net sales reached $54.52 billion, up 12.8% from $48.33 billion. Comparable sales increased 11.3%, or 7.5% excluding gasoline-price and currency effects.
Digitally enabled sales for the nine weeks rose 20.5%, or 20.6% excluding foreign exchange. Costco said it currently operates 943 warehouses, including 651 in the United States and Puerto Rico.
JBizNews Desk | Issaquah
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