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Costco's Value Strategy Drives Strong November Sales Momentum

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Key Takeaways

  • COST reported 6.9% total comparable sales growth for November with broad gains across all regions.
  • Online comparable sales rose 16.6% in November, maintaining strong momentum from prior months.
  • Membership loyalty and efficient supply chains help COST keep pricing competitive amid inflation.

Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST - Free Report) maintained steady comparable sales growth in November, which reflected its ongoing appeal among value-conscious consumers. The company’s competitive pricing and quality products — available both in stores and through its growing e-commerce platform — continue to resonate with shoppers.

Inside Costco’s November Comparable Sales

For the four weeks ending Nov. 30, 2025, Costco reported a 6.9% year-over-year increase in total comparable sales. Regionally, comparable sales rose 6% in the United States, 6.9% in Canada and 11.4% in other international markets. This follows total comparable sales growth of 6.6% in October and 5.7% in September, indicating consistent momentum.

On an adjusted basis, excluding the effects of gasoline prices and foreign exchange, U.S. comparable sales increased 5.8%, while Canada and other international markets posted gains of 8.3% and 8%, respectively. Overall, total comparable sales, excluding these factors, grew 6.4% in November, following strong increases of 6.8% in October and 6% in September.

Digitally-enabled comparable sales in November surged 16.6%, or 16.3%, when adjusted for fuel and currency impacts. This builds on gains of 16.6% in October and 26.1% in September, reflecting sustained strength in Costco’s online sales.

As a result, Costco's net sales for November rose 8.1% to $23.64 billion, up from $21.87 billion in the same period last year. This follows a sales improvement of 8.6% and 8% in October and September, respectively.

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Bottom Line

Costco remains strong courtesy of its membership-based model. With solid renewal rates, the retailer has cultivated a loyal customer base. This membership loyalty not only supports consistent sales but also helps Costco maintain stable margins, even during economic uncertainty. Additionally, Costco’s ability to leverage bulk purchasing and operate an efficient supply chain allows it to keep sharp, competitive pricing in today’s inflation-sensitive environment.

Shares of this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company have fallen 9.8% over the past year, underperforming the Retail – Discount Stores industry’s 0.2% rise.

Picks You Can’t Miss Out On

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The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CHEF’s current financial-year sales and EPS calls for growth of 8.1% and 29.3%, respectively, from the year-ago reported numbers.

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The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Boot Barn’s current financial-year sales and EPS implies growth of 16.2% and 20.5%, respectively, from the year-ago reported numbers.

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The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Ollie's Bargain’s current financial-year sales and EPS suggests growth of 16.4% and 16.5%, respectively, from the year-ago reported numbers.

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