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Costco's December Sales Stay Strong: What Is Driving COST's Momentum?
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Key Takeaways
COST saw December comparable sales rise 7%, with strong gains across all regional segments.
Online sales surged 18.9% in December, continuing a three-month streak of double-digit digital growth.
Costco's member model, bulk buying, and pricing edge support stable margins and customer retention.
Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST - Free Report) maintained steady comparable sales growth in December, reflecting its appeal among value-conscious consumers. The company’s competitive pricing and quality products — available both in stores and through its expanding e-commerce platform — continue to attract shoppers.
Sneak Peek Into Costco’s December Comparable Sales
For the five weeks ending Jan. 4, 2026, Costco reported a 7% year-over-year increase in total comparable sales. Regionally, comparable sales rose 6% in the United States, 8.4% in Canada and 10.6% in Other International markets. This follows total comparable sales growth of 6.9% in November and 6.6% in October, indicating consistent momentum.
On an adjusted basis, excluding the effects of gasoline prices and foreign exchange, U.S. comparable sales increased 6.3%, while Canada and Other International markets posted gains of 6% and 5.6%, respectively. Overall, total comparable sales, excluding these factors, grew 6.2% in December, following strong increases of 6.4% in November and 6.8% in October.
Digitally enabled comparable sales in December surged 18.9%, or 18.3%, when adjusted for fuel and currency impacts. This follows gains of 16.6% registered in both November and October, reflecting sustained strength in Costco’s online sales.
As a result, Costco's net sales for December rose 8.5% to $29.86 billion, up from $27.52 billion in the same period last year. This follows a sales improvement of 8.1% and 8.6% in November and October, respectively.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
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 4.8% over the past year against the Retail – Discount Stores industry’s 6.6% rise.
Picks You Can’t Miss Out On
J&J Snack Foods Corp. (JJSF - Free Report) , a leader and innovator in the snack food industry, currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). JJSF has reported an earnings surprise of 49.1% in the last reported quarter. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for J&J Snack Foods’ current financial-year sales and EPS calls for growth of 2% and 4.2%, respectively, from the year-ago reported numbers.
Dollar Tree, Inc. (DLTR - Free Report) , which operates retail discount stores, currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). DLTR has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 29.1%, on average.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Dollar Tree’s current financial-year EPS implies growth of 12.2% from the year-ago reported numbers.
Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST - Free Report) , which operates off-price retail apparel and home fashion stores, currently carries a Zacks Rank #2. ROST has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 6.7%, on average.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Ross Stores’ current financial-year sales and EPS suggests growth of 6.3% and 2.1%, respectively, from the year-ago reported numbers.
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Costco's December Sales Stay Strong: What Is Driving COST's Momentum?
Key Takeaways
Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST - Free Report) maintained steady comparable sales growth in December, reflecting its appeal among value-conscious consumers. The company’s competitive pricing and quality products — available both in stores and through its expanding e-commerce platform — continue to attract shoppers.
Sneak Peek Into Costco’s December Comparable Sales
For the five weeks ending Jan. 4, 2026, Costco reported a 7% year-over-year increase in total comparable sales. Regionally, comparable sales rose 6% in the United States, 8.4% in Canada and 10.6% in Other International markets. This follows total comparable sales growth of 6.9% in November and 6.6% in October, indicating consistent momentum.
On an adjusted basis, excluding the effects of gasoline prices and foreign exchange, U.S. comparable sales increased 6.3%, while Canada and Other International markets posted gains of 6% and 5.6%, respectively. Overall, total comparable sales, excluding these factors, grew 6.2% in December, following strong increases of 6.4% in November and 6.8% in October.
Digitally enabled comparable sales in December surged 18.9%, or 18.3%, when adjusted for fuel and currency impacts. This follows gains of 16.6% registered in both November and October, reflecting sustained strength in Costco’s online sales.
As a result, Costco's net sales for December rose 8.5% to $29.86 billion, up from $27.52 billion in the same period last year. This follows a sales improvement of 8.1% and 8.6% in November and October, respectively.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
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 4.8% over the past year against the Retail – Discount Stores industry’s 6.6% rise.
Picks You Can’t Miss Out On
J&J Snack Foods Corp. (JJSF - Free Report) , a leader and innovator in the snack food industry, currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). JJSF has reported an earnings surprise of 49.1% in the last reported quarter. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for J&J Snack Foods’ current financial-year sales and EPS calls for growth of 2% and 4.2%, respectively, from the year-ago reported numbers.
Dollar Tree, Inc. (DLTR - Free Report) , which operates retail discount stores, currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). DLTR has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 29.1%, on average.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Dollar Tree’s current financial-year EPS implies growth of 12.2% from the year-ago reported numbers.
Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST - Free Report) , which operates off-price retail apparel and home fashion stores, currently carries a Zacks Rank #2. ROST has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 6.7%, on average.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Ross Stores’ current financial-year sales and EPS suggests growth of 6.3% and 2.1%, respectively, from the year-ago reported numbers.