Costco Reports Double-Digit Sales Growth in August 2026
Costco (COST) reported strong sales growth for the month of August 2026, with total net sales reaching $23.7 billion — a 10% increase compared to the same period last year. Comparable sales rose by 8.4%, driven in part by higher gas prices and digital sales growth. Even after adjusting for fuel price inflation and currency effects, core business performance remained robust at around 5.4%. The U.S., international markets outside North America, and Canada all contributed to the gains. The company's strategy of maintaining competitive pricing on everyday items has helped sustain demand amid ongoing economic pressures like tariffs and higher gas prices. Digital sales surged by nearly 18%, indicating a growing shift in consumer behavior toward online shopping. Management attributed part of the slower-than-expected growth to an unusual calendar shift due to Labor Day falling later than usual, which slightly reduced August performance. Costco's regional strength was most notable in the U.S. Southeast and Midwest as well as international markets like Spain, China, and Korea. Category-wise, fresh foods saw mid-single-digit gains, while nonfood items such as home furnishings also performed strongly.
Tickers: $COST
Topics: retail sales growth stock performance