Costco Wholesale Corp. posted a December comparable sales gain of 3%, excluding the effects of fuel and foreign exchange rate volatility, with comps in the United States up 3%, those for Canada up 4% and those for other international markets up 4%.
Costco reported December net sales of $13.07 billion up 5% from last year’s month.
On a geographic basis in the United States, Costco stated in a conference call, the Midwest, Texas and Northwest were the strongest sales regions. On a merchandise category basis, softlines, including home-related goods, gained in the mid-single digit range, with apparel, jewelry, domestics and small appliances leading. Hardlines comps advanced in the mid single digits, with appliances, audio and computers among the stronger segments. Food and sundry comps were slightly positive for December while fresh food was up in the low to mid-single digit range.
Costco currently operates 723 warehouses.
