Costco says it's seeing a shift in how much people eat at home vs. at restaurants

Core Insights - Costco is experiencing a shift in consumer behavior towards "food at home," leading to increased sales in meat and produce categories [3][4] - The company reported Q1 2025 sales of $60.99 billion, reflecting a 7.5% increase from the previous year [4] - Membership numbers rose by 7.2% year-over-year, reaching nearly 139 million cardholders [5] Sales Performance - Strong growth in sales attributed to a shift in dining habits, with consumers opting for home-cooked meals over dining out [2][6] - The increase in sales is particularly noted in lower-priced food items, including poultry, beef, and pork [4] Market Trends - The trend of eating at home is echoed by other retailers and fast-food chains, indicating a broader industry shift due to inflation and high food prices [6][7] - Walmart reported that eating out is approximately 4.3 times more expensive than eating at home, which is driving more customers to grocery stores [8]