Costco's September Sales Show Its Edge in Value Retailing

Core Insights - Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) demonstrated consistent comparable sales growth in September, driven by its appeal to value-conscious consumers [1][2] Sales Performance - For the five weeks ending October 5, 2025, Costco reported a 5.7% year-over-year increase in total comparable sales, with U.S. sales rising 5.1%, Canada 6.3%, and Other International markets 8.5% [2][7] - Adjusted comparable sales, excluding gasoline price fluctuations and foreign exchange impacts, increased by 6%, with U.S. comps climbing 5%, Canada at 9.3%, and Other International markets at 7.5% [3][7] - Digitally-enabled comparable sales surged by 26.1%, reflecting strong performance in Costco's online channel, following gains of 18.4% in August and 15.1% in July [4][7] Financial Highlights - Costco's net sales for September rose by 8% to $26.58 billion, compared to $24.62 billion in the same period last year, following sales improvements of 8.7% in August and 8.5% in July [4] Competitive Advantages - The membership-based model of Costco, characterized by high renewal rates, fosters a loyal customer base [5] - Competitive pricing through bulk purchasing and efficient supply-chain management provides a significant advantage in a high-inflation environment [5] - Costco's strong value proposition attracts customers seeking quality products at attractive prices, driving both in-store and online traffic [8]