Costco November comps up 1%, net sales up 3%

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — Costco reported a jump in comps of 1% and a boost in net sales of 3% to $9.68 billion for the month of November.

Same-store sales, excluding the impacts from changes in gasoline prices and foreign exchange, were up 1%, with a 1% rise in U.S., a 1% increase in Canada, and -2% decrease in Other International comparable sales. 

For the 12-week first quarter ended Nov. 20, the company reported net sales of $27.47 billion, an increase of 3 percent from $26.63 billion during the first quarter last year.

For the 13 weeks ended Nov. 27, the company reported net sales of $30.12 billion, an increase of 3 percent from $29.20 billion during the similar period last year.

Costco currently operates 717 warehouses, including 503 in the United States and Puerto Rico, 91 in Canada, 36 in Mexico, 28 in the United Kingdom, 25 in Japan, 12 in Korea, 12 in Taiwan, eight in Australia and two in Spain.

The company plans to open up to an additional seven new warehouses (including one relocation) before the end of calendar year 2016.