Costco’s comps level for May, YTD

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — Costco recently shared its May sales results, posting net sales of $9.23 billion, a 3% increase over the $8.98 billion it brought in during the similar period last year. This year May included an extra sales day in the U.S. compared to last year due to the timing of Memorial Day, which the company expects to positively impact net sales and comparable sales for the year by about 2.5% overall and 3.5% in the U.S. 

 

Costco’s comparable sales for the month rose 1% in the U.S., dropped 1% in Canada and dropped 3% internationally, essentially leveling out total company comps for the month posting a 0% change over last year. Excluding the effects of gasoline price deflation and foreign exchange, comps lifted 4% in the United States, 6% in Canada, 3% internationally and 4% for the total company.

 

Costco also shared year-to-date sales for the 39 weeks ended May 29, posting a 2% increase in U.S. comps alongside a 5% and 4% decrease in Canada and international markets, respectively, for a 0% rise over last year. Factoring out gas price deflation and foreign exchange effects, the 39 weeks saw a 5% rise overall, including a 4% rise in U.S. comps, a 9% rise in Canadian comps and a 5% international rise in comps.