Costco's July sales inch up

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — Club-based mass merchandiser Costco had a slight increase in sales last month, compared with the same period last year.

Costco said Thursday that sales for July were $5.86 billion, an 8% increase over the $5.42 billion in sales it had in July 2009.

Sales for the 48-week period ending Sunday were $70.37 billion, compared with $64.44 billion during the same period last year.