Costco's Value Strategy Drives Strong November Sales Momentum

Costco Wholesale Corporation COST maintained steady comparable sales growth in November, which reflected its ongoing appeal among value-conscious consumers. The company’s competitive pricing and quality products — available both in stores and through its growing e-commerce platform — continue to resonate with shoppers.

Inside Costco’s November Comparable Sales

For the four weeks ending Nov. 30, 2025, Costco reported a 6.9% year-over-year increase in total comparable sales. Regionally, comparable sales rose 6% in the United States, 6.9% in Canada and 11.4% in other international markets. This follows total comparable sales growth of 6.6% in October and 5.7% in September, indicating consistent momentum.

On an adjusted basis, excluding the effects of gasoline prices and foreign exchange, U.S. comparable sales increased 5.8%, while Canada and other international markets posted gains of 8.3% and 8%, respectively. Overall, total comparable sales, excluding these factors, grew 6.4% in November, following strong increases of 6.8% in October and 6% in September.

Digitally-enabled comparable sales in November surged 16.6%, or 16.3%, when adjusted for fuel and currency impacts. This builds on gains of 16.6% in October and 26.1% in September, reflecting sustained strength in Costco’s online sales.

As a result, Costco's net sales for November rose 8.1% to $23.64 billion, up from $21.87 billion in the same period last year. This follows a sales improvement of 8.6% and 8% in October and September, respectively.

Bottom Line

Costco remains strong courtesy of its membership-based model. With solid renewal rates, the retailer has cultivated a loyal customer base. This membership loyalty not only supports consistent sales but also helps Costco maintain stable margins, even during economic uncertainty. Additionally, Costco’s ability to leverage bulk purchasing and operate an efficient supply chain allows it to keep sharp, competitive pricing in today’s inflation-sensitive environment.

Shares of this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company have fallen 9.8% over the past year, underperforming the Retail – Discount Stores industry’s 0.2% rise.

Picks You Can’t Miss Out On

The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. CHEF, a premier distributor of specialty food products in the United States, currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). CHEF has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 14.7%, on average. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CHEF’s current financial-year sales and EPS calls for growth of 8.1% and 29.3%, respectively, from the year-ago reported numbers.

Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. BOOT, the nation’s leading lifestyle retailer of western and work-related footwear, apparel and accessories, currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). BOOT has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 5.4%, on average. 

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Boot Barn’s current financial-year sales and EPS implies growth of 16.2% and 20.5%, respectively, from the year-ago reported numbers.

Ollie's Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc. OLLI, a leading off-price retailer of brand-name household products, currently carries a Zacks Rank #2. OLLI has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 4.2%, on average. 

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Ollie's Bargain’s current financial-year sales and EPS suggests growth of 16.4% and 16.5%, respectively, from the year-ago reported numbers.

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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

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