Costco Wholesale Corp. reported November net sales of $23.64 billion versus $21.87 billion for the month a year earlier.
Year over year, Costco comparable sales, excluding gas price and foreign exchange impact, were up 6.4%, with comps for operations in the United States up 5.8%, Canada comps up 8.3% and those in other international markets up 8%. Digitally enabled sales were up 16.3%.
In a conference call, the company noted store traffic increased by 3% in the U.S. during the month. Strongest comp sales regions were the Northeast, Midwest and the Southeast. Non-foods were up in mid single digits with jewelry and tires and health and beauty performing the best. Food and Sundries were up in mid to high single digits, and Fresh Foods were also up in mid to high single digits.
Costco operations include 921 warehouse clubs, including 633 in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, 112 in Canada, 42 in Mexico, 37 in Japan, 29 in the United Kingdom, 20 in Korea, 15 in Australia, 14 in Taiwan, seven in China, five in Spain, three in France, two in Sweden and one each in Iceland and New Zealand. The company also operates e-commerce websites in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Mexico, Korea, Taiwan, Japan and Australia.
