Costco Posts Strongest December Sales Gains—Double-Digit Boost in Digital Channels Highlights Consumer Momentum
December Delivers—Net Sales Rise to $29.86 Billion
Costco Wholesale Corporation’s latest report reveals a powerful holiday performance: net sales for December reached $29.86 billion, marking an 8.5% increase over December last year. For the first eighteen weeks of the fiscal year, net sales hit $101.83 billion, up 8.3% year-over-year. These robust figures underscore Costco’s enduring appeal to value-conscious shoppers and its capacity to drive foot traffic even amid evolving retail landscapes.
Regional and Digital Sales Patterns—Digital Leads the Upside
Comparable sales provide a more nuanced view, revealing solid results across all geographies—but it’s the digital channel that truly stands out. Here are the notable numbers:
| Region/Channel | December (5 Weeks) | Fiscal YTD (18 Weeks) |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. | 6.0% | 5.9% |
| Canada | 8.4% | 7.0% |
| Other International | 10.6% | 9.5% |
| Total Company | 7.0% | 6.6% |
| Digitally-Enabled | 18.9% | 19.6% |
When you strip out the impacts of gas prices and currency changes, the digitally-enabled segment still delivered an 18.3% jump in December. Even as physical store growth remains healthy, e-commerce continues to deliver outsized gains, reflecting consumer shift to online during peak retail periods.
Physical and Digital Both Drive Growth, but Digital Takes the Spotlight
Across the board, Costco posted positive comparable sales: the U.S. and Canada maintained mid- to high-single digit growth, while international operations reached double digits. However, the nearly 19% surge in digital sales is the clear headline. Costco’s continued investment in e-commerce platforms, curbside pickup, and expanded assortment appears to be resonating with members seeking convenience and value during the holiday season.
| Comparable Sales (Gas & FX Excluded) | December (5 Weeks) | Fiscal YTD (18 Weeks) |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. | 6.3% | 5.9% |
| Canada | 6.0% | 8.0% |
| Other International | 5.6% | 6.5% |
| Total Company | 6.2% | 6.3% |
| Digitally-Enabled | 18.3% | 19.4% |
Global Warehouse Footprint Supports Broad-Based Growth
As of the latest update, Costco operates 923 warehouses globally, including 633 in the U.S. and Puerto Rico and 114 in Canada. The broad international presence and rapidly growing digital infrastructure enable Costco to capture growth opportunities in both existing and emerging markets. The retailer now operates dedicated e-commerce sites in eight countries, another sign of its digital ambitions.
Key Takeaway—Digital Accelerates, Physical Remains Resilient
Costco’s December release signals a company firing on all cylinders: solid in-store growth in all regions, but with its digital channels rapidly outpacing the physical business. For investors and retail watchers, the sustained double-digit digital momentum may offer clues about shifting member preferences and Costco’s ability to adapt. While macroeconomic headwinds remain on the horizon, these sales numbers provide a strong start to 2026 and reflect a resilient value proposition both in the warehouse and online.
Further details and analysis, including management commentary, are available at investor.costco.com.
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