Costco's May Sales Rise 4.3% Led by 11.6% E-commerce Surge

Costco, a leading wholesale retailer, announced its May retail data, showing a global same-store sales growth of 4.3%. The United States region saw a 4.1% increase, while Canada experienced a 3.3% growth. International markets showed a more significant rise of 6.3%. Notably, e-commerce sales surged by 11.6% during the same period. The food and grocery category, a core segment for Costco, also contributed to the overall sales growth.

Excluding the effects of currency fluctuations and oil price changes, Costco's core same-store sales grew by 6.0% in May. This growth was driven by a 5.5% increase in the United States region. Both of these growth rates represent a slowdown compared to the previous month. In May 2025, Costco's total global sales reached 20.97 billion.

The deceleration in core same-store sales growth can be attributed to various factors, including changes in consumer spending patterns and increased competition in the retail sector. Despite this slowdown, Costco's e-commerce segment continues to thrive, with an 11.6% increase in sales. This highlights the growing importance of online shopping in the retail landscape and Costco's ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences.

The strong performance of the e-commerce segment is particularly noteworthy, as it indicates that Costco is effectively leveraging digital platforms to reach a broader customer base. This strategy not only helps in maintaining overall sales growth but also positions Costco competitively in the rapidly evolving retail market.

In summary, while Costco's core same-store sales growth has slowed, the company's e-commerce segment remains a bright spot, driving overall sales and demonstrating the retailer's resilience in a challenging market environment. The company operates 905 warehouses globally, with a significant presence in the United States, Canada, and other international markets. This extensive network, combined with a robust e-commerce platform, positions Costco well to navigate the complexities of the retail industry.