Costco Reports Strong March Sales Growth Despite Calendar Headwinds
Event summary
- Costco reported net sales of $28.41 billion for March 2026, an 11.3% increase from $25.51 billion in the prior year.
- Comparable sales growth for the five weeks ended April 5, 2026, was 9.4%, with digitally-enabled sales surging 23.3%.
- First 31 weeks of fiscal 2026 saw net sales of $173.26 billion, up 9.1% year-over-year.
- Easter calendar shift reduced total and comparable sales by approximately 1.5%.
- Costco operates 928 warehouses globally, with significant digital presence in 8 countries.
The big picture
Costco's strong March sales performance reflects continued resilience in both physical and digital channels. The retailer's ability to grow comparable sales despite a calendar shift highlights operational strength. As the retail landscape evolves, Costco's omnichannel strategy and international expansion remain key drivers of its market position.
What we're watching
- Digital Acceleration
- How Costco will sustain its 23.3% digitally-enabled sales growth amid rising e-commerce competition.
- Geographic Expansion
- Whether Costco's international markets can maintain double-digit comparable sales growth.
- Operational Efficiency
- The pace at which Costco can offset calendar-related sales headwinds through operational improvements.
Related topics