Costco’s December Surge: 8.5% Sales Jump Fueled by 18% Online Explosion

Costco just dropped its December numbers—and they're not playing around.

The Brick-and-Mortar Beast Awakens Online

Forget the quiet warehouse aisles. Costco's digital engine roared to life last month, posting a staggering 18% surge. That's not growth; that's a full-scale online migration. It proves even the most physical of retail giants can't ignore the digital tide—and when they pivot, they do it with bulk-sized momentum.

The 8.5% Overall Haul

That online firepower translated into a total sales increase of 8.5% for December. It’s a clear signal: the omnichannel strategy isn't just a buzzword for Costco; it's the engine driving the top line. Members aren't just coming for the $1.50 hot dogs; they're clicking for convenience, too.

The Real Test: Sustaining the Spike

The holiday quarter always brings a sugar rush. The real question for analysts—who are probably already adjusting their models over artisanal cheese plates—is whether this is a seasonal blip or the new baseline. Can Costco keep this digital momentum once the holiday returns window slams shut?

One thing's certain: in a retail landscape where many are just trying to survive, Costco isn't just weathering the storm—it's building a bigger warehouse. It almost makes you forget about the pesky concept of a price-to-earnings ratio... almost.

TLDR

• Costco’s December net sales climbed 8.5% year-over-year to $29.86 billion for the five weeks ended January 4
• U.S. comparable sales rose 6.3% while total company comps increased 7%, excluding gas and currency impacts
• Online sales surged 18.3%, up from 16.3% growth in November
• Customer traffic increased 2.7% with average ticket up 4.2% during the month
• Costco stock jumped more than 3% on Thursday after the sales report, rebounding from a 6% decline in 2025

Costco reported strong December sales figures that sent shares higher on Thursday. The warehouse retailer’s performance showed shoppers continued flocking to its stores during the critical holiday period.

The company posted net sales of $29.86 billion for the five weeks ended January 4. This marked an 8.5% increase from the same period last year.

Comparable store sales, which measure results at locations open at least one year, grew 6.3% in the U.S. These figures exclude gas prices and foreign currency impacts. Total company comps ROSE 7%, accelerating from November’s 6.9% growth.

Costco Wholesale Corporation, COST

Costco stock climbed more than 3% by market close. Shares had risen as much as 5.6% earlier in the trading session.

The December results ease concerns about the retailer’s ability to maintain growth. The month accounted for roughly 40% of sales in the same three-month period last year.

Online Business Sees Strong Growth

E-commerce stood out as a major winner. Costco’s digitally-enabled sales jumped 18.3% on a comparable basis.

This marked an acceleration from the 16.3% growth posted in November. The online channel continues to gain traction with members seeking convenience.

All of Costco’s departments saw positive comparable sales. Both essential and discretionary categories performed well during the period.

Customer traffic increased 2.7% during December. The average transaction value rose 4.2%.

These metrics show shoppers are buying more items per visit. They’re also willing to spend on higher-priced goods despite economic pressures.

Value Strategy Resonates with Budget-Conscious Consumers

Costco’s low-price model continues attracting cash-strapped shoppers. The company offers quality merchandise at prices competitors struggle to match.

Its massive scale allows for bulk purchasing power. This translates to savings that get passed to members.

The strategy builds loyalty and drives repeat visits. Membership fees provide dependable profits while product sales generate volume.

Analysts view Costco’s value proposition as particularly strong in the current environment. Consumers remain hyper-focused on finding deals.

Gordon Haskett analyst Chuck Grom called the results “a springboard for a stock that had a non-Costco like year in 2025.” The stock fell more than 6% last year while the S&P 500 posted double-digit gains.

William Blair analyst Phillip Blee raised estimates following the report. He said the results “likely ease investor concerns around a potentially softer-than-expected COMP in the fiscal second-quarter.”

Oppenheimer analyst Rupesh Parikh named Costco a top pick with a $1,050 price target. He noted the potential for a special dividend or stock split as possible catalysts.

The stock trades at around 41 times next fiscal year’s expected earnings. This valuation has declined from over 50 times previously.

Costco’s December comparable sales growth held up well on a two-year basis. This matters because the company faced tough comparisons to strong prior-year results.