Costco outpaces broad retail sales in January as its digital business shines

February 4, 2026 - 23:41

Costco Wholesale Corporation posted impressive sales figures for the month of January, significantly outpacing broader retail trends. The membership-based warehouse giant reported a total sales increase of 9.3%, reaching $19.5 billion for the four-week period ending January 28.

A key driver of this growth was the company's digital performance, with e-commerce sales skyrocketing 34.4% year-over-year. This substantial online gain highlights the continued strength and strategic importance of Costco's digital channels in capturing consumer spending.

Furthermore, comparable sales, a critical retail metric excluding impacts from fuel price fluctuations and foreign exchange, rose a healthy 7.1% globally. This figure underscores consistent consumer demand across Costco's vast network of physical warehouses, even as online shopping flourishes.

The strong January results demonstrate Costco's resilient business model and its ability to attract value-focused shoppers. The notable divergence between its performance and the wider retail sector points to the chain's unique value proposition and loyal membership base, which continue to drive growth both in-store and online.