Lower demand for non-food items and foreign exchange have weighed on Costco’s third-quarter figures, the US wholesaler said today (28 May).

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


Costco said its net sales in the three months to 10 May fell 5% to US$15.48bn, with comparable sales down 7%.


The company’s US comparable sales fell 5% when including the impact of falling fuel prices. Stripping out that deflation, Costco’s US comparable sales were flat.


The group’s international sales dropped 12% on a reported basis but were up 8% when currency fluctuations were removed fro the numbers.


Net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 was US$209.6m, or $.48 per diluted share, compared to UYS$295.1m, or $.67 per diluted share, during the third quarter of fiscal 2008.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

CFO Richard Galanti said the “ongoing weakness in sales, particularly sales of higher-ticket, discretionary items” had been one of the factors for the fall in sales and earnings.

Just Food Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Food Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving food industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now