Costco Wholesale Corp.

Costco Wholesale Corp. posted a 10.1% increase in revenue amid increases in sales traffic and a big increase in online sales.

Costco Wholesale Club is upping its home delivery game for online food orders as the grocery delivery market continues to heat up.   The retailer has introduced a new two-day delivery service, called CostcoGrocer, for customers across the U.S. (with the exception of those in Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.). The service, which has a fee of $3, offers delivery of non-perishable foods and sundries, with about 500 items available. The delivery fee is waived for orders over $75.  

Costco Wholesale Club reported better-than-expected profit and revenue for its fourth quarter.   Net sales for the 17-week fourth quarter ended Sept. 3 rose 15.8% to $41.36 billion from $35.73 billion in year-ago period, which had 16 weeks. Total same-store sales rose 6.1%, with a 6.5% increase in the U.S. and a 4.9% increase in Canada. International same-store sales rose 5.6%    E-commerce sales in the quarter were up 21%. Membership fees rose 13% to $943 million.   

As Whole Foods Market continues to slash prices at its stores, the chain is attracting competitors’ shoppers — including those from Walmart.   This was according to “Competitive Impact of Lower Prices at Whole Foods,” a report from data intelligence firm Thasos Group.   

Uncertainty has always been a part of the retail industry, but today it is reaching unprecedented levels. Far too many retailers have let that online monster that’s under the bed get into their heads and influence their strategic decision and resource allocation. But is that monster really vicious?  

Face-to-face human contact is not necessary for a brand to make a strong connection with consumers.   

Costco Wholesale Corp. turned in a strong performance in August, helped by a big increase in online sales.    Net sales rose 10% to $9.8 billion for the month of August, from $8.9 billion during the similar period last year. Total same-store sales rose 7.3%, higher than the 6.1% Wall Street expected. Same-store U.S. sales rose 7.4%, easily topping estimates for a 4.9% to 5.3% increase. Costco's comparable e-commerce sales jumped 26% in August.   

Sears Holdings Corp.'s second-quarter earnings beat the Street as it benefitted from cost-saving initiatives. But it continued to struggle with weak traffic and declining sales, and added 28 more locations to its long list of store closings.    Sears reported that its second-quarter loss narrowed to $251 million, or $2.34 per share, in the quarter ended July 29, helped by cost savings resulting from the streamlining of operations and store closings.