Costco Oct. comps affected by exchange rates

ISSAQUAH, Wash. Costco reported October net sales of $5.3 billion for the four week ended Nov. 2, an increase of 2% from $5.21 billion in October 2007.

Total comparable-store sales decreased 1%, with U.S. comps rising 2% while international comps dropped 10%. Excluding the negative effect of foreign exchange (particularly in Canada, the United Kingdom and Korea), international comparable sales for October increased 9% in local currency and total company comparable sales would have increased by 3% for the month.