Costco October sales up 9%

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — Costco's sales for October rose 9% to $7.67 billion from $7.01 billion during the similar period last year.



Total comps for the month increased 7%, consisting of a 7% increase in the United States, and a 9% increase internationally. Excluding the impact of fuel, U.S., international and total same-store sales increased by 5% each.



For the first nine weeks of its reporting period ended Oct. 28, the company reported net sales of $16.98 billion, an increase of 9% from $15.62 billion during the similar period last year. Total same-store sales for the period were up 7%, excluding fuel, the increase was 5%.



Costco currently operates 612 warehouses, including 442 in the United States and Puerto Rico, 83 in Canada, 32 in Mexico, 22 in the United Kingdom, 13 in Japan, nine in Taiwan, eight in Korea and three in Australia. The company plans to open up to ten additional warehouses prior to the end of calendar year 2012.