Costco's sales surge continues

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — Costco reported net sales of $7.58 billion for the month of February, an increase of 8% from $7.01 billion during the similar period last year.

For the twenty-six weeks ended March 3, 2013, the company reported net sales of $51.35 billion, an increase of 9% from $47.22 billion during the similar period last year.

Excluding the impact of fuel, Costco's total comps for the four-week period were up 6%. For the 26-week period, comps were up 5%.

Costco reported that net sales for the quarter increased 8%, to $24.34 billion, from $22.51 billion last year. Net sales for the first half increased 9%, to $47.55 billion, from $43.69 billion last year.

Comparable sales for the quarter, excluding fuel, were up 5%. For the first half, they were up 5%.