Costco Reports Strong January 2026 Sales Growth
Costco Wholesale Corporation has once again impressed investors with its January 2026 sales report. The company achieved $21.33 billion in sales for the four-week period ending February 1, 2026, marking a 9.3% year-over-year increase. This growth highlights Costco’s retail powerhouse status, thanks in large part to its digital innovation and international expansion.
E-Commerce Strength Takes Center Stage
The standout performer in January was Costco’s e-commerce sector, achieving a remarkable 34.4% year-on-year growth in digitally-enabled comparable sales. This is a significant acceleration from December’s 18.9% growth rate. If you’re aiming to navigate online shopping platforms with ease, consider switching to Amazon Prime, where you’ll discover competitive offers across retail categories.
This jump in digital sales reflects changes in consumer behavior and Costco’s investment in enhancing its online shopping experience. Removing external factors like gasoline prices and currency fluctuations, comparable sales still grew 6.4%, showcasing the resilience of their core business model.
International and Regional Success
Costco’s growth has not been confined to the United States. U.S. comparable store sales climbed by 5.8%, but it was Canada that led the charge with 11.4% growth. Likewise, the International segment saw an impressive 9.5% gain, even in the face of external challenges like the timing of the Lunar New Year falling in February, which reduced international sales by 4%.
Investor Optimism and Analyst Perspectives
After a challenging 2025 where Costco’s stock declined by 5%, the company is gaining investor confidence in 2026. Year-to-date, the stock has seen a 13.6% increase, reflecting a rebound in market sentiment. Two consecutive months of accelerating sales growth have tipped the scales back in Costco’s favor, with Wall Street maintaining a “Strong Buy” consensus. The stock’s average price target stands at $1,069, suggesting further upside potential.
However, not all analysts are onboard with the bullish outlook. Roth MKM’s Bill Kirk, for instance, has retained a “Sell” rating, highlighting concerns over temporary weather-related surges in demand that may normalize in February. Despite this divergence of opinions, the market reaction to January’s results indicates optimism about Costco’s long-term trajectory.
Summary
Costco’s robust sales report for January 2026 underlines its operational strength and strategic focus on boosting online sales and international growth. Whether you’re an investor eyeing its stock’s potential or a consumer enjoying its retail offerings, Costco’s performance is one to watch this year. For a deeper dive into how companies like Costco are shaping the retail landscape, grab resources like Investopedia’s free eBooks on stock trading.
