If you’ve noticed longer lines at your local Costco lately, there’s a very good reason for it. As inflation lingers and household budgets tighten, Americans are voting with their wallets — and they’re choosing Costco in record numbers.
Costco Sales Increased
Costco reported net sales of $23.92 billion for the retail month of April — the four weeks ended May 3, 2026 — an increase of 13% compared to the same period last year. That’s not a typo. Nearly $24 billion in one month.
Comparable sales surged 11.6% across the company, with U.S. stores up 11.7%, and digital sales jumping 18.8% for the month. Even after stripping out the boost from higher gas prices, U.S. comparable sales still rose a solid 8.0% — a quicker pace than the 6.2% reported in March.
Inflation Is Actually Sending Shoppers to Costco
Here’s the twist most people don’t expect: rising prices aren’t hurting Costco — they’re helping it. Bank of America maintained its Buy rating on Costco stock with a $1,185 price target, noting that the membership model continues to attract value-conscious shoppers even as tariffs rise and inflation creeps back.
Costco’s ability to leverage bulk purchasing and operate an efficient supply chain allows it to keep sharp, competitive pricing in today’s inflation-sensitive environment. Simply put: when every dollar counts, a Costco membership feels like the smartest investment a family can make.
Costco has also been actively working to reduce the impact of tariffs, including sourcing more items from the U.S., consolidating buying across the globe to lower the cost of goods, and swapping out categories or items that aren’t as exposed to steep import costs.
What’s New at Costco This May
May is a fantastic month on the Costco floor. On the food and drink side, Costco has introduced the new 2 pound blueberry sourdough loaf which goes for just $9.
For grill season, lime-cilantro marinated flank steak is a standout at $13 to $15 per pound, alongside Olipop’s spring variety pack of prebiotic sodas for $20.
Kirkland fans have plenty to be excited about this month. The new Kirkland Beef and Broccoli with Noodles is already turning heads as an easy, satisfying meal option that delivers the Kirkland quality members have come to expect at a fraction of restaurant prices.
The Kirkland Sparkling Energy Drink is also making its debut for those looking for a refreshing pick-me-up.
While the Kirkland Sweet and Salty Cookies and the hand-dipped Kirkland Hand-Dipped Shortbread Cookies are giving the bakery aisle some serious competition. If you’re a cookie person, May is your month.
Snack lovers won’t want to miss the Rap Snacks Snoop Dogg “Snoop Box” Kettle Cooked Chips, one of the most fun and unexpected new arrivals to hit Costco shelves this season. It’s the kind of only-at-Costco find that makes the treasure hunt worth it.
And in what may be the most exciting food court news in a while, Costco has introduced the Rotisserie Chicken Chef Salad as a new food court item — a fresh, hearty option that puts the beloved rotisserie chicken to great use and gives members a lighter alternative to the usual court fare.
On the home and garden front, the Nordic Ware kettle smoker is featured prominently this season.
For those gearing up for summer heat, the Shark ChillPill 2-in-1 Fan and InstaChill Personal Cooling System is one of the season’s most talked-about new arrivals, coming with a wearable high-speed fan, cooling plate, and cross-body lanyard.
Costco’s Global Footprint Keeps Growing
Costco currently operates 928 warehouses across 14 countries, including 637 in the United States and Puerto Rico, and is targeting 30 or more new warehouse openings annually going forward. Their next earnings report drops May 28, and Wall Street is watching closely.
Stay tuned here for daily Costco news, deals, and member tips.
New Costco Foods & Drinks to Get Excited About