Costco’s E-Commerce Boom: A New Growth Engine in Retail

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2025/8/19: As cross-border e-commerce heats up worldwide, major retailers are under the spotlight. One name that stands out is Costco, the membership-based warehouse giant, which has recently reported impressive growth in its online business.

Strong E-Commerce Performance

In its June report, Costco announced net sales of $26.44 billion, up 8% year-over-year. While overall comparable sales rose 5.8%, it was e-commerce that stole the show, jumping more than 11% in June alone.

Breaking it down further:

  • U.S. sales grew 4.7%

  • Canada sales rose 6.7%

  • International markets surged 10.9%

For the 44 weeks ending July 6, Costco’s total net sales hit $227.46 billion, an 8% increase from last year. E-commerce was even stronger, climbing 15.3% year-to-date, and 16% when adjusted.

The numbers confirm what has become increasingly clear: digital sales and delivery services are now a critical growth driver for Costco.

Long-Term E-Commerce Strategy

Costco’s e-commerce momentum didn’t happen overnight. For years, the company has been quietly building out its online ecosystem across multiple markets, including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Mexico, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Australia.

By combining membership pricing with a multi-channel shopping experience, Costco has managed to bring its reputation for value into the digital age. Services like same-day and next-day delivery as well as “buy online, pick up in store” have resonated strongly with consumers who expect speed and convenience.

At the same time, Costco has invested in automation and logistics infrastructure to ensure it can handle rising order volumes efficiently. This operational strength has made e-commerce a reliable revenue stream rather than just an add-on.

Challenges Along the Way

Like all retailers expanding online, Costco has faced its share of challenges. Earlier this year, its Canadian operations were hit with a class-action lawsuit alleging misleading online pricing. Customers claimed that online items were priced higher than in-store, with “hidden” shipping costs baked in.

Incidents like this highlight the delicate balance between price transparency and customer trust — a balance that’s crucial in the hyper-competitive e-commerce space. With alternatives like Amazon, Walmart, and local players just a click away, Costco must continue to improve the customer experience to stay competitive.

What It Means for Cross-Border Sellers

Costco’s success story underscores an important truth: logistics and fulfillment are now at the heart of e-commerce growth. Retailers that can’t deliver quickly and transparently risk losing customers, no matter how strong their brand is.

At B&J Global, we see parallels for cross-border sellers. Whether shipping to North America or managing multi-channel fulfillment, brands need reliable logistics partners who can ensure smooth customs clearance, efficient warehousing, and fast last-mile delivery.

Costco’s rise in digital sales is proof that investing in strong logistics infrastructure pays off — and it’s a lesson that every e-commerce seller, big or small, should keep in mind.

📌 B&J helps cross-border sellers stay ahead with end-to-end logistics solutions — from customs clearance and warehousing to trucking and last-mile delivery — so your business can grow confidently in today’s fast-moving e-commerce world.