Costco's same-store sales up 5% in July

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — Costco posted a 5% increase in same-store sales in July, helped by strong sales at its U.S. stores. But the stronger dollar and lower gas prices pressured its results.

Same-store revenue at U.S. locations open was up 7% for the period ended July 29. The figure was flat for its international stores.

Taking out the impact of lower gas prices and a stronger dollar, same-store sales rose 7% for the month. In the U.S., the metric was up 8% while overseas it rose 7%.

Total revenue for July increased 8% to about $7.3 billion from $6.7 billion.