Costco Wholesale Corporation reported net sales of $5.36 billion for the five weeks ended April 2, 2006, an increase of 10% from $4.87 billion in the same five-week period of the prior fiscal year. For the first thirty-one weeks of its fiscal year ended April 2, 2006, the Company reported net sales of $33.91 billion, an increase of 11% from $30.49 billion during the similar thirty-one-week period of the prior fiscal year.
Comparable sales for the 5-week and 31-week periods ended April 2, 2006, were as follows:
5 Weeks 31 Weeks
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US 7% 8%
International 9% 9%
Total Company 7% 8%
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This year's five-week period included 35 days of sales compared to 34 days last year, reflecting the timing of Easter. This calendar shift impacted sales positively by approximately one to two percent.
In addition, the Company announced its plan to increase annual membership fees by $5 for its U.S. and Canada Gold Star (individual), Business, and Business Add-on Members, effective May 1, 2006. The Company's Executive Membership Program, which offers the U.S. and Canada members access to additional services, as well as participating in a 2% annual reward program of up to $500 per year, will continue to be offered at $100 per year. Approximately 15 million members will be impacted by the $5 annual fee increase, the first increase in nearly six years.
