Costco delivered double-digit sales growth in the third quarter, driven by higher warehouse traffic and a boost in its e-commerce business.

The membership-based retailer reported net sales of $69.15 billion for the 12 weeks which ended in May 11, up 11.6 per cent from $61.96 billion a year earlier. Net income increased to $2.19 billion from $1.90 billion.

Meanwhile, for the first 36 weeks of the fiscal year, net sales rose 9.6 per cent to $203.37 billion from $185.48 billion year prior,  while net income increased to $6.23 billion.

In the US, comparable sales increased 9.4 per cent, while Canada recorded growth of 10.7 per cent. Other international markets delivered an 11.2 per cent increase.

Excluding the impact of fuel prices and foreign exchange movements, comparable sales rose 6.8 per cent in the US, 6.2 per cent in Canada, and 5.9 per cent across other international markets.

E-commerce continued to outperform the broader business, with comparable online sales increasing 21.5 per cent during the quarter.

Costco ended the quarter with 931 warehouses worldwide, including 639 locations across the US and Puerto Rico.

• Further reading: Costco prepares to launch its first standalone gas station.