Costco reported a modest 1.0% increase in net sales for its fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024, reaching $78.2 billion. According to a report from Kitco, Costco’s gold bullion sales have become a significant driver of its online sales, with reports of double-digit increases in gold sales over the past three months.
The growth is notable, especially given the competitive retail environment, and suggests that consumer interest in gold remains robust despite rising prices.
Costco’s CFO noted that gold has been a “meaningful tailwind” for e-commerce sales, indicating that the popularity of gold bullion is helping to bolster online revenue. The rapid sell-out of online bullion products further highlights this trend.
Analysts are closely monitoring Costco’s gold sales, with some suggesting that the company could explore private-label gold products in the future. While no such plans exist, the interest reflects this segment’s growth potential.
Costco’s collaboration to offer the Gold Maple Leaf Single Mine bullion coin is a strategic move to attract members interested in unique and collectible bullion products, further enhancing its market appeal.
Despite gold prices exceeding $2,600 an ounce, analysts from Wall Street banks expect demand for physical bullion to remain strong. Higher prices can historically deter retail buyers, but the current environment suggests that many investors prioritize physical gold holdings as a haven amid economic uncertainty.
A major retailer like Costco selling precious metals reflects a broader interest in alternative investments due to current economic conditions. Gold prices have risen, with expectations for continued growth due to factors like additional interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Silver, while not as dramatic in price increase, also showed growth.
Analysts like Joseph Cavatoni from the World Gold Council observe a strong demand in the investment category, reinforcing that investors increasingly turn to physical gold as part of their asset allocation.
Costco Platinum Bars
Following the success of their gold and silver offerings, Costco has added the PAMP Suisse 1 oz Platinum bar to its product lineup.
While the Platinum Bars are available online and in some physical stores, there are limitations. Some states, such as Nevada and Louisiana, restrict certain products, so precious metals are only available in some parts of the country.
Also, buying precious metals at Costco requires a membership. While some Executive members have reported combining special offers with cash-back rewards and racking up rebates, these PAMP Platinum Bars are limited to one per member.
Lady Fortuna Platinum Bars
PAMP Lady Fortuna Platinum Bars are among the most popular and sought-after platinum bullion products in the precious metals market. Produced in Switzerland, investors seek PAMP Platinum Bars for their purity and craftsmanship. The Lady Fortuna design features the goddess wearing a blindfold and holding a cornucopia that pours out riches, symbolizing the unpredictability and abundance of fortune.
Fractional Platinum Bars Available From PAMP Suisse
While Costco sells only the 1 troy ounce bar, Lady Fortuna Platinum Bars are available from online bullion dealers in an assortment of sizes, making them accessible to a wide range of investors.
The most common sizes include:
- 1 gram Platinum Bar
- 5 gram Platinum Bar
- 20 gram Platinum Bar
- 1 oz (ounce) Platinum Bar
Each is stamped with its weight, purity, and unique serial number. The PAMP brand name ensures quality with its proprietary VeriScan™ technology, which allows buyers to verify the authenticity of the bars using a digital fingerprint stored in PAMP’s database.
Costco vs Online Bullion Dealers
While Costco offers the convenience of buying precious metals while shopping for toilet paper and other essentials, they provide a minimal selection compared to specialized dealers.
During their online flash sales, the prices of gold bars and coins are often competitive against specialty precious metals dealers. However, in-warehouse pricing is much less competitive due to the static nature of retail pricing.
Online dealers specializing in precious metals offer a greater selection of Lady Fortuna platinum bars and are more competitively priced, using live market conditions.
It’s essential to compare prices to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Costco’s reported gold sales reflect the robust demand for precious metals, indicating a strong and possibly sustained interest in physical bullion despite high prices.