Ron Vachris on macro uncertainty
From Costco Wholesale Corp ($COST) Q3 2026 Earnings Call · · Castify Earnings Call
“Against the backdrop of ongoing macro uncertainty, our focus is providing quality goods and services at the lowest possible price continues to resonate strongly with our members. Nowhere has this been more apparent in the third quarter than our gas business. As events in the Middle East have had a significant impact on product supply and gas prices, our focus, as always, is to be there for our members by staying in stock and offering the best value. The result was record-breaking volumes.”
On , Ron Vachris, President, Chief Executive Officer & Director at Costco, spoke about macro uncertainty during Costco Wholesale Corp ($COST) Q3 2026 Earnings Call on Castify Earnings Call.
About Ron Vachris
Ron Vachris, President and CEO of Costco, discussed the company’s performance and strategy during the third quarter of 2026. He stated that the company’s pricing moves were “strategic not reactionary,” noting that Costco lowered prices quickly on items like eggs when commodity costs dropped and on goods that were coming in at lower tariff rates. Vachris said the company has started submitting refund claims for AIPA tariffs through U.S. Customs and Border Protection, with the plan to return a portion of those tariffs to members. He described the company’s goal as being “the first to lower prices and the last to raise them.” Vachris also said the rollout of executive membership in China has been “ahead of our expectations,” with a higher level of activity than initially expected. In a separate appearance before the Economic Club of Chicago, Vachris reflected on his 44-year career at Costco, which began as a part-time forklift driver at Price Club in 1982. He described the membership card as “the most important item we sell,” noting it generates $5 billion annually in fees that allow the company to keep prices low. Vachris said Costco plans to grow at a rate of about 30 warehouses per year, with a roughly 50-50 split between U.S. and international locations. He identified complacency and arrogance as the biggest threats to the company, stating, “I think that us losing our way is the biggest threat we could have.” He also cited the company’s investment in AI search as a way to better communicate the full value of its offerings, such as included delivery and installation on appliances.