Bulk Armor: Costco’s Global Expansion and AI Edge Making it the Apex Predator of Stagflation

Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) is one of the Best Stagflation Stocks to Buy Now. In 2025, Costco is doubling down on its global footprint and digital transformation. The company announced plans to open 27 to 29 new warehouses this year, expanding into regions like South Korea and Sweden while strengthening presence in the U.S.

These additions aren’t just about square footage—they’re strategic anchors aimed at fortifying Costco’s revenue against regional shocks and macro volatility.

Bulk Armor: Costco’s Global Expansion and AI Edge Making it the Apex Predator of Stagflation

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On the digital front, Costco is integrating AI-powered systems into its e-commerce operations. These tools help optimize inventory replenishment, reduce waste, and cut down on out-of-stock events, and enhance both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. The impact is already visible: in Q3 2025, Costco’s e-commerce sales jumped 11.6%, contributing to a 6.8% increase in total net sales.

Costco Wholesale Corporation is a membership-based retail giant, renowned for its no-frills model, competitive pricing, and customer loyalty. With a core focus on value and volume, Costco’s business thrives on scale and efficiency, traits that position it squarely in the defensive stock category.

While we acknowledge the potential of COST to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than COST and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.

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Disclosure: None.