Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ: COST) is often adept at increasing its sales, even under more challenging economic conditions. But it looks like the slow economy finally caught up to the company. In its fiscal 2023's third quarter (ended May 7), comparable sales rose by only 0.3%, and that included modest declines in both the U.S. and Canada.

Interestingly, the share price increased 4% in the following trading session. But does that mean you should ignore the retail stock's results and buy anyway? Let's take a closer look.

As recently as last year, Costco's results seemed immune to high inflation and slow economic growth. Investors seemed to adapt to sales growth that was almost always in the high single digits or double-digits as Costco's product selection and low prices insulated it from industry struggles.

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Source Fool.com