we compare identical stores, b.j. hayes has stronger same-store sales. that's the key metric. it grew at 2.9%, excluding gas sales. and they're expected to increase by 3% to 5% in the third quarter and 4% to 6% in the fourth quarter. costco same-store sales were flat last quarter. they were down 1% in july. who takes the cake when it comes to inventory? too much inventory in a retailer has to put an additional sales and promotions to get rid of old merchandise. inventories is the nemesis of retail profits. these warehouse stores are no exception. here costco has the edge. it beats b.j.'s. its average decreased by 4% in the most recent quarter, b.j.'s increased by 4%. that's a little scary, but the manager said it was due to increased of soft trends which it had noted it already began to reverse in early august, so costco doesn't wipe the floor