Costco customers flocked to the conglomerate to buy gold and silver, helping to increase the company’s e-commerce sales last quarter.

“Overall e-commerce sales growth in the quarter was led by gold and silver bullion, gift cards and home appliances,” Chief Financial Officer Gary Millerchip told investors on Thursday, according to NBC News.

The membership-based company also reported a 20.7 percent increase in online sales in the third quarter and the first 36 weeks of fiscal 2024.

The company has been monitoring this trend for several months. In October, Mr. Millerchip told investors that gold bars were “usually gone within hours” of appearing on the site as buyers flocked to buy them up.

The company was forced to limit the number of bars per buyer to ensure there was enough for everyone.

Jonathan Rose, CEO of precious metals broker Genesis Gold Group, told the Associated Press last year that the sales may have been driven by inflation and individual concerns about the U.S. dollar.

As food prices soar in the U.S., Mr. Millerchip also explained in the same conference call on Thursday that the infamous $1.50 hot dog deal is still in effect.

“Oh, and to clear up some recent speculation in the media, I also want to confirm that the $1.50 hot dog price is safe,” Mr. Millerchip said.

Former Costco CEO Jim Sinegal jokingly warned his successor Craig Jelinek to keep the price of a hot dog at $1.50 at all costs.

“I came to (Mr. Sinegal) one time and said, ‘Jim, we can’t sell this hot dog for a dollar fifty. We’re losing our asses.’ And he said, ‘If you pick up the damn hot dog, I’ll kill you. Find that out,'” Mr. Jelinek previously recalled.

Mr. Millerchip also told investors that Costco is seeing an increase in purchases of nonessential items, including toys, tires, lawn and garden items, and health and beauty items.

The Independent has asked Costco for comment.