Costco makes major change to its gas stations… and shoppers love it

Daily Mail​

5 days ago

Costco has expanded its gas station hours and added more pumps, much to the delight of its loyal customers.
The big box retailer will now keep its gas stations open from 6am until 10pm at night on weekdays, conveniently expanding the hours members can fuel up.
On Saturday and Sunday, gas stations now open at 6am and close at 8:30pm and 7:30pm, respectively.
The extended hours may vary for Costco members in California and Hawaii, the company said.
The wholesale giant originally closed it 60 gas stations at 9pm but decided to extend its hours further for customer convenience.
The change has delighted members, with one noting on X: 'Costco remodeled their gas station and I love it.
'It's so spacious and each lane has an extra pump. Been there twice now. Late evening and early afternoon. No lines!! In and out.'
'Found out that the gas station at Costco opens at 6am. It's on my way to work. No lines and top tier gas,' another member wrote.
'The fuel prices alone are worth the membership,' a third person added.
'We also extended our gas station hours during the quarter to make filling up at Costco more convenient for our members,' Costco CEO Rob Vachri told investors during the company's first quarter earnings call.
'Generally, our stations are now staying open an hour later than they did previously, with some opening earlier as well.'
Costco's chief financial officer Gary Millerchip said gas stations were increasingly popular with members.
'We are seeing an improvement in overall usage of the gas station,' he said on the earnings call.
'It's early days, of course, but so far, we've been pleased by the member response.'
Costco has built a reputation for consistently offering gas prices below market averages, leading to the familiar sight of vehicle queues at Costco pumps across the country.
Fuel sales made up around 12 percent of the Costco's total sales last year, and its cheap gas and accessible stations are a key incentive for memberships.
Unlike their rivals Costco's gas stations are for its members only
While major rivals such as Sam's Club have also invested in gas stations, they are open to the public and not just to members.
Costco has continued to thrive in recent months despite the economic turbulence brought about by tariffs - and for defying the White House by sticking with its DEI stance.
Costco's sales were up 8 percent in the first quarter of the year.
Inflation-weary and uncertain consumers are increasingly turning to cheaper bulk shopping.