Costco's Gas Gamble | Durham News

Durham News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 19, 2026 · 2m

Costco’s gas stations have long been a stealthy sales engine—pulling members to the pump with rock-bottom prices, then hoping they wander into the warehouse for impulse buys. Now, with standalone gas stations popping up (like the one in Mission Viejo), the company is betting convenience will win over loyalty. But here’s the catch: these new stations let customers fill up and leave without ever stepping inside, where Costco’s real profits lie. Experts warn this could backfire, turning gas stops into mere refueling stops—and eroding the in-store magic that’s fueled Costco’s success for decades…