COST — Costco tests new format with stand-alone gas stations

Costco is experimenting with a new retail format, opening gas stations that are not adjacent to its warehouse stores. The first such location opened last month in Southern California, with a second planned for Honolulu, as the company seeks to alleviate congestion and find new real estate solutions. The stand-alone stations will offer the same discounted fuel prices that drive traffic and sales at its main locations.