Related video above: The president's options are limited to help gas prices Gas prices are skyrocketing, and Americans want to save at the pump. That plays right into the hands of Costco, BJ's Wholesale Club and Sam's Club.The national gas price average jumped to $3.41 a gallon Friday, according to AAA, 61% higher than the average at the same time last year. The Biden administration has called for an investigation into whether oil and gas companies acted illegally to push up prices.The spike has pushed more shoppers to rely on these chains to fill up their tanks, say the companies, retail analysts and fuel experts. Gas prices at warehouse clubs can be as much as 30 cents lower than traditional gas stations, and the chains offer members coupons to use in their stores when they fill up. Gasoline sales at the warehouse clubs are an important part of their business and draw customers inside."People are seeking out the clubs because of the gas," said Michael Baker, a retail analyst at D.A. Davidson. "It's U.S. consumers' nature to go out of their way for lower gas prices."Costco, for example, is typically 20 cents a gallon below the market average, according to Tom Kloza, the global head of energy analysis at IHS Markit's Oil Price Information Service. BJ's says it's 10 cents below average.These companies are "winners when gasoline prices go skyward," said Kloza.Costco, Sam's Club and BJ's want you to fill up your tank in their parking lots and then go stock up on giant jugs of ketchup, boxes of snacks and clothing. (And why not buy a flat-screen TV or a new couch while you're at it?) Their gas stations give these warehouse stores an advantage that many retail competitors can't match.Gas makes up around 10%, $20 billion annually, of Costco's overall sales and 9% of BJ's. Walmart, which owns Sam's Club, does not disclose what portion of its sales come from gas.Gas is a notoriously low-margin business, but retailers can make money from selling huge volumes of gas -- even while charging much less than independent gas stations, said Kloza, adding that it's not unusual for sales at a Costco location to reach up to 1 million gallons a month compared to an average of 80,000 gallons a month at typical gas stations.Despite their big-brand names, the vast majority of Exxon, Chevron, BP and Shell gas stations are independently owned, so they aren't able to make a volume play like wholesalers do. Although wholesalers are able to make a profit on gas, they're not making much: Costco, for example, reported that gasoline has a lower profit margin than the rest of its business. Rising gas prices typically help Costco's sales, but hurt its profits."When there are inflationary pressures and prices are going up, people look to save on gas," said Richard Galanti, Costco's chief financial officer. For every 100 people who come to Costco to fill up on gas, more than half go shop inside afterwards, he added.Gas sales at BJ's Wholesale Club jumped 20% during its most recent quarter ending Oct. 30 compared with the same time a year ago.BJ's is growing market share in gasoline "in leaps and bounds," CEO Robert Eddy said on a call with analysts Thursday. When gas prices hit over $3 a gallon, "members love us" and shift their gas spending to the club.Gas discounts are a tool Walmart uses to encourage customers to sign up for Walmart+ memberships, which also offer free shipping and discounts on prescriptions.Walmart said on Tuesday that it's actively trying to keep gas prices down to attract customers worried about how much they're paying at the pump, especially as federal stimulus benefits wane."Gas prices are a concern... They're up dramatically versus a year ago," Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said on an earnings call. "The customers had money . And at some point, that's going to come to an end."

Some businesses will be requiring masks. Others will not. That will be the new norm for at least the next few weeks, particularly in Ohio. Gov. Mike DeWine has lifted the state's mask mandate for vaccinated Ohioans, effective immediately. All of the state's health orders will be lifted on June 2, clearing the way for unvaccinated individuals to also shed the mask. But it's important to clarify that even when mandates are lifted, some retailers may keep them in place. "I'm still going to wear my mask. I'm fully vaccinated," said Jessica Chapman, who was shopping at Walmart Friday evening. "I don't see a point to stop wearing them until everybody is vaccinated or over 80 percent is vaccinated."Lifting these health orders will not prevent a business from imposing its own requirements, DeWine has said. Businesses and schools across the state are permitted to make their own decisions on the best way to keep customers, employees and students safe, state guidance reads. Below is a list of major area retailers who have announced updates on their masking policy. We will update this story as more announcements are made.KROGER: Masks still required "The Kroger Family of Companies continues to require everyone in our stores to wear masks.""We appreciate Gov. DeWine’s thoughtful approach to distancing and mask restrictions that acknowledge businesses' need for continued flexibility to implement safety protocols."TRADER JOES: Not needed for vaccinated"We encourage customers to follow the guidance of health officials, including, as appropriate, CDC guidelines that advise customers who are fully vaccinated are not required to wear masks while shopping."WALMART: Not needed for vaccinated"Beginning (May 14), vaccinated customers and members are welcome to shop without a mask, and we will continue to request that non-vaccinated customers and members wear face coverings in our stores and clubs. We will update the signage in our facilities to reflect this."TARGET: Masks still required"Target will continue to require all of our coronavirus safety measures in all stores, including masks and social distancing, while we review guidance from the CDC and evaluate the guidance we offer our team and guests."MEIJER: Masks still required"To help ensure the continued health and safety of its team members and customers, Meijer will continue to require face coverings be worn by anyone entering a Meijer store or Meijer Express station at all of our locations throughout the Midwest. While customers who have medical conditions that prevent them from wearing face coverings are exempt, we ask for your continued support as we work through these unprecedented times."JUNGLE JIM'S: Masks still required "Per Governor DeWine’s mandate, everyone must wear a mask while in our Fairfield & Eastgate location until further notice. We also ask that all guests follow the CDC recommended guidelines and remember to leave 6 ft between you and other guests while shopping. If you chose to shop in a group, please keep your group close together."HOME DEPOT: Masks still required"We haven't made any changes to our mask policy"Their website reads all stores are requiring associates and customers to wear non-medical face masks in storesALDI: Masks still required"The health and safety of our employees, customers and the communities we serve will always be our highest priority. With that focus in mind, face coverings are required to enter all ALDI stores."WHOLE FOODS: Masks still required"Whole Foods Market requires all customers to wear face coverings while shopping in our stores to protect the health and safety of our Team Members and communities. Whole Foods Market provides face masks at the entrance of all stores for customers who do not have their own face covering." COSTCO: Not needed for vaccinated in U.S. locations where there are no state or local mask mandates"We will allow members and guests who are fully vaccinated to enter Costco without a face mask or face shield," in those areas, the company said in a message posted to its website Friday. "Costco continues to recommend that all members and guests, especially those who are at higher risk, wear a mask or shield."