Costco is officially retiring a decades-old system that customers have long found frustrating as part of its latest digital overhaul. Shoppers will soon be able to place custom cake and deli tray orders directly through the company’s mobile app and website. Previously, customers were required to drive to a warehouse just to fill out paper order forms in person.
Executives of the major retailer said the upgrade addresses an outdated process they described as “clunky.” CEO Ron Vachris expressed his excitement about the changes coming to the app during a recent call. “So many of the things that we’ve heard from our members that could be a little bit clunky are now moving to a digital state,” Vachris said.
The new system is expected to include a full catalog of sheet cake options and customizable designs. Customers can choose flavors, shapes, and inscriptions without making an extra trip to the store. Fox 11 Los Angeles reported that customers can expect the “Order Grocery/Bakery” feature in the app by the end of 2026.
If the digital feature follows the current paper-based timeline, orders should be ready within 24 to 48 hours. This move is a major win for members who live long distances from their local warehouse. In the past, shoppers complained about having to drive 40 minutes or more two days in a row just to secure a cake.
Costco’s digital shift comes as the company continues to see great adoption of its mobile platform. While the retailer is known for its traditional “treasure hunt” shopping experience, it is finally bowing to member demand for convenience. The streamlined process is expected to launch nationwide following a phased rollout in select markets.
The change is being hailed as a common-sense update that brings the wholesale giant into the 21st century. Members have long argued that the paper-and-pen method was an unnecessary hurdle in an age of instant digital ordering. Now, it seems Costco is finally ready to let its members celebrate their birthdays without the “clunky” paperwork.