Costco is ending a tradition you might not have thought much about until now. For decades, members showed up at the warehouse, filled out paper forms for cakes, party trays, or deli orders, and had to come back later to pick them up.
Now Costco is moving that process online. The shift isn’t just tech for tech’s sake. It responds to member complaints and fits into a larger push toward digital shopping. If you use the Costco app or website already, this change brings ordering and pickup much closer together. You’ll save time and skip the hassle of standing in line. This also makes planning parties or special meals much simpler.
1. Goodbye to paper forms
Here’s what this means for you. If you’ve waited in line just to grab a paper order slip, that’s ending. Costco has announced it will retire the old printed forms that were used in bakery and deli departments. You’ll no longer write down your cake size or tray choice on paper at the store. Instead, you’ll do it on your phone or laptop.
That’s a shift from something physical to something digital, and it changes how you plan your visits. You’ll also get confirmations instantly, so mistakes are less likely. This change saves time during busy shopping days. It also lets you customize your order at your own pace without feeling rushed.
2. Bakery orders go online first
The first part of this change affects the bakery, where Costco’s sheet cakes and other desserts are a big deal. Customers love personalizing cakes for birthdays and celebrations. Now you’ll open the Costco app or website and choose your cake size, flavor, decorations, and message before you set foot in the warehouse.
That’s powerful because you can do it anywhere, anytime, instead of wrestling with a clipboard in an aisle. You’ll still pick up the finished cake at your local warehouse, but the planning part happens where it works best for you. This also helps ensure your order is ready exactly when you need it.
3. Deli and party trays follow
Bakery is just the beginning. Costco is also moving deli orders into the digital world. Party trays, sliced meats, salads, and other prepared foods will be part of this new system. You’ll pick what you want online, submit the order, and then head to the warehouse only when it’s ready.
What this really means is fewer trips. You won’t show up to fill in a paper slip and then come back later. You’ll place your order ahead of time and streamline the whole pickup process. That’s going to make event planning easier for families and hosts. It also reduces the chance of errors or missing items during busy weekends.
4. What members have been saying
You’ve probably heard or experienced the complaints that pushed this change. The old paper‑based system was often called outdated and inconvenient. Members had to do two trips: one to fill out the order and another to pick up the items. People wanted to order ahead without having to stand at a counter.
Costco listened to that feedback. The new digital system is a response to those long‑standing requests. It puts ordering where most people already are: on their phones. This also speeds up pickup times and makes it easier to plan for special occasions. Members can now see available options and customize their orders without waiting in line.
5. Gradual rollout through 2026
This isn’t happening at once everywhere. Costco is rolling the digital ordering feature out in phases, with full adoption expected by the end of 2026. That means you may see the new option on your app now, or you may see it soon.
There’s no official list of pilot stores, so you might have to check your app regularly to see if the “Order Grocery/Bakery” feature shows. Keeping the app updated is the best way to be ready. Once it’s available in your region, you’ll be able to use the system. This gradual rollout gives members time to get comfortable with the new process, also allowing Costco to address any issues before the change is nationwide.
6. How this fits into Costco’s digital strategy
Costco’s move to online ordering is part of a broader push toward digital sales and efficiency. The company reported strong growth in digitally enabled sales in early 2026. Moving special orders online helps standardize how warehouses operate and supports more of the shopping experience happening before you ever enter the store.
Costco leadership, including CEO Ron Vachris, has affirmed that digital expansion is a priority. Reports from FOX 11 Los Angeles and The Motley Fool highlight why this change matters to members and to the company’s long‑term goals. This shift also positions Costco to keep pace with growing online grocery trends.
