Costco launches mobile app ordering for custom cakes and deli trays, easing customer woes
FILE-A Costco store in Alhambra, California, US, on Thursday, June 27, 2024. ( Eric Thayer/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Costco is officially retiring a decades-old system customers have long found frustrating as part of its latest major digital overhaul.
Customers will soon be able to place custom cake and deli tray orders directly through the company’s mobile app and website. Previously, shoppers were required to drive to Costco just to fill out paper order forms in-store.
Executives of the major retailer said the upgrade, which would streamline orders from start to pickup, addresses an outdated process they described as "clunky."
"Very excited about what we have coming in the app," CEO Ron Vachris said.
"We've got ordering cakes and deli trays online coming. 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, and we're seeing great adoption right out of the chute."
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The new online ordering system is expected to include sheet cake options as well as customizable cakes, allowing customers to choose sizes, shapes, flavors, designs and inscriptions from a catalog of available cake options.
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The major retailer did not provide a specific date for when the system will be fully implemented across all locations. Fox 11 Los Angeles said customers can expect the "Order Grocery/Bakery" feature in the app by the end of 2026.
If the feature follows a process similar to the current paper-based system, cakes and deli trays should be ready within 24 to 48 hours.
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The move will give customers easier access to Costco baked goods, especially for those who must travel long distances to reach a store.
In a 2023 Reddit post, one social media user described Costco’s cake-ordering process as inconvenient and time-consuming.
"I live 40ish minutes from my local Costco, so yes, an online order process would be very nice," the user said.
Another responded, echoing the same sentiment.
"Same. I really don't want to drive there two days in a row... when it's my Birthday," they wrote.