Costco cake orders revamped: what members need to know

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• What the update does
• Why this matters now
• Member reaction and early rollouts

Costco is finally moving a long-standing in‑store chore into the digital era: the company says members will be able to order **custom cakes** and **deli trays** through the Costco app as the feature rolls out in 2026. For millions of shoppers, the change removes an awkward, time-consuming step that often required a separate trip and filling out paperwork in person.

What the update does

The new functionality will let members place bakery and catering orders from home using the retailer’s mobile app. Costco disclosed the plan during a Q1 2026 earnings briefing in December 2025, when CEO Ron Vachris said customer feedback drove the move toward simpler digital ordering and that the company has seen rapid adoption where the feature is live.

Until now, shoppers had to visit a warehouse to complete a physical order form for custom cakes — a process that critics have long described as inconvenient and outdated. The app expansion also covers deli trays, bringing two common party‑planning tasks under the same online workflow.

Why this matters now

Moving bakery orders into the app addresses a direct pain point: it saves time, eliminates an extra store stop and avoids repeat trips into crowded parking lots. The change also signals Costco’s broader push to better integrate in‑store traffic with its digital services, a priority the company framed as essential to protecting its core warehouse business while growing online engagement.

Costco has trailed some rivals on user interface improvements; competitors such as Sam’s Club have already offered more digital conveniences, and members have increasingly asked for the same from Costco.

Member reaction and early rollouts

Some customers reported seeing the feature appear in the app as early as August 2025. Social posts included screenshots showing options for cake shapes and customization, and many members welcomed the prospect of avoiding a second trip just to submit an order form.

Feedback in online forums ranged from relief at the convenience to amusement over past mishaps when orders were filled out on paper. The move is likely to reduce those awkward moments and streamline communications between shoppers and bakery staff.

• When: Company announced the change in December 2025; broad rollout planned for 2026, with some locations seeing earlier availability.
• What’s included: Custom cakes and deli/catering trays available through the Costco app.
• Why it helps: Eliminates in‑store paperwork, saves time, reduces extra trips and eases party planning.
• Watch for: Gradual regional rollouts and app updates; members should check their app for new bakery ordering screens.

For shoppers, the update is a practical improvement that modernizes a small but persistent friction point. For Costco, it’s another step in blending its massive physical footprint with a more capable digital front end — a strategy that executives say will be central to future growth.