Phoenix AZ – February 25, 2026 | By STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
WHAT’S HAPPENING
When will Costco phase out its paper order forms in Phoenix AZ?
Costco plans to eliminate paper forms for custom cake and deli orders by the end of 2026, allowing members to order online or via the app.
What new digital features will Costco introduce in Phoenix AZ?
New features include app-based custom ordering, pre-scan checkout technology, improved app inventory tracking, and digital membership ID for gas pumps and entrances.
How will Costco’s app change for Phoenix AZ members?
The app will offer real-time inventory tracking, digital membership integration for identification, and store digital receipts for easier returns.
Why is Costco modernizing its operations in 2026?
Costco is modernizing to enhance the member experience, streamline in-store processes, and make shopping faster, easier, and more personal for Phoenix AZ customers.
Costco is launching a significant digital overhaul in 2026 across Arizona, eliminating the decades-old requirement for members to fill out paper forms for custom orders. This modernization aims to streamline processes, enhance the member experience, and introduce features like app-based ordering and improved inventory tracking. The changes are part of a broader strategy to deepen digital engagement and operational growth.
Costco to Modernize Operations in 2026, Phasing Out Long-Standing In-Store Requirement
Costco is implementing a significant digital overhaul in 2026, which includes eliminating a decades-old, paper-based tradition for members. This modernization initiative aims to enhance the member experience and streamline in-store processes.
What ‘Clunky’ Tradition is Being Retired?
The “clunky” in-store requirement being phased out is the need for members to physically visit a warehouse to fill out paper forms for custom cake and deli tray orders. Customers will soon have the ability to place these custom orders directly through the Costco mobile application and website, with the new system expected to be available by the end of 2026.
Costco CEO Ron Vachris confirmed the digital transition, stating that many processes previously described by members as “clunky” are now moving to a digital state. This shift addresses long-standing customer complaints and is intended to make shopping at Costco easier, faster, and more personal, regardless of how members choose to shop.
Expanding Digital Solutions for a Smoother Shopping Experience
Beyond custom orders, Costco’s digital transformation encompasses several key areas to improve efficiency. The warehouse retailer is expanding its use of pre-scan technology in checkout lanes, allowing employees to scan items in a member’s cart while they are still waiting in line. This technology is designed to speed up the checkout process, potentially increasing checkout speeds.
Further digital enhancements include significant improvements to the Costco mobile app. These upgrades are expected to provide better real-time inventory tracking, allowing members to check product availability at their local store. The app will also feature refined digital membership integration, enabling members to use their phones as identification at gas pumps and warehouse entrances. Costco is also focusing on digital memberships and renewals, targeting a younger demographic with these convenient options.
The company is also rolling out stricter enforcement of membership at food courts, with digital scanners requiring a membership card to place an order. This measure ensures that only members utilize food court services. Additionally, updates to the website include a refined search engine and the capability for near real-time inventory viewing. Costco is also expanding digital tools to streamline returns, with the mobile app now storing digital receipts to verify purchases instantly.
Long-Term Digital Strategy and Operational Growth
Costco’s digital overhaul is part of a broader strategy to modernize operations and deepen digital engagement across its global membership base. The retailer’s leadership emphasizes that these technological investments are aimed at strengthening core fundamentals, improving convenience, personalization, and product availability. This includes efforts to increase online sales and maintain competitive pricing. Concurrently, Costco is continuing its physical expansion, with plans to open 35 new warehouses in fiscal year 2026, and is focusing on locally sourcing more Kirkland Signature products to manage costs and reduce its carbon footprint.
Summary of Costco’s 2026 Digital Overhaul
| Feature | Description | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Online Custom Orders | Elimination of paper forms for custom cakes and deli trays; orders via app/website. | Streamlined ordering, enhanced member convenience, reduced in-store trips. |
| Pre-Scan Checkout Technology | Employees scan items in cart while members are in line at checkout. | Faster checkout times, improved operational efficiency. |
| Enhanced Mobile App | Improvements for real-time inventory tracking, digital membership ID, and personalized experiences. | Easier shopping planning, convenient digital identification, tailored interactions. |
| Digital Membership Enforcement | Stricter membership verification at food courts using digital scanners. | Ensures member-exclusive access to food court services. |
| Improved Website | Refined search engine and near real-time inventory viewing. | Better product discovery, reduced unnecessary trips to the warehouse. |
| Digital Receipts & Returns | Mobile app stores digital receipts for easy purchase verification during returns. | Streamlined return process, reduced fraud, improved efficiency. |
| Overall Digital Vision | Deliver a seamless experience that builds trust and loyalty, both in-warehouse and online. | Modernized shopping journey, increased member satisfaction and retention. |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
