items on shelves. My theory is that some people will return items that are past their expiration date and get a refund or exchange them for other items. The clerks don't check, and they just get put back on the shelves. Ticks me off when I find items like that.

Store employees that fill orders are likely just pulling from the front or most accessable place which would typically be the earliest expiration date especially on items like bread that are rotated by vendors.

The only things that I'll order online for pickup in store are non-perishable items like toys, appliances, clothing etc.