What’s The Best Time To Shop At Costco? Answered

Last Updated on September 15, 2024 by Shari Mason

Getting **big-time deals** at Costco, a well-known warehouse store, all comes down to timing.

Discovering the tips and best time to shop in many stores can unlock a world of budget savings and discounts and maximize your membership benefits.

We shopped at different Costo stores just to find the best time to shop at Costco, from weekdays to seasonal trends. Keep reading to get some insider tips.

7 Best Times To Shop At Costco Grocery Stores

1. Right As They Open

Shopping at Costco grocery stores right after their doors open offers several advantages. Freshly stocked shelves ensure a wide selection of food items before they run out.

The store is well organized, making it easy to find what you need. Shorter checkout lines save time, and the reduced crowd creates a peaceful course.

“Maximize savings, minimize crowds: Costco’s strategic twilight shopping expedition.”

– Eat Pallet Restaurant & Food Advice

Costco grocery stores restock every morning from the warehouse, so you’ll get great deals and fresh produce for your food recipe if you shop at this hour. [1]

Related Article: Costco Chicken Pot Pie Cooking Instructions

2. Weekday Mornings

It allows for a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds than at peak times. The store is typically well-stocked, ensuring a wide selection of items.

Additionally, navigating through the aisles is easy, saving you time.

By visiting in the morning, you can efficiently complete your shopping before the busier part of the day begins, making it an ideal time for a hassle-free Costco experience.

Read: Best Day To Buy Meat At Sam’s Club

3. Weekday Afternoons

The initial morning rush has subsided, resulting in a less crowded store. You can navigate the aisles more easily and find what you need without feeling overwhelmed.

Weekday afternoons often have shorter checkout than peak hours, allowing for a quicker and smoother buying experience.

4. Weekdays One Hour Before Closing

The store tends to be less crowded as most shoppers have completed their daily shopping trips.

This means you can enjoy a more peaceful experience. The checkout is generally shorter, allowing for a quicker and smoother checkout process.

Additionally, you may find discounted items or special deals as the store prepares to close for the day.

5. Mid-To-Late Afternoons

Costco often restocks its shelves during the day, so visiting in the afternoon ensures a better chance of finding freshly stocked food items and a more comprehensive selection.

Additionally, you may encounter shorter checkout compared to peak hours, saving you time.

Some Costco locations offer free samples, which are more likely to be fully stocked and operational during the afternoon.

6. Cold, Rainy Nights

Inclement weather tends to deter many shoppers, resulting in a less crowded store. [2]

You can take advantage of shorter checkout as fewer customers tend to shop during unfavorable weather conditions.

Additionally, during rainy nights, you may find bulk discounted electronics or seasonal items in high demand during fair weather.

7. During The Superbowl

Many people are focused on watching the game or attending Super Bowl parties, which means the store often has less crowded aisles.

Costco offers coupons, special deals, and discounts on popular game-day snacks, beverages, and party essentials.

Getting these promotions can help you save money on your Super Bowl gathering.

A Costco trip during the Super Bowl can provide a convenient, less crowded, and cost-effective experience for your game-day preparations.

Worst Times To Shop At Costco

Lunch Hour

The lunch rush is one of the worst times to go on a Costco trip. It is a peak time for many people on their lunch breaks or having free time during the day.

The increased number of shoppers can make certain items out of stock. This is why some people are choosing online buying. [3]

Parking availability may be limited during lunch hour due to more customers.

Weekends

Weekends are frequently hectic and crowded with weekend shoppers.

If this is the only opportunity to visit the warehouse shop in your jam-packed schedule, pack some patience along with your reusable bags.

Holiday

Shopping at Costco during holidays can be challenging due to high customer traffic.

The store tends to be crowded, resulting in longer wait times, limited parking, and potential product shortages.

Consider buying during non-peak hours or planning your visits to avoid the holiday rush.

Wednesdays

Some Costco locations hold weekly sales and promotions on Wednesdays, which can attract more customers, leading to increased crowds and long lines at cashiers.

Since Wednesdays fall in the middle of the week, many people may choose this day to shop, making it busier than other weekdays.

Weeknights

Most weeknights are busy, and many people try to buy things before dinner.

People like their rotisserie chicken, so if you’re trying to run in to get one, you might want to grab a snack to keep your stomach from growling while you’re waiting in line to pay.

Fridays/Mondays 

Shopping at Costco on Mondays can be less than ideal due to higher crowds and potential limitations in product availability.

It is busier than other weekdays, resulting in extended checkout and limited parking.

Additionally, the store may be restocking after the weekend, causing disruptions in certain areas.

For a more convenient and less crowded shopping experience with family, consider choosing another weekday, like Tuesday, to visit Costco.

December

Shopping at Costco and other stores during December can be challenging due to the holidays.

Increased crowds, long checkout, limited availability of popular items, and unpredictable weather make for a potentially stressful shopping experience. [4]

“To me, food is as much about the moment, the occasion, the location, and the company as it is about the taste.”

– Heston Blumenthal, British Celebrity Chef

Consider shopping at less busy times or planning to navigate the holiday rush.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Costco is a terrific place to purchase to save money on groceries. When you plan on stocking necessities, time is crucial to get the best deal.

Knowing the best and worst times to shop is valuable whether you are visiting alone or with the family.

Schedule your next trip or Costco visit right as they open, weekday mornings and afternoons, or one hour before closing to avoid the hassle.

Also, remember that Costco stores don’t accept manufacturer coupons for groceries daily. The only covered discounts are those provided for Costco membership holders.

References:

1. https://guide.michelin.com/th/en/article/features/a-unique-charm-the-importance-of-ingredients
2. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12061-021-09397-0
3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0969698922000935
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/basics/stress-relief/hlv-20049495