What Are the Restocking Schedules of Costco, Walmart, and Sam’s Club?

If you are preparing for a big event or looking for specific items, it can be helpful to know the restocking schedules of popular retailers like Costco, Walmart, and Sam’s Club. This is especially true as the holiday season approaches. You can avoid extra trips to the store, wasting gas, or spending time calling around looking for what you need. Unfortunately, there are no published schedules. However, here are a few things you should know to help ensure you have all your seasonal supplies.

What Are the Restocking Schedules of Costco, Walmart, and Sam’s Club?

Costco

Although many Costco stores work on the same general timeframe, there isn’t a universal restocking schedule. However, most local warehouses restock on the night shift to ensure employees can put everything out before they open. The stores receive shipments daily, but you can typically find team members restocking the shelves around 4:00 am.

Since stores receive shipments around the clock, the inventory is constantly updated. But, the Costco site claims that items are available immediately once it has been received and restocked. Employees say the best times to check their site for updates are around 9:00 am, 12:00 pm, or 3:00 pm based on delivery schedules and how long it takes to unpack the pallets.

Unfortunately, stores can’t guarantee the item you’re looking for is in stock. And, the online and warehouse inventories differ. Therefore, it is best to call the store or check their inventory online at a specific location. If you prefer to bypass the website and call the store, dial “0” to exit the automated system and speak with a customer service member. Knowing the item’s product number and description will help speed things up.

If you aren’t sure where to go, you can use their warehouse locator to find the one nearest you. Then, you can call to talk to someone. Or, if you are already in the store, visit the membership counter to check if something is in stock. It’s good to have a Costco membership so that you can avail of these. Staff members are always ready to assist. But remember, they only have limited access to information depending on what has been entered into the system. And, if you see asterisks next to the bar code, it means the item won’t be restocked. So, if something you love won’t be available, stock up (as long as you don’t exceed purchase limits).

Walmart

This retail giant has thousands of stores worldwide. However, each store operates as its own entity, so there isn’t a standard restocking schedule. Furthermore, delivery schedules depend on proximity to the distribution center and the availability of trucks. And as you would expect, busier stores restock more frequently since they receive more shipments each week.

While there isn’t a standardized schedule, Walmart stores usually restock during off-peak hours. These times are usually during the second and third shifts. Although, you will commonly see employees restocking throughout the day since they continue to unpack items as they arrive. They restock grocery items daily. However, other departments restock multiple times during the week. Grocery items reach the shelves between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am, but employees unload and restock nonperishable items first. Other items are done later in the day between 7:00 am and 1:00 pm.

On their website, Walmart clearly states that they cannot guarantee availability. Items are restocked based on demand, so hot items will receive higher priority. And, employees don’t have access to shipping information, which means they often don’t know how long an item will be available either.

Keep in mind that the information on their website and delivery schedules are only estimates, and may not be completely accurate or up-to-date. So if you want to check an item’s availability, you have a few options. First, you can check online. If the store has sold out of an item you want, you can also sign up for Walmart Stock Alerts. When they have restocked the item, you will receive a notification. However, it is not available for all items. Your best bet is to contact the customer service department with specific details to see if they have what you need.

Sam’s Club

As is the case with chain retailers, you cannot find universal restocking schedules of Costco, Walmart, and Sam’s Club online. But, like most grocery stores, Sam’s Club tries to restock after hours to ensure in-demand items will be available during peak shopping hours. And, they also do small restocks throughout the day as more shipments arrive and for fast-moving items.

Another reason they don’t have a set restocking schedule is due to high demand and new safety standards because of COVID-19. For high-demand items, such as paper and cleaning products or PPEs, stores limit how many you can buy and require you to purchase them in person. Additionally, employees constantly update inventory which also varies between stores. The only way to check immediate availability is to call or visit your local store. But, if you want to avoid calling around or waiting in line, you always have the option to order online then schedule a pickup time as well. Time slots open from 7 am, but you can schedule anytime during opening hours.

Best Times to Shop around the Restocking Schedules

In addition to knowing the daily restocking schedules, it’s also smart to know which days have more foot traffic. Planning your shopping trips during the weekdays helps you avoid the rush and crowds on the weekend. And, if you arrive early in the morning around opening time, you will have the best chance to find items that sell out quickly. Restocking schedules at Costco, Walmart, and Sam’s Club span the night shift, so if the store has your item it will probably be on the shelves.

However, if you are a night owl, you can check the early morning hours at Walmart locations that are open 24 hours. Since few people visit the stores at this time, you might get lucky and find what you need.

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Jenny Smedra

Jenny Smedra is an avid world traveler, ESL teacher, former archaeologist, and freelance writer. Choosing a life abroad had strengthened her commitment to finding ways to bring people together across language and cultural barriers. While most of her time is dedicated to either working with children, she also enjoys good friends, good food, and new adventures.