Are you planning your next shopping day? We’re here to help! Costco is a busy place, but we’ve found that certain days are better than others.
Similar to finding the best times to avoid crowds, these are the best days to shop at Costco for an easy grocery shopping experience. Read more to learn everything you need to know about shopping at Costco, and why certain days are better than others.
Related: What Is the Best Time to Shop at Costco?
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3 Best Days of the Week to Shop at Costco
When thinking about the best days to shop at Costco, you’ll probably guess that it’s during the week. And you’d be right!
Tuesdays through Thursdays will offer the best Costco shopping experience, especially if you go in the afternoon. You’ll avoid the lunch rush of customers going between 12 – 1 pm, but still give yourself ample time before the evening shoppers come around after work.
We know this can be a difficult feat, especially if you work all day. However, try to keep an eye out for pockets of free time that will allow you an even more enjoyable shopping experience.
Why Are They the Best?
But why Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday specifically? This is because most members are at work, giving you space to roam the aisles freely and the ability to pick from the plenty of products on the shelves without rushing. Chances are the shelves will be well stocked then too.
Best Days to Shop at Costco for Deals
What if you don’t care about crowds, you just really want the next best deal? While there isn’t a particular day that’s best for in-person deals, it is recommended that you arrive early no matter the day.
Markdowns can happen at any point, but most tend to happen in the morning. Arriving early means you get the first look at the fresh deals of the day. If you wait too long, then you might miss the opportunity to grab something that goes out of stock before noon.
What About Markdown Mondays?
Despite what some shoppers believe, Markdown Mondays are real! Want the best deals at Costco? Check online at the start of the week if you can’t make it to your local store. Costco discounts dozens of items each Monday and some may not be back again, so you’ll want to keep an eye out.
Check out: Best Costco Deals Right Now
Best Days to Shop at Costco for Samples
Many die-hard fans of Costco can’t get enough of their free samples. And while Costco has samples every day, some days are better than others.
Mind you, no matter the day you shop for samples, know that you shouldn’t arrive as soon as they open, or before they close, as the stations are being set up or taken down during those times.
But as far as the best days to shop at Costco for samples, you should prioritize Saturdays and Sundays, as that’s the busiest days. More samples are put out which means more snacking. And for those that really want to get into the holiday spirit, plan to go before major sporting events or holidays — the stores are likely to be full of new goodies to try.
Worst Days to Shop at Costco
It’s probably obvious by now that the weekends can be the worst days, especially Friday nights and Sundays. The store is packed, so it can be hard to squeeze between people let alone grab something off a shelf.
But it’s also when most people are off work, so you have the time to shop at Costco. That’s not to say you can’t shop during these times, but if you have flexibility in your schedule and prefer a calmer store, be sure to plan ahead and squeeze in some weekday shopping.
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What Are the Least Busy Times on Weekends?
Even though they’re technically the busiest days, that doesn’t mean we can always avoid shopping then. If you go in the morning on Saturday or Sunday, you’re likely to avoid most of the crowds. The busiest times on the weekends are usually from noon to closing, so you can also plan your day according to these weekend patterns.
Costco’s Hours of Operation
The hours of operation for each Costco can change depending on the location. Be sure to check your local Costco before making a trip, but below are the average times that Costco is open.
Monday: 10 am to 8:30 pm
Tuesday: 10 am to 8:30 pm
Wednesday: 10 am to 8:30 pm
Thursday: 10 am to 8:30 pm
Friday: 10 am to 8:30 pm
Saturday: 9:30 am to 6 pm
Sunday: 10 am to 6 pm
Conclusion
Of course, each location is different and it’s hard to predict what everyone is planning in terms of a re-stock. While the weekdays tend to be less busy than weekends, making them the best days to shop at Costco, be sure to test out our theories at your location to find what works best for you.
Drop a comment below letting us know if you found this helpful or if your experience was different than our findings! Your local intel will help other Costco shoppers immensely.
Read more: Celebrities Who Love to Shop at Costco
And for more insider information on all things Costco, keep checking back here at Costco97 for information on the best deals and hidden sales like .97 discounts. We talk about the best Costco bargains, secret hacks, and everything there is to know about the wholesaler and being a part of their membership. And be sure to stay in touch with the upcoming coupons, listed in our Costco Coupon Book (updated monthly).