I’m a busy mom who tries to stick to a grocery budget, but I’m also a food writer who loves cooking with quality ingredients. A few years ago, Walmart wasn’t my go-to place for grocery shopping, but it’s safe to say that this mega-chain has really stepped up in the grocery space lately. From amazingly high-quality and affordable products made for Great Value brands to fresh meat and produce, Walmart’s grocery section is my go-to place for grocery shopping for our family of four. It has become a matter of choice.
However, Walmart can be crowded, so it’s important to have a good idea of the best time to shop there. After all, there’s nothing more stressful than trying to find items on your grocery list while dodging other shoppers’ carts or navigating the aisles of a crowded grocery store. To find out the best way to have a stress-free and productive grocery shopping experience at Walmart, I write about shopping, post Walmart deals on social media, and help my family shop at Walmart. We spoke to an expert. Best tip.
Favorite time to go to Walmart
It may seem like a bad idea to go to Walmart on the weekends, but the Walmart near my home in Florida happens to be the least crowded on Sunday mornings, when many people are going to church or with family. I think he spends time with. In fact, I myself have been known to skip church to grab a Starbucks coffee or wander the aisles of Walmart’s grocery aisle. It’s a time of low stress, so it might be a good time to look for and try new products. It might be a mistake, but it might be worth checking out Walmart between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Sunday. It may become your new favorite time to shop.
If you want to avoid crowds
Walmart can definitely be busier during times when most people are not at work and have time to shop. “Walmart tends to be busiest on weekends and in the evenings,” explains Bethany Hollers, director of content and public relations officer for savings website BrickSeek. “Consider shopping during off-peak hours, such as early mornings on weekdays.”
But Trey Bodge, a shopping expert at TrueTrae.com, adds that you can avoid crowded aisles by shopping early or late on weekends. “I try to avoid weekends,” she says. “But if that’s the only way I can shop, I try to go in the morning or evening to avoid the crowds, or order online and pick it up in store.”
If you want the best selection
Krista Hooper, who runs the popular website Walmart Finds and social media accounts, said by Tuesday Walmart employees had time to replenish groceries purchased over the weekend. “Tuesday seems to be the best day for me, because usually by then we’re restocked from the weekend,” Hooper explains.
If you need time to compare prices
Want to stick to your grocery budget? If so, it’s important to shop at Walmart during times when you won’t feel rushed or overwhelmed by the crowds. Hollers said this often happens in the morning or early afternoon on weekdays. “This allows you to shop when the store is less crowded and in stock, giving you plenty of time to compare prices and make an informed choice,” she says.
Hooper agreed, adding that Walmart “tends to be busier closer to lunchtime.”
If you want fresh food
For the freshest perishables, including produce and meat, Hollers says to shop early in the morning. “Walmart staff often restock these items overnight,” she explains. “So you’re more likely to find the freshest selection right after we open.”
If you like good markdown
If you’ve ever found newly discounted meat or produce at Walmart, you know you can save money by buying discounted meat for immediate sale or bagged produce discounted because it’s nearing its expiry date. Sho. . Hollers said it’s possible to crack the code at your local Walmart, although the discount schedule may vary by store.
“Many Walmart stores have discounts on meat and other groceries on Sunday nights and Monday mornings,” she says. “Contact your local Walmart grocery department manager to find out when your store will be reducing prices on certain foods.”
If you are pressed for time
As a Walmart shopper enrolled in Walmart+ since the introduction of the Walmart+ service in 2020, I find it invaluable to be able to purchase Walmart groceries at low prices even when I don’t have time to shop in person. Masu. Priced at $98 per year or $12.95 per month, this subscription service includes free grocery delivery on orders over $35, fuel discounts, 2- and 3-day shipping on many items sold at Walmart.com, and more. benefits are provided.
And Amanda Jerkins, one of the founders of the Whoa Wait Walmart blog, calls the service “the best tip for avoiding crowds” at Walmart. She “shops online and has Walmart deliver her groceries to her home,” Jerkins said. “I’m a member of her Walmart+, so delivery is free on orders over $35.”
If home delivery isn’t your thing, you can also buy Walmart groceries online or on the Walmart app and pick them up in-store or have them delivered right to your car. This is also a great option to save time and avoid crowds. No matter how you order at Walmart, grocery prices online and on the app are the same as in-store prices, making it another solid option to save at Walmart without shopping in the aisles of a physical store. Masu.
conclusion
Depending on your reason for shopping at Walmart, there is a perfect time. Plus, it’s a one-stop shop if you need anything other than groceries. You may need to visit your local Walmart at a few different times to find out when it’s less crowded, when they have more inventory, or when they have the kind of sale you’re looking for, but these tips should be a good starting point.