This Is the Least-Crowded Time to Shop at Costco, According to Employees (2024)

Inigo Del Castillo

Inigo Del Castillo

Inigo is a content writer at Apartment Therapy and previously for Lost At E Minor. A few years ago, he wrote an article about baby bats, which was so cute, Buzzfeed took a screenshot of the headline and cover image, then made a listicle about weird but adorable things. He thought it was so cool. He enjoys books, k-pop, anime, and sports. He is based in the Philippines.

published Mar 8, 2023

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This Is the Least-Crowded Time to Shop at Costco, According to Employees (1)

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With over 123 million card-carrying members, Costco is a place where a lot of people shop. If you want to avoid crowded aisles and long lines, here’s some advice from the company’s employees themselves.

On the subreddit r/Costco, someone recently asked the question, “What is factually the best time to go to Costco? Weekdays, weekends, sunny, rainy, snowy days?” The answer that most Redditors agreed on was Tuesdays at 10AM. Here’s why:

“New items arrive and have been stocked, the chaos of the weekend has been cleared, children are in school, so there is less of a risk of running over one with your cart, first samples of the day are being handed out. It’s the best time to shop in the warehouse.”

For those who are busy during that small window, other Costco employees said that Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday, mid-to-late afternoons, are also great for avoiding the masses. These are the hours wherein you’re shopping ahead of those who are still at work.

There were some who also recommended visiting the store an hour before closing on a weeknight. This is a good strategy if you don’t mind missing out on the free samples and items that are on high demand.

And if you really want to shop in peace, avoid going to Costco during these times: lunch hour, when customers are flocking to grab a pizza and soda. The weekends and holidays, obviously. Fridays, when people are stocking up for the weekend. Mondays, when people are stocking up for the week ahead, as well as when weekend shoppers come back to the store to return something or get a refund.

But the absolute best time to go, regardless of crowds and long lines? One user said it perfectly: “When you are craving a hot dog.”

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This Is the Least-Crowded Time to Shop at Costco, According to Employees (2024)

FAQs

This Is the Least-Crowded Time to Shop at Costco, According to Employees? ›

Try Shopping Midweek

What is the least crowded time to go to Costco? ›

“In general, though, the best time to shop at Costco is going to be when they first open on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, as generally that's the least popular time for shoppers to be out,” Ramhold said.

What is the slowest day of the week for Costco? ›

What Are the Best Days To Shop at Costco? In general, Monday through Wednesday are considered the best days to shop, shares Ramhold. These days tend to be less busy, giving you more space to navigate the warehouse and a better chance of finding what you need. Of these days, Wednesday tends to be the least busy.

Is Costco busy during the week? ›

It's no secret that Costco warehouses tend to get wildly crowded at certain times, like weekday evenings after people leave work and the days leading up to big holidays.

What day of the week does Costco lower prices? ›

When Does Costco Do Markdowns? As reported by The Healthy Journal, the wholesale retailer reduces prices on the fourth Monday of every month. Yes, “Markdown Mondays” are a real thing.

What time is Costco gas least busy? ›

Weekends are the busiest, so avoid those days. Drive in between 10 am and noon on a weekday for shorter waiting times in line. Most people tend to pull up during their lunch breaks and after work in the evening on weekdays. Traffic is one-way only at all Costco gas stations to keep it moving quickly.

What is the #1 selling item at Costco? ›

Toilet paper

Yes, that's right! Costco's best-selling item is its Kirkland Signature Bath Tissue. It sells more than a billion rolls every year, bringing in over $400 million dollars in revenue. Costco's toilet paper is thicker and more absorbent than most other brands.

What day does Costco adjust prices? ›

When it comes to pricing, Costco only cares about Costco. The wholesale club doesn't match prices with other retailers, or between its warehouses and online. Shoppers have 30 days after purchase to request an adjustment, plus a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

What is the busiest day for grocery shopping? ›

Answer: Grocers will tell you the day before the Fourth of July and the day before Thanksgiving are very big. But the busiest day for store traffic is generally the two days before Christmas.

How much does a busy Costco make in a day? ›

Key Costco Statistics. Costco's total annual revenue in 2021 was $195.929 billion. The daily revenue for one Costco store is around $530,000.

What day does Costco restock? ›

Costco gets new shipments every single night, which are then unpacked by the night shift (per Aisle of Shame). Those goods hit the shelves before the store opens in the morning, usually making their way to the shelf between 4 am and the opening hour.

How often does the average person go to Costco? ›

Here's what the data suggests. Nearly half of US consumers shopped at Costco at least once last year, with 87% of those visiting two or more times, according to data from consumer analytics firm Numerator.

Who gets in early to Costco? ›

Costco offers special operating hours for its executive members at some of its warehouse locations. These early operating hours are typically reserved for executive members and allow them to shop before the store opens to regular members and the general public.

How often do most people go to Costco? ›

How Often Americans Visit Costco. Most Costo members say they stock up at the warehouse club once or twice per month, with 22% going every other week and 29% going once a month. Here's often other Costco members say they make trips to the store: 5% go every day.

What is the busiest Costco in the US? ›

The Iwelei Costco in Oahu Hawaii is said to be the BUSIEST in the WORLD so I had to check it out!!

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