The Best Day Of The Week To Shop At 10 Popular Grocery Stores
Grocery shopping is a weekly ritual for most adults, but let's face it — the weekend rush can sometimes make it feel like a marathon. Have you ever found yourself stuck in line for what feels like an eternity? We've all been there! While there are now fantastic solutions like meal prep delivery plans and grocery delivery services, there's still something special about handpicking your own groceries. That's why we've done the legwork to help you navigate the best days to breeze through the aisles and even save some money. With a bit of planning, you can snag the best deals, enjoy peaceful aisles, and maybe even find joy in your next grocery run. At the end of the day, grocery shopping doesn't need to just be about pushing through crowds to fill your fridge — when done right, it's also a chance to connect with your community and discover new ingredients that can inspire your next culinary adventure.
Kroger
Hailing from downtown Cincinnati, Kroger supermarkets are a popular chain of grocery stores located primarily in the United States that offer a wide range of food and household items to customers. If you try to do your shopping at noon on a Sunday, you will likely be met with crowds of other shoppers doing their weekend chores. However, if you implement a little strategy into your planning, there are some key days to hit Kroger when you will be met with clearer aisles and great deals. Experts suggest visiting Kroger on either Wednesday or Friday to do your shopping. Consumer analyst Julie Ramhold says, "Many people do their shopping for the upcoming week on Sundays, so not only will you get the first pick of the newest sales by shopping on Wednesday, [but] you'll also potentially be able to avoid crowds." (via Bestlife). If Wednesday isn't ideal for you, Friday is another great option. Kroger offers "Free Fridays" on select Fridays every month, where shoppers download a coupon for a free item on select Fridays.
Publix
Publix is one of the largest employee-owned grocery store chains primarily located in the southeastern United States. They are renowned for their fresh produce, friendly customer service (some attribute this to "southern charm"), and diverse selection of products. If you happen to live in the south with access to this beloved chain, you'll be happy to know which days of the week are prime for your weekly grocery trip. For the optimal shopping experience, many customers find that mid-week, particularly Wednesdays and Thursdays, tend to be the best days to shop at Publix as shelves are restocked from weekend rushes and crowds are typically smaller, allowing for easier navigation and shorter checkout lines. Publix also resets their weekly deals on Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Not only do these days offer shorter lines, but you'll be able to save a little money on your weekly spend. If possible, try to avoid the after-work rush hour on these days as they will likely be busiest during that time.
Whole Foods Market
Texas-founded Whole Foods Market has become one of the leading retailers of natural and organic foods and has locations across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its commitment to quality and sustainability, Whole Foods has garnered a large following among health-conscious consumers. Following its acquisition by Amazon, Whole Foods has expanded its reach and offerings while maintaining its dedication to high-quality products and routinely lowering their infamously high prices on key grocery staples. For those seeking a less crowded shopping experience, you'll want to stick to Wednesdays and Fridays (just try to avoid the 5 p.m., after-work rush). New sales start on Wednesdays each week, so you'll be able to take advantage of discounts and fully stocked shelves. If Wednesday doesn't work, Friday is another great option where you'll find fully stocked shelves prior to the weekend rush, as well as much shorter lines. It's good to be mindful that the stores' big delivery days may differ — you can always ask your local manager and get their personal tips on the best times to shop. They will likely give you some valuable insider info.
Trader Joe's
Trader Joe's is become a beloved grocery store chain known for its unique and affordable offerings. Adored for its eclectic selection of epic frozen foods, as well as its emphasis on value and customer experience, Trader Joe's has cultivated a dedicated following among shoppers seeking delicious products at reasonable prices. It's not uncommon to find yourself in a cramped and crowded TJ's. While the employees still manage to maintain their trademark carefree vibes with the crowds, a little strategizing can make your next trip to the market more of a breeze. The trick is to go to Trader Joe's on a Tuesday or Wednesday. An employee hosted an AMA (ask me anything) on Reddit and declared, "Tuesday [and] Wednesday are the best days. ... Right when we open is honestly the best time to go. We get fresh produce in every morning so you can get the best products, and some stuff actually will sell out for the day around 2–4 p.m., including perishable and non-perishable items." (via Reddit). While it can be challenging to do this if you work a 9–5 job, if you're ever able to go in a little late one day, starting your day checking off a big grocery run in a quiet and freshly stocked Trader Joe's could be a great way to start the day on a productive foot!
Safeway
Safeway grocery stores, hailing from the small town of American Falls, Idaho and founded in 1915, have blossomed into a nationwide mainstay, dotting the map with their vibrant red signs and massive stores full of grocery staples. With a reputation for bright aisles and quality products, Safeway is a go-to for many American families looking for a budget-friendly and high-quality grocery option. Safeway's weekly sales dictate when the best shopping days occur. Specifically, the store's Customer Appreciation Day occurs on the first Tuesday of every month, where purchasing over $50 of groceries nets you a 15% discount. Tuesdays also tend to be one of the least busy days at grocery stores, especially if you skip the late afternoon rush. If Tuesdays don't work well for you, try hitting up your local Safeway on Friday where you can take advantage of their $5 Friday deals and avoid the weekend rush!
Costco
Kirkland, Washington's, Costco has emerged as the leading membership-based warehouse retailer (even Julia Child was a fan). Beloved for its bulk purchasing model, Costco offers members access to a wide array of products ranging from groceries and electronics to household goods at discounted prices. With its emphasis on value, quality, and customer satisfaction, Costco has become a go-to destination for shoppers looking to stock up on essentials in bulk while saving money in the process. As of 2023, there were an incredible 129.5 million card-carrying members. While Costco can be an amazing place to grocery shop, the large landscape of the store and hoards of crowds can be overwhelming for even its seasoned shoppers. For those looking for the most peaceful Costco experience, resources online suggest going Tuesday–Thursday, which tend to be the least crowded days of the week. Employees suggest a mid-to-late-afternoon visit if you can swing it. In addition to thinking about the day of the week, you can level up your strategy and consider other aspects that impact the crowds. For example, rainy days tend to be less crowded days as many don't want to deal with loading up their car with groceries in the rain. If the mid-week mornings are hard for you to hit, you can always try a late-night run before the store closes.
Sprouts Farmers Market
Since its inception in 2002 in sunny Phoenix, Arizona, Sprouts Farmers Market has risen to prominence, renowned for its commitment to delivering farmers market quality produce and organic offerings. With a focus on fostering healthy lifestyles and environmental sustainability, Sprouts proudly boasts an expansive selection of premium produce, bulk provisions, and specialty items tailored to meet the needs of its health-conscious customers. If Sprouts is your weekly go-to, there is a specific day of the week that will not only make your shopping experience more peaceful but will also help your grocery budget go further. Many shoppers find that weekdays, particularly Wednesday mornings, are the best times to visit Sprouts for a less crowded shopping experience and access to freshly stocked shelves, ensuring that they can enjoy the full range of offerings at their leisure. While all grocery stores tend to offer weekly deals, Sprouts' weekly deals overlap on Wednesday — you can take advantage of both the deals from the previous week and the week ahead. The best part of this day of the week? Sushi Wednesdays. On hump day only, Sprouts offers $5 deals on fresh-made sushi. Not only can you get your grocery shopping done in peace, but you can also pick up an affordable and delicious sushi dinner.
Wegmans
Wegmans Food Markets, founded in 1916 in Rochester, New York, has evolved into a beloved supermarket chain renowned for its high-quality products and exceptional customer service. Known for its vast selection of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and specialty items, Wegmans has garnered a loyal following among shoppers seeking a premium shopping experience. Given its popularity, it's not uncommon to find your local Wegmans packed with fellow grocery shoppers. When it comes to the best day of the week to shop, one prior Wegmans employee writes, "Between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., I actually worked the night shift at Wegmans for 2 years and they would restock every single night and by like 1 p.m. the store was jammed with people. So I'd say hit between those hours and you'll have some fully stocked shelves" (from Reddit). To get even more specific, some suggest that Monday before 8 a.m. is the best time to appreciate fully stocked shelves and empty aisles. While it may not be a convenient time for many, kick-starting your week with a peaceful grocery shopping trip could very well be the perfect way to set yourself up for a successful week!
Albertsons
Since it was founded in 1939 in Boise, Idaho, Albertsons has grown into a dependable grocery destination for many communities across the United States. With its wide selection of groceries, including fresh produce, meats, and bakery items, Albertsons offers quality products at affordable prices. Their markets are often in very large store spaces and can be packed to the brim on the weekends. While the best times to shop may vary, many will find weekdays, especially Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, less crowded for a more relaxed experience. Visiting on Tuesday nights, an hour before closing, can be ideal for snagging deals and "rainchecks." For those unfamiliar with this promotion, a raincheck at Albertsons ensures that even if a discounted item is temporarily out of stock, customers can return to claim the deal later when the item is back in stock, regardless of whether or not the discount has expired.
Aldi
Aldi, founded in 1946 in Germany, has expanded globally to become a renowned discount supermarket chain. Known for its no-frills approach and focus on offering high-quality products at extremely affordable prices, Aldi has gained a loyal following among budget-conscious shoppers. With a limited selection of items and an emphasis on efficiency, Aldi is able to keep costs low for customers. While the best days to shop may vary by location, Wednesday is the day you'll want to try to go to enjoy crowd-free aisles and epic savings. This is the day for restocks at Aldi, and you can also find discounts on produce. If Wednesdays don't work for your schedule, Monday is another great day to stop by your local Aldi. While the shelves may not be as stocked as they are mid-week, they offer "Hot Deals" on signature items on Mondays that can help you save some extra money. You can stay up to date on weekly Aldi deals by visiting their website.