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Unless you were one of the many who stockpiled early on in the pandemic, or you’re a krazy couponer with a garage full of stockpiled goods, you may be wondering: “When do grocery stores restock?”
If you still need paper products and cleaning supplies, here are some tips for getting what you need — plus the restock schedules for CVS, Walmart, Target, and more.
But first, download the Krazy Coupon Lady app to get the latest coronavirus updates and new money-saving tips.
How much toilet paper do you really need for two weeks?
If you have enough toilet paper to last you the next two to four weeks, you’ll be fine. And if you’re wondering how much toilet paper you use per week, a Today Show study calculated a four-person household would need about seventeen double rolls, or about nine mega rolls to last approximately two weeks. But who knows? My family definitely uses way more than this.
Even as a number of retailers had insufficient inventory to meet customer demand, U.S. toilet paper sales were up more than 71% in May, compared to the same time in 2019.
And while toilet paper apocalypse memes flooded the internet and heightened the initial panic, all the experts are saying everyone need not worry themselves over toilet paper any longer.
Shop the latest toilet paper coupons and deals.
Higher hand sanitizer prices are here to stay, for a while.
Hand sanitizer, which also went out of stock in most retail locations at the beginning, saw a 1,400% increase in demand in March alone, according to an Adobe Analytics report. The average price of hand sanitizer rose 53% between March and November compared to the same period in 2019, according to Business Insider. It’s safe to say prices won’t go down any time soon.
But the good news is you can make your own hand sanitizer with just rubbing alcohol and aloe.
Set Amazon restock alerts for unavailable items.
Amazon is still getting inventory — rapidly, even. But as soon as they restock certain items they can sell out in minutes. I found a face mask this morning at 8 a.m. EST, but by the time I sent a link to a friend, it was sold out.
If you’re feeling desperate, make sure you’re checking Amazon throughout the day. While shopping around, look for email sign up alert buttons to help you out. Amazon allows you to sign up to be emailed when some out-of-stock products are available again.
Watch the delivery dates. When in-demand items pop up as available, the delivery dates can be a month or more out.
Related: Tips for Shopping at Amazon & Whole Foods During Coronavirus
When grocery stores restock, they restrict how much you can buy.
The initial run on hand sanitizer came before stores had limits. Walmart, Publix, Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, and countless other stores continue to set restrictions on purchase amounts, namely for in-demand products like toilet paper, sanitizing wipes, face masks, and gloves.
Factories are running 24/7 and streamlining processes.
Many factories have been operating 24-hours a day focusing on the highest-priority items only — such as manufacturing bleach in only one size and scent. Foods may be available in limited flavors and household items in limited scents to maximize the number of products each machine can produce per day.
Retailers suspended returns for essential items to discourage panic-hoarding.
Many retailers, including Walmart, Costco, and Kroger leave return policies up to the discretion of store management, so management can refuse returns on paper products and cleaning supplies, bought en mass.
When does CVS restock?
Most CVS locations have maintained their normal hours. The day, time, and content of each delivery varies by location — however, CVS stores typically get weekly shipments. Like many others on this list, CVS could sell out of newly- stocked essential items within an hour (or less) of them being put on the shelf.
When does Fry’s restock?
A Kroger brand, Fry’s grocery stores usually receive restock shipments in the morning, but it varies by location.
When does Walmart restock?
For months all Walmart locations, including 24-hour stores, reduced their hours to 7 a.m. — 8:30 p.m. to allow for extra unloading of trucks and cleaning of the stores at night. However, starting Nov. 14 all locations extended their store hours from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. (except where not allowed by law). The best time to find Walmart restocks is in the morning, but this varies by location and you can expect to see stockers in the aisles throughout the day as well.
Related: Tips for Shopping Walmart During the Coronavirus Pandemic
When does Walgreens restock?
Most Walgreens get two shipments per week, and when the deliveries arrive varies by location. Make sure to call your local Walgreens to double-check their normal routine and make the most of your trip outside the house.
When does Costco restock?
Costco warehouses usually get trucks in a few times a week, but all the locations we spoke to said they’re getting shipments daily or near-daily. Teams bring inventory out each morning between 4 a.m. and when doors open
If you are a non-Costco member and wish to order from their warehouses, you can place your order via Instacart. Right now Instacart shoppers aren’t being given priority access to Costco. Only a few Costcos (far-and-in-between) are giving Instacart shoppers priority.
When does Target restock?
Unlike Costco, Target locations don’t usually get a semi-truck load of inventory every day. It’s more like three to four times per week, on average.
The majority of the unloading happens at night, particularly for the in-demand items. While you may see things like clothing and home goods being unloaded at Target during the day, you’re most likely to find paper products and cleaning items in stock if you’re at the store when doors open. Many stores have reported selling out within the first hour.
Related: Tips for Shopping at Target During the Coronavirus Pandemic
When does Albertsons restock?
If you’re still struggling to find essential items, check your local Albertsons. My local store told me that the first thing in the morning is the only time you’ll be able to snag toilet paper before someone else does. Albertsons also does both grocery delivery and pick-up.
When does Publix restock?
Publix grocery stores are restocked daily. If you don’t want to go into the store, you can also order through Instacart.
Related: A Complete List of Grocery Stores with Senior Shopping Hours
When does Safeway restock?
Many Safeway locations have reduced hours to give staff more time to clean and restock. Like many regional grocery stores, when they receive their shipment varies by location. In addition, Safeway set to “Golden Hours” for senior and at-risk shoppers from 6 a.m. — 9 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays through Feb. 25, 2021. Most locations also offer Safeway delivery of certain items.
When does Dollar General restock?
My local Dollar General gets their new inventory every Monday morning (though the new items might not hit the floor until noon). All Dollar General locations have senior shopping hours during the first hour the store is open every day.
Don’t Scroll Up! Here are the articles I mentioned:
Tips for Shopping at Amazon & Whole Foods During Coronavirus
Tips for Shopping Walmart During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Tips for Shopping at Target During the Coronavirus Pandemic
A Complete List of Grocery Stores with Senior Shopping Hours
UP NEXT: Your Complete Coronavirus Guide
