Walmart is one of the largest retailers in the world, with over 10,500 stores across the United States. With its massive selection of products across grocery, household items, clothing, electronics, toys, and more, customers rely on Walmart to keep their shelves stocked.
But when does Walmart actually restock their shelves? The answer depends on the type of product, demand, and other factors. While Walmart does not follow a single strict restocking schedule across all stores, they do adhere to some general guidelines and best practices to ensure high product availability for customers.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Walmart’s restocking operations, including:
- Typical restocking schedules by product type
- What time of day restocking happens
- How Walmart prioritizes keeping popular and fast-moving products in stock
- How to check if an item is in stock at your local store
- Tips for shopping at optimal times to find fresh stock
Let’s dive in!
Contents
When Does Walmart Restock Their Shelves?
Walmart restocks their shelves on an ongoing basis to ensure availability of products for customers. However, different types of merchandise have different restocking schedules based on factors like demand, shelf life, and supply chain logistics. Here is an overview of typical restocking schedules by product category:
Groceries
Groceries including fresh produce, meat, dairy, and baked goods are restocked daily. Deliveries typically arrive overnight and restocking happens between 10pm – 7am when stores are closed. This ensures grocery items are as fresh as possible for customers each morning.
General Merchandise
General merchandise like clothing, home goods, electronics, office supplies and more are usually restocked 1-2 times per week. Restocking typically happens overnight Monday through Friday.
Toys
Toys are restocked as needed, which ramps up in the months leading up to the holidays. Restocking usually happens during normal daytime store operating hours.
Seasonal Items
Seasonal merchandise is restocked according to program schedules. For example, summer items will be restocked heavily in spring and taper off as summer ends. Restocking occurs 1-2 times per week typically.
Online Inventory
Online inventory at Walmart.com is maintained separately from in-store inventory. Restocking depends on warehouse stock levels and item demand. High volume products sell out quickly.
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How Does Walmart Prioritize Restocking?
Walmart uses sophisticated inventory management technology and forecasting to predict demand. This allows them to ensure adequate stock levels of faster selling items.
If a particular product is selling quicker than anticipated, the inventory system automatically flags it for priority restocking. Location also plays a role. Stores in high traffic areas may get more frequent restocking than slower stores.
Limited regional inventory for things like seasonal clothing also impacts restocking schedules. Ultimately, Walmart’s top restocking priority is keeping the most in-demand and top selling items in stock at all times.
Routines ensure customers can count on finding popular grocery staples, electronics, toys and other best-sellers fully stocked.
What Time of Day Does Walmart Restock?
Most of Walmart’s restocking operations happen overnight when stores are closed. This schedule helps ensure fully stocked shelves every morning and minimizes disruptions to customers during shopping hours. Here are the typical restocking windows for Walmart stores:
- 10pm – 7am: Grocery items, clothing, home goods, electronics, toys, seasonal merchandise.
- 7am – 11am: Finish stocking any leftover inventory from overnight.
- 2pm – 5pm: Quick restocking of high priority merchandise as needed.
Daytime restocking is kept to a minimum to avoid congestion in the aisles for shoppers. Priority items that sell out faster are constantly monitored and may be restocked as needed.
How to Check Walmart Inventory for an Item
Wondering if the product you want is in stock at your local Walmart? There are a few ways to check before you head to the store:
- Walmart Website or App – You can enter a product name or scan a barcode using your phone camera. It will display in-stock status and quantity available at your selected store location.
- BrickSeek – This free inventory checker aggregates up-to-date inventory data from Walmart stores. Just search for an item and enter your zip code.
- Call the Store – Call your local Walmart and ask if they have the item in stock. Give them the name, department or SKU number.
Using these methods, you can get an accurate read on real-time inventory before making the trip. But keep in mind stock is dynamic, so an item shown as in-stock could potentially sell out again by the time you arrive. Calling just prior to check is your best bet.
Tips for Shopping Walmart Restocks
Now that you know Walmart’s restocking operations, here are some tips for timing your shopping trips to catch newly stocked inventory:
- For groceries, arrive first thing when the store opens in the morning. This ensures you get first pick of overnight restocked produce, meat, dairy and bakery items.
- For electronics, toys, clothing and home goods – do your shopping mid-morning on weekdays if possible. Shelves are most likely to be freshly replenished after overnight restocking.
- If you’re not able to shop mid-morning, evenings on Monday through Wednesday are your next best bet. There’s less likelihood of stock being depleted during lower-traffic times earlier in the week.
- Avoid weekend afternoons if possible – this tends to be the busiest shopping time, so shelves have had more opportunity to be emptied since the last restock.
- Ask associates in each department when they last restocked a particular item you’re seeking and their typical restocking schedule. This inside info can help you time a return trip accordingly.
With thousands of products across many categories, restocking at Walmart is truly an around-the-clock endeavor. But following these tips will help ensure your trips are optimized to take advantage of freshly replenished inventories.
People Also Ask
Does Walmart restock all night?
Most restocking happens overnight between 10pm – 7am when stores are closed. However, additional restocking also happens during the day as needed based on inventory levels and demand.
What time does Walmart restock toys?
Toys are primarily restocked overnight between 10pm – 7am along with other general merchandise. Additional restocking may occur during daytime hours on an as-needed basis, especially leading up to the holidays.
What days do grocery stores get deliveries?
Most Walmart locations receive 1-2 grocery deliveries per day. Produce, dairy, meat and bakery items are delivered daily. Shelf-stable goods may come once every 1-2 days. Deliveries are timed to be outside peak shopping hours.
When does Walmart restock clearance items?
Clearance items are typically restocked weekly as availability allows. The schedule depends on the item, how much existing inventory stores have remaining, and whether more supply exists at Walmart distribution centers.
When does Walmart restock Pokémon cards?
Pokémon trading cards are restocked daily from Monday to Friday at most Walmart stores due to their high demand. Restocking typically happens during daytime business hours between 9am – 3pm. Quantities are limited and sell out quickly.
Is Walmart restocking PS5?
PS5 consoles are currently still very difficult to find in stock at most retailers, including Walmart. When they do receive inventory, it sells out extremely quickly both online and in-stores. Walmart restocks the PS5 periodically as supply allows, but availability continues to be highly constrained.
When does Walmart restock formula?
Baby formula is typically restocked daily at Walmart, with new deliveries arriving overnight. High-demand formulas may restock multiple times per day. Due to shortages, Walmart also limits formula purchases to 5 units per customer.
When does Walmart restock toys?
Toys are primarily restocked overnight between 10pm and 7am, along with other general merchandise. Additional restocking can happen during regular store hours as needed, especially in the months leading up to the winter holidays.
When does Walmart restock formula?
Baby formula is restocked daily at Walmart, with new deliveries typically arriving overnight. For formulas in high demand, Walmart may restock multiple times per day. Purchase limits are also in place due to market shortages.
When does Walmart restock Pokémon cards?
Pokémon trading cards are restocked daily from Monday through Friday at most Walmart locations due to their popularity. Restocking usually happens during daytime store hours between 9am and 3pm. However, quantities are limited and often sell out the same day.
When does Walmart restock hot wheels?
Hot Wheels toy cars have become very difficult to find in stock at most major retailers, including Walmart. When they do receive shipments, they typically sell out the same day. Walmart restocks Hot Wheels intermittently as supply allows, but no set schedule.
When does Walmart restock PS5?
The PS5 remains in extremely short supply globally. Walmart receives limited restocks periodically when inventory becomes available. However, PS5 stock sells out almost instantly both online and in-stores due to overwhelming demand.
When does Walmart restock online?
Walmart.com has separate inventory from in-store stock. Online restocking happens as items become available from Walmart fulfillment centers. High-demand products often sell out quickly once restocked. There is no set restocking schedule.
When does Walmart restock cards?
Trading cards for sports and gaming like Pokémon are restocked daily from Monday to Friday at most Walmart stores. This frequent restocking helps keep up with high customer demand.
When does Walmart restock clothes?
Clothing inventory is typically restocked 1-2 times per week overnight between 10pm and 7am. Seasonal clothing follows scheduled programs based on time of year. Essential items like undergarments may restock more frequently.
When does Walmart restock groceries?
Groceries like produce, meat, dairy and bakery items are restocked daily overnight. Some high-volume products like bananas or milk could potentially be restocked multiple times per day as needed to meet demand.
When does Walmart restock makeup?
Cosmetics and makeup products are generally restocked 1-2 times per week overnight along with other general retail merchandise. High-volume makeup products may be replenished more often based on inventory levels and sales patterns.
When does Walmart restock Legos?
Lego products are typically restocked every few days on average, but schedules can vary by store. New Lego releases are usually restocked more frequently as supplies allow to meet higher early demand.
When does Walmart restock electronics?
Consumer electronics like TVs, laptops, and gaming consoles are restocked 2-3 times per week on average during overnight hours. High-demand electronics like the PS5 restock less often based on limited supply.
When does Walmart restock meat?
Fresh meat departments are restocked daily at Walmart. Beef, pork, chicken, and other proteins are delivered overnight so they can be stocked first thing in the morning to ensure freshness.
When does Walmart restock Funko Pops?
Funko Pop figurines are restocked intermittently as supply allows from Funko. There is no set schedule. New Pop releases tend to restock more frequently to meet initial demand from collectors.
When does Walmart restock food?
Grocery staples like canned goods, cereal, pasta and more are restocked 1-2 times per week on average. Perishable foods like produce, meat and dairy are restocked daily. High-volume products may restock multiple times per day.
When does Walmart restock produce?
Fresh produce departments are restocked daily at Walmart. Deliveries arrive overnight so produce like fruits, vegetables and salads can be fully stocked by opening each morning.
When does Walmart restock pools?
In-store inventory of swimming pools and accessories is seasonal. Pools begin restocking in early spring and inventory builds through summer, then tapers off in fall. Restocking depends on availability from suppliers.
When does Walmart restock books?
Books are typically restocked weekly on average, usually during overnight hours along with other general retail merchandise. New book releases or high-demand titles may restock more frequently when inventory is available.
When does Walmart restock shoes?
Shoes are generally restocked 1-2 times per week during overnight hours. Seasonal footwear follows scheduled replenishment programs. High-volume everyday styles like kids’ sneakers may be restocked more often.
When does Walmart restock plants?
Live plants like flowering annuals and perennials are heavily restocked in spring and taper off through summer and fall following seasonal demand cycles. Potted plants are typically restocked weekly.
When does Walmart restock Xbox Series X?
The Xbox Series X faces supply constraints similar to the PS5. Restocks happen intermittently as limited inventory becomes available. When restocked, consoles sell out extremely quickly online and in stores.
When does Walmart restock in store?
Most restocking of in-store inventory at Walmart happens overnight between 10pm – 7am. Additional restocking can occur during the day for high-priority products as needed based on inventory levels.
When does Walmart restock video games?
Video games are restocked 2-3 times per week on average during overnight hours. New releases are restocked more frequently to meet initial demand. High-profile releases may see daily restocking.
When does Walmart restock flowers?
Fresh cut flowers are restocked 2-3 times per week, with new deliveries timed around major flower holidays. Potted flowering plants are typically restocked weekly following seasonal demand trends.
When does Walmart restock games?
Board games, video games and gaming accessories are primarily restocked overnight 1-2 times per week on average. Seasonal toys ramp up additional restocking for the holidays.
When does Walmart restock pharmacy?
Pharmacy departments aim to restock prescription medications daily. Schedule II controlled medications have stricter protocols and may not physically restock daily.
When does Walmart restock Nintendo?
Nintendo Switch consoles and games from Nintendo are restocked intermittently based on available supply from the company. Nintendo Switch console availability in particular has been very limited worldwide.
When does Walmart restock kitchen appliances?
Standard kitchen appliances are restocked 1-2 times per week on average during overnight hours. Specialty appliances from brands like KitchenAid have less frequent restocking as supply allows.
When does Walmart restock iPhones?
iPhone availability varies by model and demand levels. New models tend to restock frequently as supply allows. Older models in low demand may only restock every 1-2 weeks. iPhones are restocked overnight.
When does Walmart restock cosmetics?
Cosmetics are typically restocked 1-2 times per week along with other general retail merchandise. High-volume products like L’Oreal makeup could potentially restock faster based on sales.
When does Walmart restock computers?
Laptops and desktop computers are restocked every 2-3 days on average during overnight hours. Larger electronics have greater supply chain lead times which limits restock frequency.
When does Walmart restock spray paint?
Spray paint is generally restocked once every 1-2 weeks on average during overnight hours. Cans of spray paint take up relatively little shelf space compared to larger items, so less frequent restocking can maintain adequate availability. Seasonal displays of spray paint may see more frequent restocking based on demand.
When does Walmart restock small appliances?
Small kitchen appliances like coffee makers, blenders, air fryers and more are typically restocked once or twice a week on average. Higher volume models may restock more frequently as needed to maintain availability.
When does Walmart restock bakery?
Freshly baked breads, cakes, pies, cookies and other bakery goods are produced and restocked daily at Walmart. Bakers are at work overnight to ensure cases are full by opening each morning.
When does Walmart restock energy drinks?
Energy drinks and other beverages are generally restocked 1-2 times per week during overnight store stocking. Top selling drinks like Red Bull may be restocked more frequently to keep pace with demand.
When does Walmart restock school supplies?
School supplies have very seasonal demand cycles. Restocking ramps up heavily in July and August leading up to back-to-school season, then slows again after. Typical restock frequency is every 1-2 weeks.
When does Walmart restock plushies?
Plush stuffed animals are restocked intermittently based on inventory needs, typically once every 2-3 weeks. Additional restocks will occur ahead of gift-giving holidays like Christmas, Valentines Day, and Easter.
When does Walmart restock website?
Walmart.com operates separately from in-store inventory so there is no fixed restocking schedule. Online inventory is replenished as supply becomes available from Walmart fulfillment centers. Speed varies by item.