I shopped at night while working part-time with a one and three-year-old in daycare. Usually alone. I tried shopping on Saturday but couldn't wake up early enough because I had been awake most of the night to avoid the lines.
When I decided to quit my part-time job and start my own business, I decided to shop during the week early in the morning, even with the kids, because it was nice and quiet.
If you shop at wholesale clubs like BJ's Sam's Club or Costco, the line situation is much larger. So your not only getting a massive amount of items, you're dealing with huge lines.
If you are new to shopping at warehouse clubs, check out seven of the WORST things to buy here.
Of course, this depends on the area where you live. Bigger cities have longer lines. Even at our small Bjs wholesale club in Batavia on the weekends, the lines can be long- especially a Saturday afternoon.
If you want to avoid the crowds and get the best free samples you will want to shop the following times.( Update as of 11/30/21: Samples are back at BJs!)
Weekdays are better than weekends. However, you want to get your shopping done BEFORE noon. You will see an empty parking lot if you enter the club around 10 am, and if you leave at 11:30, you will see the cars rolling in. There is a lunch rush.
Trust me, I know, I shop at BJ's too frequently 😉
If an early morning time during the week doesn't work for you, the next best time to shop at wholesale clubs is around 3 –5 pm. This is right before the after-work rush.
If you have to shop on the weekends, you will be glad to know the weekends are when the samples are at their best. You will most likely wait longer in line, but you will be served a sample on a platter by a smiling face.
Don't forget to score the best deals at BJ's Wholesale Club. Of course, you will want to have taken a long hard look at our coupon deal page.
This page shares all the BJs coupons paired with any additional manufacturer coupons. Why? Because BJs is the only wholesale club to allow manufacturer coupons, you better take advantage of it.
Costco has monthly deals, and we share those in the same printable, email, or app available list here.
Download the FREE App with all our store coupon matchup lists here. Price compare to save money.
Related: 8 Fun & Easy Apps That Work at BJs
Stephanie Radecki
Love the hours at BJ’s, they open at 9 am…I get a lot done at that time!!
Debbie Fox
Shopping on weekdays is peaceful versus the weekends very hectic and crowded. Weekends have the samples which are great to try before you buy.
Marie-Elaine Geismar
Our BJ’S is never crowded. Shopping Is a pleasure during the day 7 days a week. I have never been there after 6 though.
Mary Ann R.
I try to avoid the weekends but that’s the only time I can go.
Karlee
I prefer going weekdays around 10am or so. It seems not too crowded and my son and I can go in and get out rather quickly.
Joan
I avoid the weekends, if possible
Phoebe
Shopped mid morning and mid afternoon. Not crowded at all.
Sandy D
I shop early to , but miss the free samples
Estella (mooka)
I shop during the morning hours when kids are in school . Best time to shop
Debra Fox
I’m a late person shop around 3 or 5 sometimes later. Unfortunately at they don’t give the free samples as I see you picture, I guess it’s a small store.
Janelle JB
I love shopping on weekday mornings as well. Everyone is at school and work. I drop my munchkin off at school and go from there. My BJ’s doesn’t open until 9am so I usually hit up Aldi first.
Peggy hogan
You are spot on with this. I don’t like going on the weekends because of the crowds. I find my shopping to be more enjoyable during the week in the morning even with my toddler with me.
Melissa Dunn
Nice ..my BJs best time to when the open during the week ?