When Does Dollar Tree Restock in 2024? The Inside Scoop
Dollar Tree‘s wide assortment of affordably-priced home goods, pantry items, and more draws legions of bargain shoppers. But nothing disappoints loyal customers more than arriving to empty shelves where their favorites should be.
When popular products sell out, understanding Dollar Tree‘s restocking operations is key to snagging elusive items upon their return. Here, we‘ll uncover the inside scoop on when and how Dollar Tree refills inventory so you can shop like a pro.
Tracking Down Out-of-Stocks: By the Numbers
With over 16,000 stores across North America, Dollar Tree moves major merchandise volume. To keep hot products in stock, their supply chain handles:
7,000+ SKUs per store – Huge selection across categories like party supplies, kitchenware, automotive, beauty, food, and more
5 million items per week – Volume of unique products shipped to replenish inventory
53 distribution centers – Major warehouses supplying stores with continuous product deliveries
When Do Truckloads of New Inventory Arrive?
Most Dollar Tree locations receive 1-2 major truck deliveries per week from their regional distribution center. However, high-sales stores in big metro areas may get shipments 3+ times per week.
Here‘s an inside look at their restocking schedule:
Monday-Wednesday: Big rig tractor trailers deliver the bulk of new merchandise to most stores at the start of the business week.
Thursday: Additional end-of-week inventory arrives at some locations to stock up for weekend shoppers.
Daily: Smaller trucks replenish high-velocity consumables like food, drinks, household essentials, and seasonal goods.
Follow the Schedule to Get First Dibs
Arriving when the latest products hit the sales floor is the number one strategy to find sold-out goods. Timing it right gives you first pick before popular items get snatched up.
The Best Restock Days
Monday-Thursday
Aim to shop earlier in the week and you‘ll have the newest selection. Mondays are especially fruitful after weekend stockpiling.
Restock Timing Sweet Spots
8-10 am
Get there as stores open to purchase new inventory as employees actively replenish shelves.
1-3 pm
Catch midday restocking of high-velocity basics like food and household items.
7-9 pm
Evening hours often see rebooting of cleaned-out aisles before close.
Hack the System to Pinpoint Shipments
Every store has slight variations, so get to know your location‘s schedule. The employee insights below can help you pinpoint peak restock times.
Ask staff when trucks typically arrive and the days new stock gets prioritized. They‘ll give you insider intel!
Note deliveries – Watch for 18-wheelers backing into the receiving bay and merchandising crews wheeling out new boxes.
Pair with ads – Sunday newspaper previews signal what items will be on shelves for big sales events starting on Mondays.
Rain Checks and Reservations Don‘t Exist
Unfortunately, Dollar Tree does not offer rain checks allowing you to buy sale items at a later date if they are out of stock. And you cannot call to reserve products for when they are restocked.
Your best options are to:
Set in-store alerts for when sought-after goods return
Time a future visit for optimal restock days and times
Politely request employees notify you upon an item‘s return
With insider tips in your pocket, you can shop Dollar Tree‘s restocks like a pro and score the top products on your list! Let the bargain hunting begin.
