Trader Joe’s fans and workers debate best and worst time to shop — and it might not be when you think

The perfect time to visit America’s favorite grocery store may surprise you, and so will this hack for finding the ideal shopping window.

It’s well established that Trader Joe’s has a rabid fan base, drawn by the reasonable prices, “flirtatious” checkout folks, and cult favorite mini totes.

Understandably, TJ stores are often crowded, with customers routinely complaining about crowded aisles, impatient cauliflower gropers in the produce department, and sieges at the cheese counter.

Blessedly, many an introvert has shared their opinion on the worst time to visit the store, ideal windows of opportunity, and strategies for avoiding the maddening crowds.

Almost universally, crowd-averse Reddit users say never to shop on weekends, as Saturday and Sunday are prime time for 9-5ers to stock up.

The only caveat was getting there early.

“8 a.m. Sundays is always fairly empty at my store; it’s magical,” shared one user.

Indeed, a chorus of shoppers recommended arriving at the store 20 minutes before doors open, typically at 8 a.m., to ensure an uncrowded shopping experience any day of the week.

Yet, truly wise shoppers give themselves a 15-minute buffer after the store opens.

“I like to go about 8:15 a.m….it gives the people that have been waiting for them to open a few minutes to get their shopping started and clear the chaotic energy that they bring in. By the time I am checking out, they have all left and peace has been restored. lol,” said one commenter.

Alternatively, some said being there right before closing time, typically 8 or 9 PM, means lighter crowds and empty shelves.

“I live in New York, and the only time TJ’s (any of the locations) aren’t hell on earth is after 8 p.m,” said one Redditor.

“For fewer crowds, probably right before closing, but the shelves will be empty, probably,” said another.

“The workers restock after the store closes. So if you want a chance at getting everything on your list, I recommend opening. Shelves are fully stocked.”

A Trader Joe’s employee chimed in that midweek and midday are prime times for beating the crowds.

“Tuesday/Wednesday are the slowest days, overall. Unless a storm is coming, those are the best days to avoid crowds. I’d say late morning or early afternoon, before schools let out and people get off work, would be your best bet.”

However, the employee cautioned that the store typically has less backstock of items on those days.

Other optimal windows included a post-lunch, pre-end-of-workday run.

“For my TJ’s, it’s that weird hour after 2 pm, before 5 during the week,” said one commenter.

Another recommended time to shop is Monday afternoon, when the “shelves are stocked, and the produce is fresh.”

Another suggested Friday evenings when people presumably have more tantalizing plans than perusing the frozen food aisle and stockpiling Limoncello candles.

Many noted that ideal shopping times vary by store location; as such, many recommended calling your local Trader Joe’s to ask for their input on the least crowded times at the store.

“The crew members are very helpful and can give you more personalized information than us Reddit users,” emphasized a recent commenter.