THRIFTING 101: Best Days and Times to Score Thrifted Treasures
Time to Thrive: The Sweet Spot for Scoring Big
They say timing is everything, and thrifting is no exception. There is something about the thrill of the hunt that most of us probably find relatable—the rush of being in the right place at the right time and it leading to something spectacular.
But thrifting success isn’t just about showing up; it’s about showing up at the right time. From navigating quiet store hours to catching restocked gems, mastering thrift timing is your ultimate tool for unlocking hidden treasures.
Timing is everything when it comes to thrifting. Knowing the best days and times to shop can transform your thrift game and unlock hidden treasures!
This blog builds on THRIFTING 101: Essential Etiquette Tips Every Thrifter Needs, the do’s and don’ts of thrift store etiquette—because scoring treasures shouldn’t come at the cost of side-eye or a stern talking to. If you missed it, no worries Bestie! Be sure to check it out for expert tips that complement the timing tricks you’ll learn here.
Let’s dive into the secret sauce of timing and uncover the best days to strike thrift gold.
Monday to Wednesday: The Thrifting Goldmine
Who needs weekend crowds? These ornate frames and pewter candlesticks are proof that weekday thrifting is where the real magic happens.
In my experience, it’s best to start off the week strong. That means hitting your favorite thrift spots between Monday and Wednesday.
Why thrift early in the week? After the weekend donation rush, new merchandise is typically processed and stocked by Monday or Tuesday, giving you access to fresh finds before the competition heats up.
I realize that the backed-up donation lines you see on the weekend might be misleading. Naturally, one would assume a long donation line is an indication of a HOT time to thrift. Unfortunately, the two don’t have an immediate correlation to each other.
Donations take time to process. Items have to be sorted, tagged, and stocked before hitting the sales floor. The processing lag means the influx of weekend donations often translates to shelves being freshly stocked at the start of the week.
Also, as previously established, you want to focus your attention on times when the crowds are small and the competition is low. That, my dear, is generally not the weekend.
The majority of people are off work on the weekends. Instead of working, they are out running errands and squeezing in time for the more frivolous activities—think thrifting. Then consider the number of people swinging in-store after they’ve dropped off their donations.
Avoid the weekend madhouse! Between crowded aisles and fewer freshly stocked items, weekends are best skipped in favor of the quieter early week shopping.
That said, timing doesn’t stop at choosing the right day. It’s also about showing up at just the right time. Let’s talk about why mornings can give you the ultimate edge.
Rise and Shine: Early Bird Gets the Thrifted Gem
Proof that the early bird doesn’t just get the worm—it gets pewter candlesticks, ornate frames, and bragging rights. Sleep in? Remember your loss is another thrifter’s gain.
Thrift stores make it a point to stock the most merchandise while the store is slow and manpower is available.
They typically start bringing out new merchandise first thing in the morning before foot traffic picks up. It allows employees to stock without strategically maneuvering through aisles crowded with shoppers.
Once employees start rotating through breaks, the stocking slows, sometimes grinding to a complete halt. That is because employees are prioritizing break coverage over stocking. Backed-up checkout lines are another reason stocking resources get pulled throughout the day. Processing customers through the checkout takes priority over stocking.
That mid-afternoon stocking slowdown equates to stale afternoon merchandise. Showing up early offers you the opportunity to get first pick of new stock. Even better, you get to do it without being elbowed out of the way by fifty other people.
But mornings aren’t the only golden hours for thrifting. If early-bird hunting isn’t for you, the quiet calm of late evenings can be just as rewarding.
Thrift After Dark: Your New Secret Weapon
Thrift after dark: where the night owls swoop in and snag the fresh restocks. Some of my favorite pieces were snatched up just before close, like this vintage fur coat for only $20.
While nearly everyone knows the early bird gets the worm, few recognize the advantage of being the thrifty night owl.
Let me remind you of what I just said: thrift stores make it a point to stock merchandise while the store is slow and manpower is available. As it gets later in the evenings, the crowds die down and break rotations finish. That means eventually, stocking resumes in full swing. Merchandise once again steadily flows out of the back and onto store shelves.
So, if scheduling constraints prevent you from thrifting early, take advantage of the opportunity to shop late. In my experience, there is an equal advantage to both. Some of the most thrilling thrift finds I’ve had came from a late-night urge to shop!
Whether you thrift early or late, the key is acting fast—especially when sales are in play. Let’s talk about how to stay ahead of the crowd during sale events.
Call Dibs on Sales: Don’t Wait, Shop First
If you’re braving the chaos, make it count! First-day sales are where the gems hide—call dibs or regret it later.
Realistically, popular thrift locations are going to sell really good merchandise in 24 hours or less. It's generally going to sell long before it has a chance to go on sale or get any sort of markdown. However, pricing increases have merchandise sitting around longer. High prices can be the reason some really great pieces won’t sell until they hit a sale. You really never know how your luck might unfold.
That said, if you intend to take advantage of sales, I do recommend being the early bird. Shop the first day of sales whenever possible, and shop early. The earlier you shop, the better.
I say that because some people only shop on sale days. They shop with the sole purpose of snatching up anything and everything that’s on sale—And I do mean they scoop up EVERYTHING they can get their hands on. That means if you wait too long, anything worthwhile will already be gone.
Regardless of whether it's new merchandise or on sale, your goal should always be to get first pick.
Now that you know the best times to thrift, it’s equally important to avoid the worst times. Let’s look at when to skip the trip entirely.
Thrift Store Nightmares: When to Stay Home
Just as much as there are days when it behooves you to thrift, there are days when it should be avoided like the plague. Take it from a seasoned shopper—thrifting is NEVER more stressful and less successful than when it's attempted at the busiest times on the busiest days.
Say No to the Weekend Madness: Thrift Smarter
Dream apartments don’t have to be built on weekend chaos. My apartment is beautifully curated proof that you can score plenty of gems by thrifting weekdays.
We’ve established that the majority of people are squeezing in their thrift time on the weekends because they are off work. That means any thrift store worth shopping at is going to be an elbow-to-elbow madhouse. Thrifting turns into a life-size game of pinball with people bouncing off one another in the already cramped aisles.
The influx of weekend donations has employees handling the incoming inventory. The overcrowding of customers has employees focused on running the checkout. Stocking shelves with new merchandise falls to the absolute bottom of the priority list.
So, as long as scheduling allows, I recommend choosing more opportune times to embark on your thrifting adventures. If you absolutely must shop on weekends, then for the love of God man, get in early!
Senior Discount Days: Chaos You Want to Skip
Senior discount day? No thanks. I’ll sip coffee and smell the roses while the chaos sorts itself out.
An early bird special isn’t the only good deal the elderly flock to. Senior discount days at Goodwill are reminiscent of a Black Friday sale at Walmart in the '90s.
People can say what they will, but I’ve never seen anyone more savage or impatient than an elderly woman down the glassware aisle who spotted a half-off color tag on a senior discount day.
It’s like the Wild West in there…people have no shame and anything goes.
Do yourself a favor and know when these days are so you can avoid them like your life depends on it. Ok, I’m being facetious, but seriously. I strongly recommend choosing less chaotic times to shop. Avoiding the crazy times is a big part of what keeps thrifting an enjoyable experience. Don’t unnecessarily set yourself up for frustration and disappointment.
Timing Is Everything—But There’s More!
Timing is everything—except when it’s not. The real thrift magic? Strategy, patience, and a dash of luck.
Thrifting success isn’t just about luck—it’s about strategy. By shopping during quiet hours, avoiding chaotic days, and being mindful of when stores restock, you can turn every thrift trip into a treasure hunt. The thrill of finding that perfect piece is even sweeter when you’ve mastered the art of timing.
But knowing when to thrift is only part of the equation. To truly elevate your thrift game, you need to know where to look. The right shopping resources can make all the difference in uncovering hidden gems.
In our next blog, “THRIFTING 101: Top Places to Thrift Secondhand Treasures,” we’ll guide you to the best spots for scoring vintage finds, unique decor, and so much more. Whether you’re seeking boutique thrift stores or big-name chains, this guide will help you build a must-visit thrift list.
Join our community of thrifting besties by sharing your favorite thrifting times, tips, and success stories in the comments below. You can also follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for even more tips, inspiration, and thrift finds.
Your next great find is out there, Bestie. Keep strategizing, keep hunting, and most importantly—keep thrifting! Until next time, happy treasure hunting!