Nothing worse than driving to Target just to find the specific item you need is out-of-stock. Or maybe you’re trying to be the “first buyer” on a hot Christmas toy, box of sports cards, or new video game. In either case, I wanted to learn everything there is to know about when Target restocks and use it to my advantage. I hope these helpful tips and tricks will get you what you need … the first time around.

Target Does Not Restock Perishables Daily

Target definitely does not restock food daily, especially perishable grocery items like produce, dairy, meat, and bread.

I asked at several Target stores over the past 12 months what time of day they restock groceries and was told the truck usually shows up right before closing, except for Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

So this means that produce and other perishables will NOT be super fresh on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Take that information to mean that you’ll find the following items to be the freshest on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday:

• Eggs
• Bread
• Milk
• Dairy Items
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Meats
• Hot Foods
• Bakery Items

Since these items don’t get restocked daily at Target, they provide an EXCELLENT money-saving opportunity.

Which brings us to our first pro tip…

PRO TIP: TARGET SLASHES PRICES NEAR “BEST-BY” DATES

Start looking for slashed prices on “day old” breads and meats at Target, stuff that’s still within the expiration date…but getting close to expiring. Target doesn’t want to throw this stuff away at a big loss, so they’ll happily slash the price and sell it for a big discount. I’ve seen deals in the 70-90% off range on bread, doughnuts, deli meats, and even steaks. If you know you’ll use it that day, or that night for dinner, take advantage of the HUGE savings and always check out the clearance “shelf” in the meat and bakery department. If you can’t find the clearance stuff, just ask an employee and they’ll point you in the right direction.

See Also: What’s a Target Salvage Store? and How to Find One Near You

Sign Up For Alerts When Items Come Back In-Stock

Stay ahead of the game by signing up for Target restocking alerts.

Target Restock Alert Via Text: On your Target app on your phone, click on the “notify me” button next to the item you want to be notified of when it is back in stock.

Target Restock Alert Via Email: On your Target.com account, click on the “notify me when it’s back” button to receive a notification via email when that specific item is back in stock.

PRO TIP: NEW STOCK CAN DEPEND ON DISTANCE FROM DISTRIBUTION CENTER

If you have a Target distribution center near you, you can guarantee you’ll get new stock more frequently than if you don’t. If you’re not sure, just ask an employee, I’ve found they’re very open with the information. This is especially important information if you’re trying to be “the first buyer” on items like sports cards, Pokémon cards, new video games, collectibles, or hot toys around Christmas.

What About Restocking Online at Target.com?

Unfortunately, there is no hard-set rule when it comes to what and when products are restocked online at Target.com.

However, don’t lose all hope for Target’s online shopping experience just because an item is out of stock.

Instead, sign up to be notified when the product you want is back in stock.

The Best Days for “New” Clearance Items

Sometimes Target restocks come in the form of newly added products to the clearance section.

Each weekday there is a certain section of the store where new clearance markdowns and restocks occur.

Keep your eyes on the prize and take note of the following days when new Target clearance items drop:

• Monday – Electronics, Accessories, Kids Clothing, Books, Baby, Stationery
• Tuesday – Domestics, Women’s Clothing, Pets, Market (food items)
• Wednesday – Men’s Clothing, Health and Beauty, Diapers, Lawn & Garden Items, and Furniture
• Thursday – Housewares, Lingerie, Shoes, Toys, Sporting Goods, Décor & Luggage
• Friday – Auto, Cosmetics, Hardware, Jewelry

There’s most certainly a science involved when it comes to understanding Target clearance tips and tricks and this tip certainly fits the bill.

Shopping on the right day of the week is not exclusive to Target, check out my article on other store markdown days and learn to save BIG at your favorite retailer.

The Best Time Of Day To Shop At Target

The absolute best time to shop at Target is first thing in the morning.

The majority of Target locations restock their inventory between 12 am and 6 am because the stores are (obviously) closed.

This makes it easier for workers to stock shelves more efficiently without the constant interruption from busy shoppers.

As a result, expect shelves to be fully stocked in the morning, especially for daily restock items like perishable groceries discussed earlier.

If you’re on the hunt for your favorite little Christmas cookies from the bakery section, be sure to set your alarm and don’t take the risk of them not being there later on in the day.

The same goes for popular gaming system like the PS5, shop early in the morning and your chances of scoring the PlayStation 5 greatly increase.

See Also: The Target Dollar Spot: Maximize Your Savings When You Shop

What About Toys, Electronics, Clothing, And Home Décor?

Depending on the availability and demand for the item, Target usually restocks general merchandise 2 to 3 times a week.

Yet, there is no specific time or schedule Target follows to restock these types of items.

Therefore, if you are curious when your local Target is restocking toys, electronics, clothing, and/or home décor, contact your store directly for more information.

Ask the Reader: Do you have any insider tips on when Target restocks certain items that I may have missed? Let me know in the comments.

By Kyle James

Hobby Lobby is one of the top arts and crafts retailers that’s been around for 50 years. Besides the notoriously large array of home décor, “hobby worthy” supplies, and DIY craft ideas, I was curious to know when they were open and when they closed. After all, they close their doors on days when other businesses rake in sales, they even close on a couple “holidays” that are kinda strange. To save the guesswork of hoping Hobby Lobby is open when you go, learn exactly what Hobby Lobby’s hours are today and everyday of the year.

What Are Hobby Lobby’s Weekday Hours?

Hobby Lobby is open from 9 am to 8 pm during regular weekdays.

Although most Hobby Lobby stores are open at these times, it’s smart you look up your specific store to check their weekday hours.

That being said, expect most Hobby Lobby stores to be open from 9 am to 8 pm, Monday through Friday.

According to this Reddit thread, the owner decided on these reasonable store hours because as a teenager he hated working jobs that required him to work late and get up really early to start a shift.

What Are Their Weekend Hours?

Hobby Lobby is also open from 9 am to 8 pm on Saturday.

However, Hobby Lobby is CLOSED on Sundays.

That being said, you can still make online purchases on Sundays (or any day/time of the week).

See Also: Hobby Lobby Return Policy: A Full Breakdown with Clever Savings Hacks

Why Do They Close On Sundays?

As mentioned, unfortunately, all Hobby Lobby locations are closed on Sundays.

Hobby Lobby is closed on Sundays due to religious reasons.

Hobby Lobby is a Christian-based company where Sundays serve as days of rest in the Christian faith.

Therefore, they lock the doors on Sundays as a way to give more time for customers and employees alike to worship and spend time with friends and family.

What Are Hobby Lobby’s Holiday Hours?

Inevitably, Hobby Lobby is closed or has limited hours on certain holidays.

The following holidays that have limited store hours include:

– New Year’s Day (9 am to 5 pm)

– Memorial Day (9 am to 5:30 pm)

– Independence Day (9 am to 5:30 pm)

– Labor Day (9 am to 5:30 pm)

– Christmas Eve (9 am to 5:30 pm)

– New Year’s Eve (9 am to 5 pm)

And….Hobby Lobby is CLOSED on the following holidays:

– Easter Sunday

– Mother’s Day

– Father’s Day

– Thanksgiving

– Christmas

I find it strange that they advertise on their website that they close their doors on Mother’s and Father’s Day. Both of these days are ALWAYS on a Sunday, a day in which they are closed anyways. 

On all other holidays, Hobby Lobby should be open during normal store hours from 9 am to 8 pm.

As always, be sure to research your own Hobby Lobby store for specific holiday hours as location hours may vary.

What Are Their Black Friday Hours?

Hobby Lobby is open 8 am through 9 pm on Black Friday.

Shop till you drop at the biggest shopping day of the year at Hobby Lobby.

Although they don’t offer any extended or early-hour sales, you still have the regular store hours to shop for all the deals this Black Friday at Hobby Lobby.

See Also: Hobby Lobby Sale Schedule: Never Pay Full-Price Again

What Holidays Are They Open?

The majority of Hobby Lobby stores are open on the following holidays:

– New Year’s Day

– Martin Luther King Day

– Valentine’s Day

– President’s Day

– St. Patrick’s Day

– Good Friday

– Easter Monday

– Cinco de Mayo

– Memorial Day

– Juneteeth

– 4th of July

– Labor Day

– Columbus Day

– Halloween

– Veterans Day

– Black Friday

– Christmas Eve

– Boxing Day (December 26th)

– New Year’s Eve

Be sure to check your specific store’s location for exact holiday hours, as they may be shortened and run on holiday hours.

See Also: Hobby Lobby Savings Tips That’ll Save You Some Cash

What Holidays Are They Closed?

The majority of Hobby Lobby stores are closed on the following holidays:

– Easter Sunday

– Mother’s Day

– Father’s Day

– Thanksgiving

– Christmas

It’s important to remember that all Hobby Lobby stores are also closed each and every Sunday.

Keep in mind that their website is open for business 24/7 if you need to get your shopping fix.

What Are Their Online Customer Service Hours?

Hobby Lobby’s online customer service is available 8 am to 5 pm (Central Time) from Monday through Friday.

Therefore, if you have any questions, feel free to call Hobby Lobby’s customer service line at 1-855-329-7060 for any Hobby Lobby in-store location questions.

If you have any questions about Hobby Lobby’s online store (www.HobbyLobby.com), you can call the customer service line at 1-800-888-0321.

Ask the Reader: Have you ever showed up at a Hobby Lobby on a Sunday only to remember that they’re closed? Happened to me just a couple weeks ago.

By Kyle James

In-N-Out Burger is a beloved American fast-food chain restaurant known for providing customers with scrumptious burgers, shakes, and fries. Many chain restaurants today offer special secret menu items to customers who are cool enough to be “in the know”. And, In-N-Out is no exception. Perhaps the most popular secret menu item at In-N-Out is the Flying Dutchman burger. Learn more about the Flying Dutchman below to find out if you’d like to order it the next time you’re up for trying something new.

What Exactly is the Flying Dutchman?

The Flying Dutchman is a burger on the In-N-Out Burger secret menu.

This burger consists of 2 slices of melted cheese sandwiched between 2 beef patties.

The Flying Dutchman is unique from other burgers because it has NO burger buns to enclose all the greasy goodness.

So, be prepared to savor this “sandwich” with plenty of napkins on hand.

The burger also doesn’t have any extras like lettuce or onions. It’s just simply a beef and cheese sandwich.

Will Employees Know It by Name When I Order It?

Yes.

Most In-N-Out employees will know the Flying Dutchman order by name.

However, if the employee is new, they might not have the slightest clue what you’re asking for.

If that’s the case, just explain you’d like two slices of melted cheese sandwiched between 2 beef patties.

See Also: 5 In-N-Out “Menu Hacks” That’ll Change the Way You Dine

Are There Locations that Don’t Offer the Flying Dutchman?

No.

All In-N-Out locations offer secret menu items, including the Flying Dutchman.

Again, depending on how new the cashier is, they may not know all the secret menu items by heart yet.

If that’s the case, simply explain what you’d like your order to be (i.e. 2 cheese slices between 2 beef patties).

Is It Popular Among Keto Eaters?

Yes.

A Keto diet is high in fat and protein, and low in carbs.

Since the Flying Dutchman contains two beef patties and no buns typical with a burger, this makes for the perfect meal for a Keto diet eater.

Specifically, the macro breakdown of one Flying Dutchman “sandwich” is about 28 grams of fat, 0 grams of carbs, and 30 grams of protein at 380 calories per burger.

Can I Order It “Animal Style”?

Yes.

You can order the Flying Dutchman “Animal Style” which will get you the typical Flying Dutchman with grilled onion, pickles, and spread on top, but still no buns.

They’ll also cook the patties on the grill with some mustard which is the de facto “animal style” way.

How Much Does the Flying Dutchman Cost?

About $5.

Expect to pay about 5 bucks for this messy burger at In-N-Out.

In recent years, the burger has gotten more expensive because it’s labor intensive to build and people add a bunch of stuff to it like grilled onions, spread, and tomato wrapped.

See Also: Five Guys Secret Menu: Burgers Taken to a Whole New Level

How Do You Eat It? With a Knife and Fork?

There’s no denying the Flying Dutchman is an extremely messy meal.

This is because no hamburger buns are holding all the burger grease and cheese juices together.

You can eat it just as you would any other sandwich; however, have plenty of napkins at the ready to wipe your hands off.

Or, you can choose the cleaner approach of opting to use a fork and knife and cutting the burger apart.

Also, consider ordering it with a “lettuce wrap” making it more or a protein burger but it will NO doubt be easier to eat with your hands.

Where Does the Name Come From?

Does the name “Flying Dutchman” sound familiar?

If yes, that’s because the Flying Dutchman is a legend about a ghost ship that sails the seas for eternity, unable to make it to port.

You may also know the name from a classic kids’ TV show you may have grown up with, SpongeBob Squarepants, where the flying ghost ship makes an appearance in an episode.

But in actuality, the founder of In-N-Out, a man named Harry Snyder, was born to Dutch immigrants and at some point got the nickname Dutch. I believe the bun-less burger was named after him.

Ask the Reader: Have you ever ordered the Flying Dutchman from their secret menu and how did you eat it without needing a shower afterwards?

By Kyle James