Checking Walmart store availability is an important step when shopping for items you need. With over 4,700 stores in the United States, Walmart offers a wide selection of products at everyday low prices. However, not every Walmart carries every item. Checking availability ahead of time can help you determine which store location has the products you want before you head out to shop.
Check Walmart.com for item availability
The easiest way to check if a Walmart store near you has an item in stock is to check Walmart.com. Walmart’s website shows real-time inventory for products at individual store locations. Here’s how to check Walmart.com for item availability:
- Go to www.walmart.com and search for the item you want. This will pull up a page showing that product.
- Enter your zip code in the “Check store availability” box on the right side of the page. This will automatically populate a list of Walmart locations near you that carry that item.
- Select a Walmart store from the list to view that specific store’s availability for that product. It will show either “In stock” or “Out of stock”.
- You can also click “Check other stores” to expand your search radius and see item availability at additional stores in your area.
Using the Walmart.com website to check item availability is the most efficient way to see if the products you want are in stock at a location convenient for you. The inventory information is updated continuously, so you can check back multiple times if needed to monitor availability.
Call your local Walmart store
If a product is showing as out of stock on Walmart.com, you can also call your local Walmart store directly to double check availability. Many times store associates can look up inventory levels for products that may not be reflected accurately online. Here’s how to call Walmart to check item availability:
- Locate the phone number for your nearest Walmart by searching on Google Maps or looking on the Walmart.com store finder.
- Call the store and explain you want to check if an item is in stock before coming to the store.
- Have the name, department, and SKU number for the product ready if possible. This helps the associate look it up efficiently.
- Ask the associate if they can check current inventory levels of that product at that store location.
- Make a note of what they quote for availability, such as whether they have it in stock, quantity available, or expected delivery date.
Calling ahead saves you time and gas money driving to the store for a product that may actually be out of stock. Associates can even hold items for you to pick up later.
Use the Walmart app to check availability
In addition to Walmart.com, you can also use the Walmart app to check item availability at stores near you. The app is available for iPhone and Android. Here’s how to check item availability using the Walmart app:
- Download and open the Walmart app on your phone.
- Tap the search icon and type in the product you want to check.
- Tap the item result to go to the product page.
- Scroll down and tap “Check in-store availability”.
- Enter your zip code or allow the app to use your phone’s location.
- Select a Walmart store to view real-time availability for that item.
The Walmart app makes it easy to search products and see the same up-to-date inventory information as on the website. You can check availability right from your phone anytime, anywhere.
Ask an associate in the store
If you happen to already be inside a Walmart store, you can also ask any associate to check availability for you on a store computer. Here’s how:
- Approach any store associate or manager.
- Explain you would like to check if an item is in stock at that store.
- Provide the name and description of the product you are looking for.
- The associate can use a store computer or scanner to look up the real-time inventory status.
- If it’s not in stock, ask the associate if they can provide information on when it may be available again.
Speaking with an in-store associate is useful if you don’t have a smartphone with you or you have trouble looking the item up yourself. They have access to the latest inventory counts for that specific store.
Check the Walmart website weekly for restock updates
If the item you want is out of stock at your local Walmart, don’t give up hope. Inventory is constantly fluctuating as shipments arrive and products sell out. Check back on the Walmart.com website or app weekly to monitor when the product comes back in stock.
Be sure to enter your zip code each time to refresh the availability results for your desired store. Items that previously showed as out of stock may have been restocked since you last checked. Persistence and regularly re-checking item pages pays off when you can then purchase limited inventory products.
Sign up for email or app notifications about product availability
Another great tip is to sign up for in-stock alerts so Walmart will notify you automatically when the item you want becomes available. You can receive alerts by email or through the app.
On each product page on Walmart.com, simply click the “Email me when in stock” button to provide your email address. Choose the specific store location you want alerts for.
In the Walmart app, tap “Out of stock” on an item page, then toggle on email or push notifications. You’ll then be alerted as soon as your product is available to purchase.
Check availability of Walmart Grocery items for delivery or pickup
When shopping for fresh groceries like produce, meat, dairy, and baked goods, the best way to check availability is using Walmart Grocery.
Walmart Grocery allows you to shop online for thousands of grocery items for delivery or pickup. Enter your zip code to check product availability in Grocery at your nearest Walmart.
For pickup orders, you can check availability up to 7 days in advance. For delivery, check availability in 2-hour delivery windows up to 2 weeks out from the current date.
Pickup and delivery windows fill up quickly for popular times, so check availability as far ahead as possible and schedule your order right away to secure your desired time slot.
Check inventory before limited-time sales events
When shopping Walmart’s special savings events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and holiday sales, inventory tends to sell out the fastest. It’s extra important to plan ahead and check availability before limited-time deals.
Start monitoring hot ticket doorbuster items online as early as possible. Sign up for email alerts so you’re the first to know when those hard-to-find products are restocked.
You may need to adjust your strategy and act fast when coveted items become available in order to score the best deals before quantities disappear.
Ask about upcoming inventory shipments
If the item you want is out of stock for the foreseeable future, you can also try asking associates when they expect the next replenishment shipment. Explain you are interested in purchasing that product as soon as it’s available again.
While they may not have an exact date, store associates can provide estimates based on their knowledge of typical restocking timelines and supply chains. This gives you an idea of when to start checking availability again.
You can also request they note your interest and contact you when the inventory is scheduled to arrive. That way, you have a chance to buy it before stock sells out again.
Check other store locations in nearby areas
If you’ve struck out finding an item at your usual Walmart, expand your search to locations in neighboring towns. Sometimes sought-after products are available just a short drive away.
Use the “Check other stores” filter on Walmart.com to search inventory at Walmarts located within 50 miles. You may luck out and discover stores that have it in stock.
This strategy works well for limited-edition merchandise, seasonal items that sell out quickly, or hard to find specialty items. Don’t forget to check availability before making the drive.
Try third-party seller marketplace listings
Can’t find that prized product anywhere at local Walmart stores? Check Walmart.com’s marketplace, where third-party sellers also list items.
Marketplace items are clearly labeled as sold by the seller, not Walmart. But marketplace products are integrated right onto Walmart’s product pages for a seamless shopping experience.
You can find some rare, exclusive, or specialty items via Marketplace that Walmart itself doesn’t carry. Review seller ratings and return policies carefully before purchasing.
Sign up for a Walmart+ membership for perks
Increase your chances of snagging hard-to-find items by signing up for a Walmart+ membership. Walmart+ currently costs $98/year or $12.95/month.
Membership perks include free unlimited delivery from Walmart stores on orders $35+. You also get member prices on gas, early access to Black Friday deals online, and a Scan & Go feature to skip in-store checkout lines.
When an item shows low stock online, Walmart+ members sometimes have access to reserve the last available units. So a paid membership can give you an edge when shopping limited inventory.
Conclusion
Checking Walmart store availability before shopping is the key to finding what you need and avoiding disappointment. Walmart.com, the Walmart app, and calling local stores directly offers real-time inventory data to view before going in person.
Persistence pays off, so check back often for coveted items. Sign up for alerts, monitor nearby locations, and consider Walmart+ for added availability perks. With the right preparation, you can shop Walmart effectively and efficiently.
