Hot Wheels are toy collectible cars that have delighted hobbyists and collectors for years since their introduction to the toy market in 1968 . These toy cars are available for purchase in a variety of locations, including grocery stores, general stores, antique or resale shops, and online retailers.
Collectors often research times and dates of store stocking in order to locate new releases, special editions, or other Hot Wheels in order to complete their collections. Kroger stores and affiliates such as Fred Myers, King Soopers, and Ralphs have variable stocking times and dates, which may impact the availability of certain Hot Wheels cars.
The rest of this article will discuss how Hot Wheels collectors can navigate store procedures for restocking, what days and times are best for shopping, and how collectors can locate available Hot Wheels stock in-store. Let’s get into it.
Does Kroger Carry Hot Wheels?
Kroger is way more than a place to buy your groceries! Most Krogers and affiliate stores regularly stock toys and games, including Hot Wheels. In 2021, Kroger even teamed up with Hot Wheels to offer a Limited Edition series and Kroger-exclusive collectibles.
To check the current price and availability of Hot Wheels, click here to view the selection on Amazon.
What Days Does Kroger Restock Hot Wheels?
It is important to note that store vendors, as well as Kroger employees, can choose to restock products at any time. Most store vendors will have a scheduled day on which they perform all restocking, with restock times varying across locations.
Many shelves at Kroger are restocked overnight; this is especially true for items such as dairy, meat and produce. Other locations may opt to restock toys on rolling basis, as needed, or seasonally. Hot Wheel collectors should plan to visit stores early in the morning if looking for high-demand cars.
What Company Stocks Hot Wheels at Kroger?
Generally speaking, stocking responsibilities are managed at the store level, so Kroger and their affiliates of other stores are responsible for stocking Hot Wheels.
Some select merchandise may require additional security during unloading and stocking, and stores may elect to hire additional assistance. The demand for Hot Wheels can sometimes be out of sync with the supply chain, which can cause high pressure situations for front-line employees.
How Much Do Hot Wheels Cost at Kroger?
The cost of Hot Wheels at Kroger can vary, and can be dependent on a variety of factors. These factors include store promotions, markdowns, type of Hot Wheel, and how many Hot Wheels are in a given package.
In terms of estimating cost broadly, collectors can expect to spend about five to ten dollars for non-specialty five packs of Hot Wheels. Larger packs are available and cost more, especially if the Hot Wheels models are limited-release, are commercial tie-ins, or have specialty packaging.
Store Promotions
Store coupons and reward programs can impact the cost of Hot Wheels at Kroger. In-store specials, such as Buy One Get One Free or the use of loyalty coupons can help collectors get an excellent deal on Hot Wheels stock.
Kroger also slashes the price seasonal toys and games after holidays end to make room for new inventory, so seasonal Hot Wheels may be found deeply discounted.
Markdowns and Clearance
Some lucky collectors may be able to locate Hot Wheels in the markdown/clearance section of Kroger. Most Krogers have a specific aisle or store location where they display all the current markdowns, also known as “Manager Specials.” Kroger Manager Specials vary greatly week to week and by location.
Prices of Specialty Hot Wheels
Mattel, the producer and distributor of Hot Wheels, teams up with a variety of partners to bring Hot Wheel enthusiasts new collectibles.
Some of these special Hot Wheels series include Disney, Star Wars, Batman, Barbie, and Monster Jam. These special models are generally highly collectible and the price reflects this desirability.
Number of Hot Wheels in Package
More Hot Wheels in a given package is naturally going to raise the price. This can range from a five dollar pack of five “mainline” cars or a thirty dollar pack of twenty-four cars. Like most Hot Wheels, collector demand and limited availability of a particular Hot Wheel will impact price.
Where Are the Hot Wheels Located in Kroger?
Hot Wheels that are on-shelf inside Kroger are typically kept with the other toys and games. This can vary greatly since Kroger stores can have different layouts depending on size, location, and what communities and populations they serve.
To locate Hot Wheels stock at Kroger, collectors can use Kroger’s Store Mode to efficiently search inventory at a particular store. Alternately, calling the nearest Kroger location to inquire about inventory is also an option.
How Can I Use Kroger Store Mode to Locate Hot Wheels?
Here’s how to access Kroger’s Store Mode to search inventory.
- Download the Kroger mobile app.
- Turn on your phone’s location services to detect the nearest Kroger store.
- Go to your preferred store, open your mobile app, and turn on Store Mode.
- Use the ‘Find an Item’ button to search for hard-to-find items on your shopping list.
What Are the Hot Wheels That Are Kroger-Exclusives?
Special, limited series of Hot Wheels are highly desired by collectors. This includes the 2021 Kroger Exclusive, the Hot Wheels “N” cases. Kroger Exclusive Hot Wheel cases generally have new colors, makes and models. Sometimes, these collections are coupled with mail in offers for additional collectibles, such as other cars and storage cases.
- ’91 GMC Syclone (HW Turbo 3/5) in yellow
- ’87 Buick Regal GNX (Muscle Mania 4/10) in black
- Lancia Delta Integrale (Baja Blazers 6/10) in red
- Custom ’18 Ford Mustang GT (HW Drift 4/5) in white
- ’10 Pro Stock Camaro in light green
- ’17 Nissan GT-R (R35) in black
- Big-Air Bel-Air in blue
- Erikenstein Rod in violet
Final Thoughts
Hot Wheel hobbyists can search a variety of retail locations to find models to add to their collections, including Kroger. While stocking practices and prices can vary greatly by location, tools like Kroger’s Store Mode can help locate Hot Wheels stock at your local Kroger location.
The restock times are often researched by resellers, scalpers, and collectors alike. It can be hard to find a store that hasn’t already been picked or rummaged through for the most sought after cars in the series.
Most of the time you will still be able to find Hot Wheels at the store, but many of the newest releases and special edition hot wheels will be missing or out of stock simply due to the high demand and low supply.