Are you looking for ways to save money at Target? Check out these clever tips and tricks that will help you cut costs without sacrificing quality.
Going to Target is a breath of fresh air for me compared to other stores that other people might consider the same. Those other stores are just as popular because they seem less expensive. However, I never have trouble saving money at the Bullseye Boutique. I’ve been known to visit Target for one item but exit the store with a shopping cart filled with products, but still manage to save money.
If you love Target as much as I do but aren’t sure about how to save money there, I have the perfect guide for you. I’ve listed all of the best ways I save money at Target so that you can shop freely and leave with confidence that you got the best deal.
Know the Clearance Code And Schedule
Two things about Target clearance They have a daily rotating schedule, and they have a number code that tells you how marked down the prices actually are. Master these, and you will always have the upper hand when shopping in any department. The following are the best days to save money at Target for each department
- Monday: Electronics, books, office/stationery, kids’ clothes, baby (sans diapers)
- Tuesday: Home goods, women’s clothes, pet, groceries
- Wednesday: Men’s clothes, health & beauty, diapers, lawn & garden, furniture
- Thursday: lingerie, shoes, houseware, decor & luggage, toys, sporting goods
- Friday: cosmetics, jewelry, auto, hardware
In addition to this rotation, there are also codes on the clearance stickers. The number in the upper-right corner of the sticker reveals the percentage off the retail price. If the price ends in a number 04 (four cents) that usually means the item is in its final markdown phase.
Use the Red Card
The Target Red Card is a cash-back credit card that earns you 5% back on qualifying purchases. Even gift cards earn you a 5% reward, so technically you can buy gift cards for less than their value. That makes them an excellent choice for gifts or for yourself in order to save money elsewhere (Disney World?).
Scour Spots Deals
It used to be called the “dollar section,” and it’s rarely that cheap anymore, but there are lots of fun seasonal things you can buy as well as cheap toys for kids. It’s a good value most of the time and always worth perusing.
Read the Circular
Before you go to the store, save money at Target by reading the circular ads. See what’s on sale so you can plan your shopping trip and know what to look for. The circular is a great indication of how much you can save right off the bat.
Look For Unadvertised Markdowns
Not everything is listed in the circular. Keep your eyes open and look for other deals. You might come across unadvertised markdowns. Some markdowns may even be better than advertised discounts from competing brands.
Avoid End Caps
End caps are put there to get your attention, but they are often not the lowest-priced items. A good rule of thumb is that if the store wants you to see it, it’s better for their margins. Look up or down instead of at eye level to find the best deals on the shelves.
Use Coupons
Use them, and use a lot of them. You can stack manufacturer coupons on top of store coupons. You can even triple stack coupons if you are a coupon warrior. So dust off that old binder from 2010 and hunt down some newspapers. Or print coupons from manufacturer sites and deal sites like Rakuten.
Use the Price Match Guarantee
When all else fails, remember that Target matches prices. They’ll even match their own online prices. So, do your research and go into your favorite store with confidence that you are going to save money at Target today.
Create Your Shopping List
Finally, make sure you have a plan before you go into Target. Know what items to look for so that your trip is efficient and organized. Having a list also helps keep impulse buys in check (because we all know how hard it is not to buy things when we’re there!). Make sure to read the circular ads ahead of time so that you can add any sale items or coupons directly to your shopping list before you head out the door. This will help ensure that you don’t forget any items and that you get the best deals possible.
In Conclusion
Follow these simple tips, and you’ll be sure to come home with the best deals. With a little bit of preparation and know-how, shopping at Target can always be a rewarding experience. Happy shopping!
