I'm an avid Target shopper. You could call me a super fan. It's like my home base. I know where things are. I'm integrated with the culture and the tools and it has everything you could ever really need. Even when my son broke his leg and was in a virtually full body cast, they had special needs cards that I could use to put him in to still function as a mom and human being. But as I marketing professional by trade, I'm even more impressed. They are marketing gurus which is why its so easy to go in there for 1 thing and come back with a whole cart like I often have. But over time, I've become wise to their ways and feel like now, I'm finally winning at the Target shopping game.
Here are my best tips for saving and winning at Target.
Coupons
Print out coupons before you go.
You can get tons of coupons directly from the Target site. Card holders get exclusive coupons mailed to you as well based on your purchase history!! Hello diapers and salsa!
Buy store-brand items.
You probably reach for your favorite name-brand items out of habit, but Target carries store brands like Up & Up, Market Pantry, and Archer Farms that deliver the same quality at lower prices. This six-ounce Up & Up Apricot Blemish Scrub costs just $1.99 compared to this $3.39 St. Ives Blemish Control Face Scrub Apricot of the same size.
Combine manufacturer coupons with store coupons.
Target accepts one manufacturer coupon and one Target coupon per item. You can even get items for free by doing this. Grab a paper or head to Coupons.com to sign up and print all the same manufacturers coupons available.
Check your receipt for coupons before you toss it.
Be sure to look over your receipt before throwing it away. Target sometimes prints coupons at the bottom — a nice bonus for the next time you come back.
The App and Red Card
Use the Target app.
Target describes Cartwheel as "carrying around hundreds of coupons in your pocket, all neatly organized and accessible." You can sign in using Facebook or download the app for free on your phone, and you'll be able to browse hundreds of deals across every category.
The new app also includes your "wallet" where you can hook up your card so if you are like me and sometimes forget your whole wallet, you check out just with your app!
Consider the Target Red Card.
There are 2 types! The debit card will save you 5% on every purchase and will pull directly from your bank account. The cards will also give you free shipping online, and you'll have 30 extra days for returns.
In-store discounts and gift card bonuses
Know the weekly markdown schedule. Different departments have discounts throughout the week, so if you shop for what you need according to the day, you'll score major deals.
Monday: Electronics, accessories, kids' clothing, books, baby, and stationery
Tuesday: Domestics, women's clothing, pets, and market (food items)
Wednesday: Men's clothing, health and beauty, lawn and garden
Thursday: Housewares, lingerie, shoes, toys, sporting goods, decor, and luggage
Friday: Auto, cosmetics, hardware, and jewelry
SPECIAL NOTE: If the price ends in $0.06 or $0.08, the item will be marked down again. However, if the price ends in $0.04, the item is marked for final clearance. It won't be marked down again, so snag it now if you really want it!
Keep an eye out for free gift card deals.
You can find free gift cards with qualifying purchases advertised in Target's weekly ad or on shelves throughout the store. If the gift card comes with an item you regularly buy, getting the free gift card after purchasing in bulk is totally worth it.
Sign up for the mobile coupon program.
If you haven't already, for many reason Download the Target app and tap "mobile coupons" to sign up and begin receiving ongoing coupons directly in the app. Skim over the daily deals when you are making a Target trip.
Take advantage of seasonal clearance.
I LOVE stocking up for future holidays so I'm prepared but also to save. You'll thank yourself later in the year when you realized you've already bought items you thought you needed. The best months to find clearance deals are January, July, and August.
Here's a general guide to shopping after holidays:
The day after the holiday: 50 percent off
Three days after: 75 percent off
A week after: 90 percent off
Don't forget to check out the Dollar Spot on the way in.
If you hit the Dollar Spot before you peruse the rest of the store, you might be surprised by what you find. The dollar section changes seasonally, so check it out for gifts throughout the year.
Shop the endcaps of the aisles.
Otherwise known as those shelves at the end of the aisles, endcaps are easy to browse and often display items on sale or clearance. You're less likely to find clearance items on the main aisles of the store.
Divvy up your deals with a friend.
The buy 3 get a gift card deals are great especially if you have the storage. But if you don't and you want to buy household supplies, consider using coupons on top of splitting the cost with a friend.
Avoid the Extra Hike In Your Bill By Shopping Online
It's easy to go into Target for three items and come out with 13. This can often result from aimlessly shopping without sticking to a specific list and tricking yourself into thinking you need things you don't. Save money by ordering everything from household items to groceries all online and either ship them or pick them up at the store!
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE IN ROCHESTER.
Drive Up
Introducing Drive Up—the world’s fastest Target Run. Just order with the Target app & we’ll bring it right out to your car. Then drive off to whatever’s next on your list.
COMING SOON:
Target Restock: next-day delivery
Choose from thousands of popular essentials (think personal care, food, household & baby must-haves). Order by 7pm Mon–Fri & we’ll deliver your box to your door next day for just $2.99 or pay with your REDcard to get free shipping. Not available in all zip codes.
Other Tips You Should Know
Enter the KROC sweepstakes for a chance to win gift cards.
We have a $300 Target Shopping Spree right now! Enter to win!
You can find brand-new Target merchandise at Goodwill.
After Target puts certain items on clearance and still doesn't sell, it will send the items over to Goodwill. Don't knock thrift shopping until you try it!
Utilize Target's price-match guarantee.
If you find an item at a Target store then find the identical item for less in following week's weekly Target ad or within seven days from Target.com, Amazon.com, Walmart.com, BestBuy.com, ToysRUs.com, BabiesRUs.com, or a competitor's local printed ad, Target will match the price. Just bring your original receipt and proof of the lower price to Target's guest services!
Most Targets will give you $0.05 for each bag you bring in to use.
How many trips do you take to Target each month? That adds up!
Check out Target.com's free samples periodically.
Target offers various products as free samples on its website periodically. All you have to do is fill out a short survey, and the product will be delivered to you in three to five days. Check on the site frequently to catch the deals!
DON'T MISS TARGET'S HOT DEALS FOR THIS WEEK!
