Target is one of the largest retailers in the U.S. While there are regular sales and discounts to be had when shopping at Target, most people aren’t aware of ways to save even more money. When shopping at Target, saving money is a goal, but saving even more than you thought you would?!- That’s a challenge you might enjoy.
So, let’s take a look at 15 money-saving secrets Target employees won’t tell you.
Download the Target App
A great place to start is downloading the Target app, which will give you access to instant savings and exclusive offers. It’s also a great way to keep track of your Target spending.
Many of the deals found in the Target app are not available in-store, and you can apply Target Circle Rewards through the app during checkout to make additional savings.
Check the Endcaps
Endcaps, the display shelves at the end of shopping aisles, are the place to find heavy reductions.
This can include seasonal reductions or overstocked items that Target is trying to sell quickly. Don’t just limit yourself to the endcaps on the main aisles when looking for these deals; you may find deeper discounts the farther you go into the store.
Look for Clearance Codes on Price Tags
The savviest Target shoppers know all about clearance codes and how to leverage them. Knowing what the codes mean can help you secure a great deal. There is usually plenty of inventory, and the first discount doesn’t always represent the final price.
Codes .08 and .06 are the first discounts, .04 is closer to the final price, and .02 indicates the final markdown.
Price Match Competitors and Target.com
Target has a price match guarantee, which you can use to your advantage to get the best deal.
Prepare by checking the list of eligible competitors and the price they offer on the item you’re interested in. Remember to check Target.com, as the prices are often different from those in the store. The staff will happily price-match those, too.
Sign Up for Text Alerts
While many of the tips on the list require a little extra effort to save money, signing up for text alerts allows you to sit back and get offers sent directly to your phone.
You will usually receive a special offer just for signing up, and you’ll also be sent promo codes that are available only by text, as well as limited-time deals.
Use the Target Registry Program
The Target registry program enables you to create a wishlist for events such as weddings, baby showers, anniversaries, or birthdays, and you can send it to your friends so they can buy items from it.
Once the event date has passed, you will receive an exclusive 15% discount on any items remaining on the list.
Shop the Holiday and Seasonal Clearances
By timing your shopping to perfection, you can take advantage of the seasonal discounts at Target.
Stock up for next year by jumping on 50% discounts right after holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving or events like Halloween. If you wait a week or two longer, you can get even deeper discounts.
Keep Receipts for Price Adjustments
Make sure to hold onto your receipt after buying an item from Target.
Target regularly adjusts prices, and if you purchased an item within fourteen days of the adjustment, you can claim a refund for the difference. Just check that your item is eligible—clearance items and some other categories may be excluded from price adjustments.
Check the Target Website Daily Deals
Target’s website is constantly updated with new offers, so it’s worth checking each day for the best deals.
These offers are often available for only a twenty-four-hour period, so be quick to claim them before they disappear. You can also combine them with Target reward programs to score even deeper discounts.
Use Drive Up or Order Pickup
Using Drive Up or Order Pickup helps you take advantage of the best online deals while receiving your item as soon as you can pick it up, and you’ll also save on delivery fees.
Items are usually available within a few hours. Using Drive Up means that Target staff will bring your order directly to your car, so you won’t have to worry about waiting in line.
Shop Early Mornings or During the Week
Visiting Target at less busy times, such as early mornings or weekdays, can help you secure the best deals.
With fewer shoppers around, you’re more likely to grab a good deal than at peak times. The staff often updates discounts and restocks the endcaps at these quieter times, so you can be among the first to discover fresh offers.
Ask for Rain Checks
The best deals can disappear quickly at Target as word spreads through social media and by word of mouth.
If you’re too late to pick up popular discounted items, ask the staff for a rain check. Although the item you’re interested in might not be restocked, if it reappears after the discount period, you can still get it at the cheaper price with your rain check.
Use Gift Card Promotions
Target regularly runs deals where you’re rewarded with a gift card for spending a certain amount.
If you plan wisely, you can use these periods to stock up on items and earn a gift card to use later. Just make sure these are items you truly need so you don’t overspend chasing the gift card reward.
Check the Electronics Counter
The electronics counter can be a gold mine for one-time deals.
Because technology evolves so quickly, Target frequently offers older electronics at discount prices. Open-box items—such as display models or customer returns—are often available at significantly lower prices than unopened items.
Explore Bulk Item Aisles
If you’re looking to stock up on essentials and household items, visit the bulk item aisles.
Buying in bulk from Target reduces the cost per item, and you can combine this strategy with loyalty programs and vouchers for an even better deal. Always compare pricing to other discounts to be sure you’re getting the best value.
