If Target is your happy place (no judgment, we agree), you’ll love these genius tips that can save you serious money. If you think you know what a bargain looks like, you haven’t seen anything yet. Read on to find out about secret sales, app hacks, and more. Start prepping your biceps for all those shopping bags.
Use the Target Circle App
Rule one: download the Target Circle app before you even leave the house. It’s got loads of discounts, exclusive deals, and special birthday rewards. Plus, you’ll rack up points that you can redeem for future purchases. Bottom line, you’re being given free money for shopping. And when does that ever happen?
Stack Coupons for Bigger Savings
Being the great store it is, Target lets you stack savings. Use a manufacturer’s coupon, a Target Circle offer, and a Target RedCard discount all on the same item. Come on, how many stores allow that? Combine those deals, and you’ll be hiring a minivan to take your purchases home.
Shop on Sundays for Deals
The new weekly deals and sales hit the shelves every Sunday. That means, if you want the best selection (before everything’s picked, prodded, and bought), you need to plan your Target trip for early Sunday morning. Hangover or not, it’s prime time for grabbing those cheap hot-ticket items. You’ll be glad you did.
Know the Markdown Schedule
Target tends to mark down certain departments on specific days, so it’s vital to know when to make the most of them. Though it isn’t official, many Target Home stores have markdowns on Tuesdays, so find out where your nearest branch is and get yourself there ASAP! Learn the schedule and plan your trips!
Check Endcaps for Hidden Deals
Those sneaky aisle ends (known as endcaps) are easy to forget about when you’re on a mad dash. Always remember to take a stroll; that’s where Target hides loads of clearance items. Sometimes the best deals aren’t even advertised, you just have to know where to look. Don’t say we didn’t give you the heads up.
Scan Items Yourself
Bargain newsflash: use the Target app to scan items in-store. Sometimes the app price is cheaper than the shelf price, and Target will honor the lower price at checkout. Winner! It takes two seconds to check and can get you unexpected savings on everything from clothes to kitchen gadgets. You’re welcome!
Watch for Gift Card Promotions
Target loves running “Buy X, Get a $5 Gift Card” promotions on everyday essentials like laundry detergent, beauty products, and groceries. You might not need them, but stock up while the sale’s on. It means you can rack up gift cards to use on future trips. Target is paying you to shop.
Get a Target RedCard
If you shop at Target even semi-regularly, a RedCard (either debit or credit) is worth it. You get 5% off every purchase, free shipping online, and extra time for returns. Bonus: The debit card version links directly to your bank account without a credit check. Like, what reason would you have not to?
Price Match Competitors
Target’s price-matching policy is prize gold. If you find a lower price on the same item from competitors like Amazon, Walmart, or Best Buy, Target will match it. Not in a month or six weeks, right now at the checkout! Make sure you bring proof on your phone and save yourself the hassle (and the cash).
Look for Clearance Stickers
A yellow clearance sticker means it’s been marked down. If the sticker price ends in 8, it might get marked down again soon. If it ends in 4, that’s likely the final clearance price. If it’s red, grab it—you’ve got yourself a bargain. Learning these codes is a stealth-like mission; be sure to embed it in your memory.
Use Target Drive Up for Fast Pickups
If you’re short on time or patience, save yourself the hassle of in-store shopping and use Target Drive Up via the app. Order what you need, and a team member will bring it right to your car, usually within minutes. No lines, no wandering through aisles, no impulse buys (unless you want to). That’s Beyoncé level service, right there.
Check the Dollar Spot for Hidden Gems
Welcome to the kids’ playground (but for adults)! The front-of-store Dollar Spot (a.k.a. Bullseye’s Playground) is packed with deals starting at just $1. You’ll find everything from seasonal decorations to party supplies and trendy home goods. No doubt you’ll find something—it’s perfect for quick, budget-friendly finds. It’s like a treasure hunt.
Use Target’s Registry Perks
Even if you’re not getting married or having a baby, creating a “registry” is top-dollar. (A registry is like a wish list that you can share with friends and family.) It lets you access bonus discounts and welcome kits packed with samples and coupons. A sneaky little way to score extra deals on stuff you were probably buying anyway.
Shop Holiday Clearance Sales
The day after any major holiday, Target slashes prices on decor, candy, and seasonal items, often by 50% or more. Wait a few extra days, and you could score up to 90% off. Stock up for next year or repurpose items for anything that catches your fancy. You’ll be thankful in the long run.
Follow Target Deal Accounts on Social Media
There are tons (like, tons!) of Instagram and TikTok accounts dedicated to finding and sharing the best Target deals daily. Follow a few of your favorites to stay in the loop on flash sales, secret markdowns, and hidden clearance treasures you might otherwise miss. Once you know, you’ll wonder how you coped before.
