THERE’S a little-known way that Target shoppers can save big on some purchases.
Except, the deals can’t be seen as easily, and require some prior planning for those seeking the best possible price.
Target shoppers can save up to 70% with some considerations (stock image)[/caption]
Target typically offers discounts between 30% and 70% on most clearance merchandise online and at its over 1,900 stores nationwide.
The retail giant implements the sales through a specific markdown schedule, per The Krazy Coupon Lady.
Items on the schedule, in most cases, start at a 30% discount, then go to 50%, and finally reach 70% depending on the remaining inventory Target has or how much or little demand there is.
Homeware, for example, always sells relatively fast, so it never quite reaches the 70% markdown — consumers are always scooping it up before then.
An exception to the system are food and drinks, which start at discounts of 15% off when they go on clearance.
Holiday-themed food is different and runs on its own schedule.
While some shoppers in the past have claimed they can track the markdown schedule on a weekly basis, every store does it a little differently.
There are some consistent patterns, however, as Mondays or Tuesdays tend signify the start of markdowns, with clearance tags printed on Wednesdays before being put up.
Still, when they’re put up varies, it could be in 24 hours or not until Friday of the same week.
STEP BY STEP
Overall, the first step to maximize savings is understanding the markdown schedule in a general sense, and preparing to watch out for the clearance tags near the end of the week.
The second would be understanding how the month itself impacts savings at Target.
Certain product categories feature more deals during some months based on seasonal relevance.
For example, December clearance sales revolve around the holidays, with up to 90% off on holiday decor, gift wrap, immediately after Christmas through the end of the month.
For August, there’s clearance deals on back-to-school essentials through the end of the month.
What is Target Circle 360?
In April, Target launched its first-ever paid membership program, Target Circle 360.
For $99 a year, members get access to the following perks:
- Unlimited, free same-day delivery on orders over $35
- An extra 30 days to return your items
- Free two-day shipping on 100,000s of items
- 5% off in-store and online
- Automatic deals and exclusive partner perks
Backpacks and other supplies are marked down to some of the lowest prices possible until they sell out.
In September, Target shoppers should also watch out for up to 70% off on kitchen, cookware, storage, appliances, and bedding.
SCAN IT
It’s also important to watch out for clearance products on top shelves or sitting in sections they might seem like they don’t belong in, per Best Life Online.
These might be deals no one can see because they aren’t looking, or because the price tags need to be scanned through a price checker to reveal the discount.
The best way to do that is to take a picture of the price tag and then scan it at a kiosk to see what the actual cost is.
Some shoppers might even get really lucky if they spot an item with no price tag on it.
Checking their cost at a Target price check kiosk could reveal serious savings, even on bigger ticket items like furniture.
Target dropped its Halloween lineup as well recently, with “Lewis the Pumpkin King” returning among 1,500 other seasonal items.
The FDA also issued a recall for a beloved snack sold at Target over fears it was contaminated with wood.
