I’m always on the search for a good deal, and I’ve found I’m more likely to stumble across better ones depending on where I shop. Target has been my go-to over the past few months for more reasons than I can count! Not only have we saved a ton of money on baby gear that was almost always more expensive at competitor stores, but we’ve stocked up on household and personal necessities for really great prices. I wouldn’t say it’s the perfect place to shop for absolutely everything (in my book, groceries and produce can be found elsewhere for much cheaper), but it can be a great place to look, depending on what your needs are and when you’re shopping. I’ve scoured the interwebs for tips on how to get the most bang for your buck at Big Red, and I’ve compiled some of my favorite ones here to share with you. Keep them in mind the next time you’re planning a trip to the store!
Don’t make full-price purchases. At one point or another, just about everything in the store will be discounted, so I avoid buying anything at full-price. I’ve heard that certain departments will have markdowns on certain days of the week (most follow the same schedule, but do a quick Google search to check the stores in your area). I wait for the initial markdown to make the purchase. They usually start at 30% off, followed by 50%, and then will go the furthest at 70%. Just be mindful of how long you wait, if it’s something you really need or want.
Shop the clearance racks. I’ve always found Target to have fairly reasonable prices, but the clearance sections take it to a whole new level. Most items around the store will end up here at some point (unless they sell out) so check here frequently if you have your eye on something. I’ve had a ton of luck catching clothing and accessories at up to 50% off, especially if you’re shopping at the end of a season. Look for sections in individual departments, or the end caps in most of the aisles for the best offers.
Check out the Dollar Spot. This is a great way to stock up on small necessities, like stationery, baskets, holiday-themed items, etc. Look for further markdowns right before the seasons change, as new items are being rotated in to replace the old. It’s easy to get sucked in here, so be conscious of what you’re tossing in your cart – just because it’s cheap and cutesy, doesn’t mean you need to have it!
Use the Cartwheel app. The app offers daily deals on frequently purchased items in-store. Use it to get an additional 5 – 50% off your purchase. The deals can also be stacked with Target and manufacturer coupons to save even more. I have a ton of friends who use this, but I don’t, personally. I’ve found that it’s most useful for grocery-type items, but we buy most of our stuff at Aldi and still get a better deal. To each their own!
Take advantage of gift card offers. Sometimes they’ll offer a Target gift card (I’ve received them in ranges from $5 – $20) if you buy a certain amount of a selected item. For example, I was already planning on buying two cases of diapers, but with the purchase of a third, I received a $20 gift card, which could eventually be used for another or something else we might need. This is especially useful if you’re buying something you use frequently, but avoid making unnecessary purchases just to get the card.
Shop their brands. I love so many things that they offer, from food to makeup to clothing to home decor. Their prices are always cheaper than name brands, and the quality of them is just as great, if not better, than some of the competitors.
Where do you find the best deals? Do you have any tried and true stores or tips and tricks you always follow?
