Ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes at your favorite Target store? As a former Target employee, I’ve seen firsthand the tricks, tips, and unwritten rules that can completely change your shopping game.
From discovering the best time to snag markdowns to learning how to stretch your dollar further, these 18 insider secrets will help you shop smarter and avoid common mistakes. Get ready to experience Target in a whole new way—and never miss out on a deal again!
1. Endcap Clearance Is Where the Best Deals Hide
If you’re hunting for the deepest discounts, always check the endcaps—the shelves at the end of each aisle. These spots are goldmines for clearance finds, with items often marked down by 50% or more.
Target employees refresh these sections frequently, so new deals appear all the time. You’ll find everything from kitchen gadgets to tech accessories waiting to be discovered.
Start your shopping trip by scanning the endcaps—your wallet will thank you!
2. The Secret Schedule: When to Shop for Markdowns
Did you know Target follows a set schedule for marking down items in each department? For example, clothing typically gets discounted on Mondays, while electronics are often marked down on Wednesdays.
If you shop on these days, you’ll have first dibs on new clearance items before they disappear. According to Business Insider, employees usually restock clearance shelves early in the morning—so arriving soon after opening can help you snag the best deals.
Time your visit right, and you’ll always be ahead of the markdown game!
3. Price Match Like a Pro
Don’t pay more than you have to—Target’s price match policy lets you score the best deal if you find a lower price at select competitors or even on Target’s own website.
Just bring in proof, such as a current ad or the competitor’s webpage, and ask at checkout. This quick tip can save you real money on everything from groceries to gadgets.
For full details and a list of eligible retailers, check out Target’s official price match policy.
4. Cartwheel Offers Stack with Other Discounts
Take advantage of Target Circle (formerly Cartwheel) to seriously multiply your savings. This digital tool lets you stack Target Circle deals with manufacturer coupons and your RedCard discount—all in one transaction.
That means you can layer three savings methods together, making every purchase go further. According to NerdWallet, mastering this stacking strategy is key to maximizing your Target haul.
Don’t miss out—always check for stackable offers before you shop!
5. Learn to Decode Clearance Stickers
Those bright clearance stickers on Target shelves aren’t just random—they’re full of clues. Look closely at the tiny number in the upper right corner of the sticker; it usually shows the percentage off, like ‘30’ for 30% or ‘70’ for 70%.
By tracking these numbers, you can spot when items are freshly marked down or when they’ve hit rock-bottom prices. If you’re patient, you might score that item at the biggest discount. For more sticker secrets, visit Reader’s Digest.
6. RedCard Perks Go Beyond Discounts
The Target RedCard—available as a debit or credit card—packs some serious perks. You’ll get 5% off every purchase, free shipping on most online orders, and even extra time for returns.
These benefits really stack up if you shop at Target often. But, like any credit option, it’s good to weigh the pros and cons. For a deep dive into RedCard benefits and potential drawbacks, check out this review from CNBC.
7. Watch for Seasonal Clearance Cycles
Right after big holidays, Target quickly marks down seasonal items—think Halloween costumes, Christmas décor, or Valentine’s gifts. The deepest discounts—sometimes up to 90% off—usually appear a few days after the holiday rush.
If you’re willing to wait and risk limited stock, you can score incredible bargains. For tips on perfect timing, check out The Penny Hoarder’s guide to post-holiday shopping.
8. Not Every Sale Is a Steal
Just because something’s on sale at Target doesn’t mean it’s the lowest price around. Some markdowns are only slight, and competitors may offer better deals.
It pays to use price tracking tools or apps to compare prices before you buy. According to Consumer Reports, savvy shoppers always check other retailers first—so don’t assume every Target sale is automatically a bargain.
9. Target Brands Offer Quality at a Bargain
Don’t overlook Target’s own private label brands like Good & Gather for groceries or Cat & Jack for kids’ clothes. These in-house brands deliver impressive quality—often rivaling, or even surpassing, well-known national labels—at a lower price point.
Many of these lines are top-rated by shoppers and product reviewers. For a closer look at the best Target brands to try, check out this USA Today roundup.
10. Rain Checks Are a Thing of the Past
Target has phased out rain checks for most out-of-stock sale items, so you can’t always lock in a low price if something’s gone. However, friendly employees may still help you locate a similar product or suggest another deal in-store.
For the most current policies or to get answers about out-of-stock items, visit Target’s customer service page.
11. Clearance Varies by Store
Not all Target stores have the same clearance selection or pricing—even in the same town. Inventory levels and local shopping trends mean some locations offer deeper discounts or a wider variety of clearance items than others.
Savvy shoppers often visit more than one store to track down the best deals. According to Business Insider, this strategy can help you discover hidden gems and maximize your savings on clearance finds.
12. Know When to Ask for a Price Adjustment
Bought something at Target, only to see it on sale a week later? Don’t worry—Target will typically issue a price adjustment if the price drops within 14 days of your purchase.
Just keep your receipt and check their policy for any exclusions or special conditions. This quick step ensures you never miss out on extra savings. For details on how it works, visit Target’s price adjustment FAQ.
13. The Dollar Spot: Not Always the Best Value
The Dollar Spot at the front of Target is packed with tempting trinkets and seasonal finds, but not everything there is a steal. Some items—like stationery or small toys—can sometimes be found cheaper elsewhere, especially at dollar stores.
Always compare unit prices and inspect quality before tossing items into your cart. For more tips on snagging real bargains from this section, check out The Krazy Coupon Lady’s review.
14. Online Clearance Differs from In-Store
Don’t assume clearance deals are the same everywhere—Target’s online clearance often includes different products and prices compared to what you’ll find in-store. Checking both can maximize your savings and selection.
Sometimes online prices are lower, but don’t forget to factor in possible shipping fees. To browse the latest online markdowns, visit Target’s clearance page and compare with your local store’s offerings.
15. Use Drive Up and Order Pickup for Convenience
Take advantage of Target’s free Drive Up and Order Pickup services for a quick, hassle-free shopping experience. You can order online and pick up your items without ever leaving your car—perfect for busy days or avoiding in-store temptations.
This option not only saves you time but can also help curb those last-minute, impulse buys. For more details, check out Target’s same-day services page.
16. Watch for Gift Card Promotions
Keep an eye out for Target’s gift card promotions, where you can earn gift cards with qualifying purchases—like getting a $5 gift card when you buy two select household products.
These deals are even sweeter when you stack them with coupons and your RedCard discount, multiplying your savings. To see what’s currently available, head over to Target’s deals page before your next shopping trip.
17. Use the Target App to Scan for Hidden Discounts
Don’t trust shelf tags alone—sometimes, items ring up at a lower price when you scan them with the Target app. Always scan barcodes before heading to checkout to uncover surprise markdowns or hidden deals.
The app also helps you track available Circle offers and check local inventory in real time. For more tips on finding hidden savings, explore the full story at TechCrunch.
18. Employees Can Adjust Prices for Damaged Packaging
Spotted an item with a dented box or torn packaging? Don’t hesitate to ask an employee for a discount. Target staff have some flexibility to offer price adjustments on goods with minor damage, so it never hurts to ask politely.
This simple request could save you extra cash on perfectly good products. For more insider tips, check out Clark.com’s Target savings guide.
19. Clearance Toys Are Best After July and December
Looking to score toys at unbeatable prices? Target’s toy clearance events reach their peak after July and again following the December holidays. That’s when the store makes space for fresh inventory, and markdowns can hit 70% or more.
Shopping these sales is perfect for planning ahead on birthday or holiday gifts. For more advice on timing your toy bargain hunts, check out The Penny Hoarder.
20. Don’t Fall for the Front-of-Store Displays
The eye-catching displays right inside Target’s entrance are designed to draw you in with new, trendy, or seasonal products—usually at full price. The real bargains are typically tucked away further inside, especially on endcaps or deeper in each aisle.
Be mindful of how store layouts influence your spending habits. For more on smart shopping strategies, see Good Housekeeping’s tips.
21. Some Items Are Cheaper at Other Stores
While Target offers great deals on many products, some items—especially brand-name toiletries and groceries—can be found for less at places like Walmart or warehouse clubs. Before making large or bulk purchases, it’s smart to compare prices across retailers.
This simple habit can help you avoid overspending on everyday essentials. For more price comparison tips, check out Consumer Reports’ advice.
22. Target Circle Members Get Birthday Perks
If you’re a Target Circle member, don’t miss your birthday treat—a one-time 5% discount for your special day. It’s a simple, automatic perk that can be used in-store or online, making it easy to save on your birthday shopping spree.
Frequent shoppers especially benefit from these little extras. For more details on how to join and redeem your perks, visit Target Circle’s FAQ.
23. Watch Out for Shrinkflation and Package Sizes
Be alert to shrinkflation—when products shrink in size but keep the same price. This tactic pops up at Target too, especially in groceries and household goods.
Always compare unit prices and check package sizes before buying to ensure you’re getting real value. For a deeper look at how shrinkflation affects shoppers, see The Wall Street Journal’s report.
24. Bulk Buying Isn’t Always Cheaper
It’s tempting to think that buying in bulk at Target guarantees savings, but that’s not always true. Sometimes, smaller packages actually offer a lower per-unit price, or a competitor beats Target’s bulk pricing.
Always double-check unit prices and compare with other retailers before filling your cart. For a closer look at bulk shopping strategies, read Business Insider’s analysis.
25. Avoid Impulse Buys at Checkout
The checkout lanes at Target are lined with tempting snacks, gadgets, and trial-size products, often at higher prices than elsewhere in the store. These impulse buys can quickly add up.
To save money, plan your purchases ahead and consider using self-checkout to bypass these displays. For a deeper dive into why we give in at the register, see Psychology Today’s explanation of impulse buying.
Conclusion
Armed with these insider secrets, you can transform your Target trips into smarter, more rewarding shopping adventures. By timing your visits, knowing where to look for deals, and understanding the store’s policies, you’ll stretch your budget further and dodge common traps.
Next time you head to Target, put these tips to use and see how much you can save. Happy shopping—and don’t forget to share these secrets with fellow bargain hunters!