12 ways to save at Target

Target is by far one of America’s favorite stores, ranking #7 on the National Retail Federation’s list of favorite retail stores in 2015. The chain has 1,805 locations and brought in nearly $73 billion last year.

If you enjoy shopping at Target and you want to save money, check out this list of 12 great ways to save more at Target!

Read more: 6 areas where you can save on health & beauty aids

1. Check the ad

You never know what’s going to be on sale at Target. Be sure to check the weekly ad so you know what’s a great deal! New promotions start every Sunday.

2. Check the markdowns

Target has markdowns all the time, and they’re especially great after holidays!

If you’re looking for great clearance items, many times they can be found on the endcaps.

This is Target’s (completely unofficial) weekly markdown schedule:

• Monday: Electronics, accessories, kids’ clothing, books, baby and stationery
• Tuesday: Domestics, women’s clothing, pets and market (food items)
• Wednesday: Men’s clothing, health and beauty, lawn and garden
• Thursday: Housewares, lingerie, shoes, toys, sporting goods, decor and luggage
• Friday: Auto, cosmetics, hardware, home improvement and jewelry

Seasonal clearance

Seasonal clearance is a great way to save on items you might want for next year’s holiday season.

Typically, this is how Target marks down seasonal items:

• 50% off the day after the holiday
• 75% off three days after
• 90% off a week after

Of course, there may not be much left once the prices reach the 90% mark, but it never hurts to try to find something!

Final clearance

If you see a price ending in $.06 or $.08, the item will supposedly be marked down further. But, if the price ends in $.04, that item will not be marked down any lower, and is marked for final clearance.

3. Use coupons

Coupons are another great way to save.

There are four ways you can get coupons for Target:

• Print coupons before you go on their website: http://coupons.target.com/
• Check the Target app for coupons.
• Print coupons from places like Coupons.com
• Check your receipt for coupons: Sometimes Target will include coupons along with your receipt!

4. Stack coupons

Double dip your coupons! Target is one retailer that allows coupon stacking. At Target, you can combine manufacturer coupons with store coupons. It’s even possible to get items for free by stacking!

Read more: 10 retailers that allow you to stack coupons and maximize savings

5. Take advantage of price matching

Target also has a policy of price matching. If you find an item sold at Target for a better price at Target.com, Amazon.com, Walmart.com, BestBuy.com, ToysRUs.com, BabiesRUs.com, or a competitor’s local printed ad, simply bring your original receipt and proof of the lower price within seven days to the Target service desk, and they will honor the lower price.

6. Use the Target app and Target Cartwheel app

Using Target apps on your smartphone is another great ways to save. Download the apps on the iTunes store or on Google Play.

For the Cartwheel app, you can also stack coupons on top of any discounts you would receive on the app. So for instance, you could use a Target coupon, a manufacturer’s coupon and add to the savings on Cartwheel — THEN you could also save an extra 5% by using the Target REDcard! Sweet!

7. Sign up for the REDcard

Using the Target REDcard is a great way to save money. This debit (or credit) card gives you 5% back on your purchases. If you shop at Target a lot, this is a no-brainer!

Read more: A type of debit card that Clark actually likes!

8. Use Target’s registries

Did you know if you use a Target registry, you can get the remaining items on your registry after the date of your event for 15% off? Genius!

9. Check out the dollar spot… or not

Target’s dollar section in the front of the store can be a great way to buy stuff you actually need on the cheap, or buy things you don’t need because they are $1. Stick to only the things you actually need to get a great bargain.

10. Look for the “buy and get a gift card” deals

Often Target will have free gift cards available with certain purchases throughout the store. You could even buy the items that warrant the gift card, and then buy other items you need on the same day, provided you break up your purchases into two separate transactions. Check the weekly ad for items that include gift cards!

11. Choose store brands

Store brands can be big money savers, and Target’s store brand items are no exception!

Read more: Save 30% on your grocery bill with no coupon clipping

12. Bring a reusable bag

If you bring a reusable bag, Target will take $.05 off your purchase, each time.

All these are great ways to save money at Target! And here’s a bonus: Sometime Target will have free samples located on the Target website here: http://samples.target.com

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