I am a HUGE fan of Target and in all my trips, I've picked up a few tricks to saving me both time and money in some very big ways. All it takes is a few insider tips and some planning!
Here are my best tips for saving and winning at Target.
Buy store-brand items.
You probably reach for your favorite name-brand items out of habit, but Target carries store brands like Up & Up, Market Pantry, and Archer Farms that deliver the same quality at lower prices. This six-ounce Up & Up Apricot Blemish Scrub costs just $1.99 compared to this $3.39 St. Ives Blemish Control Face Scrub Apricot of the same size.
Combine manufacturer coupons with store coupons.
Target accepts one manufacturer coupon and one Target coupon per item. These coupons are often found in the paper. You can even get items for free by doing this. Grab a paper or head to Coupons.com to sign up and print all the same manufacturer's coupons available.
Use the Cartwheel App
Target describes Cartwheel as "carrying around hundreds of coupons in your pocket, all neatly organized and accessible." You can sign in using Facebook or download the app for free on your phone, and you'll be able to browse hundreds of deals across every category.
The new app also includes your "wallet" where you can hook up your card so if you are like me and sometimes forget your whole wallet, you check out just with your app!
Consider the Target Red Card.
There are 2 types! The debit card will save you 5% on every purchase and will pull directly from your bank account. I've saved over $300 in the last year! The cards will also give you free shipping online, and you'll have 30 extra days for returns.
Know the weekly markdown schedule. 
Different departments have discounts throughout the week, so if you shop for what you need according to the day, you'll score major deals.
  • 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, and jewelry
Keep an eye out for free gift card deals.
You can find free gift cards with qualifying purchases advertised in Target's weekly ad or on shelves throughout the store. If the gift card comes with an item you regularly buy, getting the free gift card after purchasing in bulk is totally worth it.
Take advantage of seasonal clearance.
I LOVE stocking up for future holidays so I'm prepared but also to save. You'll thank yourself later in the year when you realized you've already bought items you thought you needed. The best months to find clearance deals are January, July, and August.
Here's a general guide to shopping after holidays:
  • The day after the holiday: 50 percent off
  • Three days after: 75 percent off
  • A week after: 90 percent off
Avoid the Extra Hike In Your Bill By Shopping Online
It's easy to go into Target for three items and come out with 13. This can often result from aimlessly shopping without sticking to a specific list and tricking yourself into thinking you need things you don't. Save money by ordering everything from household items to groceries all online and either ship them or pick them up at the
store!I
Rochester currently has Drive Up—the world’s fastest Target Run. Just order with the Target app & we’ll bring it right out to your car. Then drive off to whatever’s next on your

 

Win A Gift Card Free From KROC
This is an easy one! Enter the KROC sweepstakes for a chance to win gift cards.
We have a $300 Target Shopping Spree right now! Enter to win! 
You can find brand-new Target merchandise at Goodwill.
After Target puts certain items on clearance and still doesn't sell, it will send the items over to Goodwill. Don't knock thrift shopping until you try it!
Utilize Target's price-match guarantee.
If you find an item at a Target store then find the identical item for less in following week's weekly Target ad or within seven days from Target.com, Amazon.com, Walmart.com, BestBuy.com, ToysRUs.com, BabiesRUs.com, or a competitor's local printed ad, Target will match the price. Just bring your original receipt and proof of the lower price to Target's guest services!
Listen weekdays to Beth from 10AM to 12PM on 106.9 KROC.
Get 8 bonus tips for Winning at Target by checking out my personal blog!

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