Target Shopping Secrets & Hidden Tricks
✨ Target Shopping Secrets & Hidden Tricks
Insider strategies that most shoppers don't know about
🔍 The Secret Price Code
Target uses specific price endings to signal different types of markdowns. Learn to read these codes!
Ends in .06 or .08
Clearance Item - Already marked down, but may go lower
Ends in .04
Final Markdown Coming - Wait a few days for deeper discount
Ends in .00 or .01
Salvage - Being discontinued, ask manager for additional discount
Ends in .98 or .99
Regular Price - Full retail, wait for sale
💡 Pro Scanner Trick:
Use the Target app (Android) to scan ANY item in-store, even if it's not marked clearance. The app shows the REAL current price before tags are updated. Many clearance items aren't tagged yet!
Start hunting for deals in Target Clearance section.
📊 Advanced Discount Stacking
Stack multiple discounts on a single item for maximum savings!
What You CAN Stack:
- ✅ 1 Manufacturer Coupon (paper or digital from brand website)
- ✅ 1 Target Store Coupon (from Target.com or app)
- ✅ 1 Target Circle Offer (automatically applied)
- ✅ 1 Target Circle Bonus (special promotions)
- ✅ RedCard 5% Discount (if you have the card)
- ✅ Clearance Pricing (already reduced items)
- ✅ Sale Prices (weekly ad deals)
💰 Real Stacking Example: Tide Laundry Detergent (find deals at Laundry Care)
Regular Price: $19.99
Weekly Sale: -$5.00 = $14.99
Target Circle Offer (20% off): -$3.00 = $11.99
Manufacturer Coupon: -$2.00 = $9.99
RedCard 5%: -$0.50 = $9.49
Final Price: $9.49 (52% OFF!)
🗺️ Secret Clearance Hunting Spots
Where to find hidden clearance items that most shoppers miss:
1. Endcaps
End of EVERY aisle - check Toys, Home, and Clothing - prime clearance real estate. Check both ends!
2. Back Corners
Dedicated clearance sections in back corners of each department
3. Seasonal Area
After holidays, check daily as markdowns happen fast (50% → 70% → 90%)
4. Dollar Spot
Clearance items mixed in with $1-$5 items near entrance
5. Behind Displays
Check behind promotional displays - clearance items often hidden
6. Top Shelves
Look UP! Clearance items sometimes placed on highest shelves
🎯 Insider Secret: "See Team Member" Tags
When you see "See Team Member" on a price tag, it usually means clearance! The system hasn't updated the price yet. Scan it with the app or ask an employee - it's often 50-70% off!
⏰ Perfect Timing Strategies
Best Time of Day:
🌅 Shop 8-10 AM on Markdown Days
Markdowns typically happen overnight. Arrive right when the store opens for best selection before other shoppers find the deals!
Weekly Markdown Schedule (Varies by Store):
- Monday: Kids clothing, baby items, electronics
- Tuesday: Women's clothing, home decor, pets, diapers
- Wednesday: Shoes, lingerie, men's clothing
- Thursday: Jewelry, accessories, housewares
- Friday: Cosmetics, automotive, hardware
- Saturday: Sporting goods, toys, games
- Sunday: New weekly ad (no markdowns)
📅 Track Your Store's Pattern
Markdown days vary by location. Visit your local Target on different days and note when you see fresh clearance tags. Track the pattern for 2-3 weeks to find your store's schedule!
💲 Price Match Hacks
Target Matches These Competitors:
- Amazon.com
- Walmart.com
- BestBuy.com
- Costco.com
- Target.com (if online price is lower than in-store)
🎯 The Double-Dip Trick:
- Find item cheaper on Amazon
- Price match at Target checkout
- Use Target Circle offers on top of matched price
- Pay with RedCard for additional 5% off
- Still earn Target Circle rewards!
Result: Amazon's low price + Target's discounts and rewards!
Price Adjustment Window:
14-Day Price Protection
Bought something that went on sale within 14 days? Bring your receipt (or show digital receipt in app) to Guest Services for a price adjustment. No need to return and rebuy!
Pro Tip: Set a calendar reminder for 13 days after big purchases to check if price dropped.
🎁 Gift Card Money-Making Strategies
Strategy #1: Gift Card Promotions
How It Works:
Target frequently runs "Buy $50 in gift cards, get $10 Target gift card" promotions
Buy: $50 restaurant gift card
Pay with RedCard: $47.50 (5% off)
Receive: $10 Target gift card bonus
Net Cost: $37.50 for $50 value = 25% savings!
Strategy #2: Specialty Gift Cards
💡 The 5% Hack:
Use your RedCard to buy gift cards for places you already shop:
- Airlines & Hotels: 5% off all travel!
- Restaurants: 5% off dining (Chipotle, Starbucks, etc.)
- Gas Stations: 5% off fuel (Shell, BP gift cards)
- Streaming Services: 5% off Netflix, Hulu, etc.
- Gaming: 5% off Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo cards
Strategy #3: Target Gift Card Deals
🎯 Electronics + Gift Card Promotions
Watch for "Buy [Electronics Item], Get $50 Target Gift Card" deals:
- Buy iPad during promotion → Get $50 gift card
- Use $50 gift card to buy $50 in specialty gift cards
- Pay with RedCard → Save additional 5% on gift cards
- Now you have iPad + $50 value in gift cards for other stores!
🔄 Return Policy Insider Knowledge
Standard Return Windows:
- Most Items: 90 days
- Target Brands: 1 YEAR (Threshold, Room Essentials, Up&Up, Cat & Jack, etc.)
- Electronics: Only 30 days
- RedCard Holders: Extra 30 days (120 days total)
💡 No Receipt? No Problem!
Lost your receipt? Target can look it up three ways:
- Payment Card: Swipe the card you used
- Target Account: Log in to find purchase history
- Driver's License: Get store credit (limited uses per year)
Cat & Jack Guarantee:
🎯 1-Year Wear Guarantee
Cat & Jack kids clothing has a 1-year guarantee. If it wears out, rips, or doesn't hold up within a year, return it for exchange or refund - even without tags or receipt!
♻️ The 5-Cent Trick
Get Paid to Bring Bags!
Target gives you 5 cents off per reusable bag you use. Works with ANY reusable bag, not just Target brand!
Annual Savings Calculator:
Shop once per week with 5 reusable bags
5 bags × $0.05 = $0.25 per trip
$0.25 × 52 weeks = $13/year
Plus you're helping the environment! 🌍
👥 What Target Employees Want You to Know
Ask About Salvage Items
Items marked .00 or .01 are being discontinued. Ask a manager if they'll take an additional discount to clear it out.
Rain Checks Still Exist
If a sale item is out of stock, ask for a rain check. You'll get the sale price when it's back in stock (valid 30-45 days).
Check the Back
Don't be afraid to ask if they have more in the back. Clearance items especially may not all be on the floor.
Damaged Packaging Discount
If packaging is damaged but product is fine, ask for a discount. Managers often approve 10-25% off.
Price Match at Checkout
You can price match at ANY register, not just Guest Services. Show the competitor's price on your phone.
Cartwheel Deals Stack
Old name for Circle offers - they stack with manufacturer coupons AND sales. Always check the app before checkout!
🖥️ Online Shopping Hacks
Free Shipping Tricks:
- $35 Minimum: Free standard shipping on orders $35+
- RedCard: Free 2-day shipping on eligible items
- Same-Day Delivery: Orders $35+ (or free with Circle 360)
- Order Pickup: Always free, ready in 2 hours
- Drive Up: Free curbside pickup, stay in your car
💡 The $34.99 Hack:
Need just one more dollar to hit $35 for free shipping? Add a $1 item from the Dollar Spot section or a $1.29 candy bar. Still cheaper than paying $5.99 shipping!
Online-Only Clearance:
🎯 Check Target.com Clearance
Target.com has a separate clearance section with items not available in stores. Often deeper discounts than in-store clearance!
Pro Tip: Sort by "% Off" to see the deepest discounts first (often 70-90% off).
💊 Target Pharmacy Hidden Benefits
Price Match Prescriptions
Target pharmacy will match competitor prescription prices. Check GoodRx and show them lower prices!
$4 Generic List
Target has a list of generic prescriptions for $4 (30-day) or $10 (90-day). Ask pharmacist for the list!
Free Antibiotics
Some Target pharmacies offer select antibiotics for FREE. Always ask if your prescription qualifies!
Vaccine Gift Cards
Get a $5 Target gift card when you get a flu shot or other vaccines at Target pharmacy!
📱 Target App Secret Features
Hidden App Tools:
- Barcode Scanner: Scan any item to check real price (shows clearance before tags update!)
- Store Map: Navigate to exact aisle location of items
- Inventory Checker: See if item is in stock before visiting
- Wallet: Store payment info and gift cards for faster checkout
- Lists: Create shopping lists and the app shows you the aisle for each item
- Registry Scanner: Scan items to add to baby or wedding registry
💡 The Scanner Trick:
Walk through clearance sections scanning EVERYTHING with the app. Many items show clearance prices that aren't on the tags yet. You'll find deals other shoppers miss!
🎯 Start Using These Secrets Today!
Bookmark this page and check it before every Target trip to maximize your savings!
⚠️ Disclaimer
Affiliate Disclosure: BragBargains.com is a participant in affiliate marketing programs, including the Target Affiliate Program. This means we may earn a commission when you click on links to Target.com or make purchases through our affiliate links at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our website and allow us to continue providing valuable shopping guides and money-saving tips.
Information Collection: When you visit our website and click on links, we may collect non-personally identifiable information such as your browser type, device information, and browsing behavior to improve your experience and provide relevant content. We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to analyze site traffic and understand user preferences. By using this website, you consent to our data collection practices.
Accuracy of Information: While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information about Target's programs, deals, and policies, prices and offers are subject to change without notice. We recommend verifying all information directly with Target.com before making purchasing decisions. BragBargains.com is not responsible for any changes, errors, or omissions in the information provided.
No Official Affiliation: BragBargains.com is an independent website and is not officially affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Target Corporation. All product names, logos, and brands mentioned are property of their respective owners. Target and the Target Bullseye logo are registered trademarks of Target Brands, Inc.
Privacy: We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. For more details about how we collect, use, and protect your data, please review our Privacy Policy.
