Let’s be actual—Goal has loads of nice stuff, however not every little thing there’s a whole lot. Some objects are completely price it, whereas others? You’d be higher off shopping for some place else. I talked to a bunch of present and former Goal staff to get the within scoop on what’s truly price your cash—and what to skip.
First…let’s discuss in regards to the 10 BEST issues to purchase at Goal…
1. Residence Décor
Goal’s house décor part is a goldmine in case you’re attempting to improve your house with out spending a fortune.
Specifically, their in-house manufacturers like Threshold, Opalhouse, and Fireside & Hand with Magnolia provide fashionable, high-quality items at affordable costs.
“Residence décor clearance on these manufacturers is greatest on the finish of every season—assume late January, July, and October,” stated Tina, a Goal worker I chatted with. “And at all times test the tip caps. That’s the place we stash a lot of the markdowns.”
Mainly, if you realize when and the place to look, you may snag some significantly good offers.
PRO TIP: USE TARGET CIRCLE REGULARLY
Goal’s free loyalty program, Goal Circle, presents personalised offers, coupons, and 1% again on purchases.
Commonly test the app for reductions on objects you’re planning to purchase.
2. Generic and Retailer-Model Merchandise
Goal’s non-public labels, like Good & Collect, Up & Up, and Market Pantry, are identified for his or her high quality and affordability.
These manufacturers usually match or exceed the standard of nationwide manufacturers however price considerably much less.
“Actually, simply go for the Goal manufacturers,” says Emily, a Goal worker. “Good & Collect, Up & Up—they’re principally the identical because the title manufacturers, however your pockets received’t hate you for it.”
PRO TIP: TARGET BRANDS HAVE A 1-YEAR RETURN POLICY
The Goal return coverage stipulates that every one of their retailer manufacturers include a particularly beneficiant 1-year return coverage.
3. Seasonal and Vacation Objects
Whether or not it’s Halloween costumes, Christmas decorations, or back-to-school provides, Goal’s seasonal part is well-stocked with distinctive and inexpensive objects.
“After Christmas, our vacation décor goes on clearance, beginning at 50% off and finally dropping to 70% and even 90% off,” shared a Goal worker. “If you need the perfect choice, store proper after Christmas, however in case you’re on the lookout for the largest financial savings, wait just a few days into January.”
PRO TIP: SHOP CLEARANCE AND END CAPS
Goal’s clearance objects are sometimes tucked away on finish caps (the cabinets on the ends of aisles). These sections is usually a goldmine for closely discounted objects.
4. Clothes and Equipment
Goal’s clothes sport has come a great distance. With manufacturers like Common Thread, A New Day, and All in Movement, you may truly discover stuff that’s fashionable, cozy, and inexpensive—for everybody within the fam.
“The clearance rack is a complete goldmine,” one worker from the attire part instructed me. “Search for yellow or purple stickers on the tags. If the worth ends in a decrease quantity, like $9.98 as a substitute of $9.99, that often means it’s been marked down greater than as soon as—and it’s near hitting all-time low.”
In different phrases, don’t sleep on these racks behind the aisle.
5. Magnificence and Private Care Merchandise
The sweetness part at Goal is a goldmine for inexpensive and efficient merchandise. They carry a mixture of drugstore staples and premium manufacturers, together with an increasing number of clear and cruelty-free choices.
“Kristin Ess merchandise are a buyer favourite,” stated Maria who restocks magnificence merchandise. “Many individuals come right here particularly for these as a result of they’re salon-quality however actually cheap.”
6. Child Necessities
Dad and mom love Goal for its dependable and inexpensive child merchandise. From diapers and wipes to child meals and equipment, Goal’s child part is stocked with trusted manufacturers and competitively priced store-brand options.
“One of the best ways to save lots of is to look at for Goal’s present card promotions,” in response to an worker I talked with. “We regularly run offers like spend $100 on diapers and wipes, get a $20 present card.”
PRO TIP: CAR SEAT TRADE-IN COUPON
Twice a yr, Goal hosts automotive seat trade-in occasions the place you may herald outdated or expired automotive seats and obtain a 20% coupon.
The coupon can be utilized in-store or on-line for a brand new automotive seat, stroller, journey system, or different choose child gear.
Precise dates might fluctuate, so control Goal’s web site, app, or social media for bulletins.
7. Kitchenware
Attempting to improve your kitchen with out spending a ton? Goal’s truly a fantastic spot for that.
Their Made By Design and Room Necessities strains have stable fundamentals—nothing fancy, however they get the job completed and look good.
Sarah, a Goal worker I talked to, stated, “Kitchen stuff often goes on clearance after huge holidays, like Thanksgiving or Christmas. Simply test the tip caps—that’s the place we stick most of it.”
She additionally talked about looking ahead to gross sales on Threshold and Fireside & Hand—they’re not at all times marketed, however after they’re marked down, they go quick.
PRO TIP: DON’T FORGET ABOUT A PRICE MATCH
Goal’s worth match coverage lets you get the perfect worth in case you discover a lower cost at choose opponents. All the time test on-line earlier than making an enormous buy.
8. Electronics and Tech Equipment
Goal’s low-key a fantastic place to attain offers on tech in case you catch it on the proper time. They’re at all times working promos on stuff like headphones, sensible house gear, gaming equipment — all of the enjoyable devices.
“All the time test for clearance offers on finish caps close to the electronics part,” shares Alex, a Goal worker. “We additionally mark down show fashions or older variations when new ones are available in—simply ask a staff member about open-box offers.’”
PRO TIP: LOOK FOR APPLE PROMOS
Make sure you control Goal’s weekly advert for present card promotions, issues like “Purchase an Apple product and get a $50 present card” are pretty widespread.
9. Books and Board Video games
Goal’s e-book part usually options bestsellers and even unique editions at discounted costs. It’s additionally a fantastic place to select up board video games and puzzles, particularly throughout gross sales or with Goal Circle presents.
“The unique editions are an enormous draw,” says an affiliate from the leisure division. “Individuals usually come right here for particular covers or bonus content material.”
PRO TIP: TIMING MATTERS
Goal’s markdown schedule varies by division, however many objects are marked down on particular days of the week.
For instance, electronics are sometimes discounted on Mondays, whereas clothes sees markdowns on Tuesdays.
10. Groceries
Whereas not the most affordable grocery retailer, Goal’s meals part is usually a handy choice for pantry staples, snacks, and frozen meals.
“One of the best ways to save lots of is to make use of Goal Circle,” says Amanda, a Goal worker. “There are at all times reductions on pantry stuff, contemporary produce, and even meat. Additionally, test for buy-one-get-one-free offers and present card promotions, like ‘Spend $50 on groceries, get a $10 present card’.”
And now the WORST issues to purchase at Goal…
1. Furnishings
Whereas Goal’s furnishings is fashionable and inexpensive, the standard could be hit and miss.
“Our furnishings is nice for adornment,” says a retailer affiliate. “However for long-term or heavy use, clients may wish to have a look at specialised furnishings shops.”
2. Contemporary Produce and Meat
Goal’s grocery part is handy, however its contemporary produce and meat usually are not at all times the perfect worth.
“Our choice is smaller,” says a grocery affiliate. “It’s higher for fast pickups than for stocking a full freezer.”
PRO TIP: SIGN-UP FOR THE RED CARD
The Goal RedCard offers you 5% off each buy, free transport on most on-line orders, and an prolonged return interval.
Should you’re a frequent shopper, the financial savings can add up shortly.
3. Health Gear
Goal is usually not the perfect place for health tools as a result of the choice is restricted and the standard usually sucks in comparison with objects from devoted health retailers.
Skilled recommendation on choosing the proper gear is often missing too.
“Goal’s high-quality in case you simply want a yoga mat or some mild dumbbells,” says Emily, a Goal worker. “However in case you’re attempting to construct a legit house health club, you’re gonna wish to go someplace that really is aware of health gear.”
4. Excessive-Finish Electronics
Whereas Goal presents first rate offers on smaller tech objects, it’s not the perfect place for high-end electronics like TVs, laptops, or cameras.
“Goal’s probably not the place for high-end stuff,” says Josh. “We don’t carry loads of the premium fashions, and the costs are often the identical as in all places else—simply with out the perks. We’re higher for mid-range stuff or when we have now deal.”
PRO TIP: LOOK FOR OPEN BOX DEALS
Goal usually reductions open-box or barely broken objects, significantly in electronics and furnishings. These things are often in good situation and may prevent a major quantity.
Additionally, you may usually negotiate the worth on this stuff and ask for an extra 15% low cost. Most managers need these items out of the shop and are prepared to work with you on the worth.
5. Toys
Goal’s toy part is enjoyable to browse, however the costs usually are not at all times aggressive.
“Actually, Goal’s toy costs aren’t that nice more often than not,” says Amanda. “You’ll be able to often discover the identical stuff cheaper on-line or throughout huge gross sales at different shops. Plus, we don’t at all times have the perfect choice, particularly across the holidays when issues promote out quick.”
6. Instruments and {Hardware}
Goal’s number of instruments and {hardware} is restricted and infrequently priced increased than shops like Lowe’s, Residence Depot, or Harbor Freight.
“Should you’re shopping for instruments at Goal, you’re in all probability simply determined,” jokes Mike. “We’ve obtained a hammer, a screwdriver, and perhaps some duct tape.”
PRO TIP: DON’T FORGET TO STACK COUPONS
Goal lets you stack producer coupons with retailer coupons and Goal Circle presents.
Mix these together with your RedCard low cost to maximise financial savings on a single buy.
7. Jewellery
Whereas Goal’s vogue jewellery is inexpensive and classy, its high-quality jewellery choices usually are not the perfect worth.
“Our jewellery is nice for informal put on,” shares a jewellery division employee. “However for particular events, clients have a tendency to buy elsewhere.”
8. Specialty Kitchen Home equipment
Not gonna lie — Goal’s kinda expensive in terms of specialty kitchen stuff. Espresso machines, stand mixers, all that — you’ll often discover it cheaper at Costco, Sam’s Membership, and even simply on-line.
Until you catch a loopy sale, you’re in all probability paying greater than you have to in case you seize it at Goal.
“We feature the fundamentals,” says a staff member. “However for high-end home equipment, folks usually store on-line or at specialised shops.”
PRO TIP: ALWAYS SHOP AFTER CHRISTMAS
Vacation-themed merchandise is ALWAYS closely discounted at Goal within the days following Christmas making it a good time to buy.
Fill up on decorations, sweet, and different seasonal objects for subsequent yr at as much as 90% off.
9. Pet Provides
Goal does carry a good number of pet merchandise, they’re not at all times the most affordable choice and their choice ain’t nice.
“I’ve heard that on-line shops have higher offers,” says a pet provides affiliate. “However folks just like the comfort of grabbing objects right here.”
10. Occasion Provides
Yeah, Goal’s social gathering provides are tremendous handy — however you’re positively paying for it. You will get the identical balloons, plates, napkins, all that stuff approach cheaper at Greenback Tree or Greenback Normal.
“We hear this from clients sometimes,” says an worker from the seasonal part. “However our choice is sweet in case you’re already right here procuring.”
Ask the Reader: Do you agree or disagree with these good and day buys? Let me know within the feedback what I missed.
By Kyle James
I began Somewhat-Be-Procuring.com in 2000 and have turn out to be a client professional and advocate writing about out-of-the-box methods to save lots of at shops like Amazon, Walmart, Goal and Costco to call just a few. I’ve been featured on FOX Information, Good Morning America, and the NY Occasions speaking about my financial savings ideas. (Study extra)