Target Deal Expert Shares Her Secrets

I am a self-proclaimed Target deal expert. I go to my local Target so often, the cashiers recognize me! One time, I had taken a break from Target (for about a week or so) and when I went back in, one of the cashiers said "I haven't seen you in awhile." When a cashier says that, you know you are at Target too much! But I love the store so much, I can't help it. The deals are too awesome! Here are some of my Target money-saving tips!





Tip #1: If you go to Target on the following days, you are more likely to find the great clearance deals before anyone else!

MONDAY- kids clothes, electonics
TUESDAY- women's clothes, domestics
WEDNESDAY- men's clothes, toys, health and beauty
THURSDAY- lingerie, shoes, housewares, sporting goods
FRIDAY- cosmetics, hardware, auto, jewelry

Target Holiday Clearance:
50% off day after holiday for three days
75% off fourth day after holiday for three days
90% off seventh day after holiday for 1-2 days


Tip #2: Match manufacturer coupons + Target coupons + sale= really cheap (or free!) stuff!

Sometimes you get just the right combination of manufacturer coupon, Target coupon and sale. For example, if Lysol was on sale for $2 and you had a 50 cent manufacturer coupon and a $1 Target coupon, you would get the Lysol for 50 cents! Check the Target web site regularly for printable coupons

Tip #3: Think outside the box

At first, stocking up on holiday clearance may seem like a waste of money. For example, items at holiday time, packaged in red and green, seem too "Christmasy" for another time of year. But you have to think outside of the box! Last year, I found the cutest Hello Kitty gift set for $3.74. It was packaged in holiday packaging. I took everything apart and repackaged it in a new gift bag.

Tip. #4: Target hop

Sometimes my favorite local Target does not have any good clearance. Instead of waiting, I check out other local Targets. You'd be amazed at how different clearance can vary from one store to another! For example, I found a pair of cleats for my son at one Target for $4.98 (a steal of a price!). I checked another local Target and they didn't have any cleats on sale. Also, when I am in other cities, I try and visit those Targets and see what they have.

Tip #5: If something goes on sale...

Sometimes (rarely!) I buy something full price at Target. If it goes on sale within 14 days after that, I get the difference back! I've gotten back $10 off a video game, $8 back from storage containers and more.

Diane Schmidt is owner of Savingsmania.com, http://www.savingsmania.com, your guide to savings, deals and more!