​​Hit the Bull’s-Eye With These 12 Tips for Earning Target Discounts

The bullseye logo on a sign outside a Target store is seen in Christiansburg, Virginia. The sign is red and white.
Target has placed items such as home decor, small kitchen items and electronics on clearance at stores across the country. This photo was taken at a Target store in Christiansburg, Virginia on Monday, Feb. 28, 2022. Charles Krupa/AP Images

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Target and other major retailers, after feeling the pinch of several months of stagnant or declining sales, are enticing shoppers back into the store with deeper discounts and a slew of coupons.

Data shows consumers are making fewer high-end purchases of items like appliances and furniture. Why? Chances are they’re spending more on necessities like food and household staples as rising inflation stabilizes.

As a result, Target is aggressively courting shoppers by dangling a Target discount, Target in-store coupons or even a Target coupon code to juice sluggish sales both in stores and on the Target website.

Expect Continued Discounts in Target Stores and Online

Fortunately, a retailer’s struggle is a consumer’s gain as generous Target promo codes and Target Circle offers make snagging a Target deal easier than ever. Whether you shop at Target online, use the Target app or bounce into the store for some browsing, you’ll notice top deals displayed prominently.

Move over, Target Black Friday sale, because summer 2023 is shaping up to be a season of heavily discounted shopping that could help you hit the bull’s-eye on your budgeting goals.

How to Find Target Deals

You can check out the clearance and deals sections of Target.com to see what’s available online.

Orders over $35 qualify for free shipping, while all other items are available for free in-store pickup. Free same-day delivery is also available on certain Target purchases such as grocery items and household essentials.

We did a little digging on Target.com and found some good deals — especially on items that are sure to come in handy this summer.

Exclusive Deals on Outdoor Furniture

Don’t miss decking out your patio at a 50% discount. Yep, you read that right. We found irresistible deals on outdoor daybeds, nesting coffee tables and boho hammocks available when you shop online.

Up to 25% Off on Kitchen Appliances

If you’ve been putting off replacing a small appliance, now is the time to act. It would be hard to find a lower price than what Target is offering on kitchen gadgets such as this highly rated air fryer or popular electric kettle.

Keep the Kids Busy with Outdoor Board Games

Banish the “I’m bored” complaints by building out your collection of board games. There’s a wide variety of classic board games and outdoor-friendly games here for all ages. A game of giant Yahtzee or backyard Jenga anyone?

Some Discounted Headphones and Speakers Come With a Bonus

Target’s sale on noise-canceling headphones and waterproof speakers might be just what your summer needs. While some prices are only available for online purchases, note that Airpods come with a bonus of three months of Apple Music free if you’re a Target Circle member.

Bag a Sweet 25% Off Baby Gear

It’s not often you get to snag a deal on a stroller or a car seat, so scoop up these Target savings while they last. For instance, the Contours Itsy Lightweight Stroller is currently $115.19, more than $50 off what’s listed on the Contours website.

Snag Free Shipping on Target Video Games

Target’s current promotion on video games is already a good deal, but Target offers free shipping on many titles even when they don’t meet the $35 order threshold. You can get a popular Spider-Man PlayStation game for $19.99 (60% off), including free shipping.

30% Off Women’s Swimsuits at Target.com

Shopping online for swimsuits can be hit or miss, but the deep discounts, free shipping Target offers and Target’s return policy ensure these swimsuits will hit the mark. One-piece, two-piece, board shorts — whatever suit floats your boat, Target has it.

Don’t Sleep on the Target Clearance Sale

Some of the best deals are tucked away in Target’s clearance section, both in-store and online. From children’s clothing to household essentials, these seasonal items are priced to move out of the stores quickly and make way for other merchandise.

12 Tips for Finding In-Store Deals at Target

You’re more likely to see clearance and sale items by visiting the store in person. Because each store has different inventory levels, sales will vary by location.

Here are some tips and tricks for finding the best deals.

1. Look for the Right Items

Target says many of the deepest discounts will take place in home decor, spring and summer fashion, furniture and small appliances. You’re likely to get the best deals on those items.

2. Shop at the Right Times

Target marks down items throughout the week (Monday through Friday). Each department typically has a specific day when it discounts items (like toys on Monday or electronics on Wednesday, for example).

3. Get Friendly With Store Employees

The best way to find out when your local Target is discounting items is by striking up a friendly conversation with a store associate. They can (hopefully) give you some insight on upcoming sales.

4. Look for Those Bright Yellow Tags

You can spot a Target clearance item by its bright yellow tag on the shelf or sticker on an item. The current markdown price is in the lower right corner, and the markdown percentage is in the upper right corner.

5. Check the Endcaps

Target often puts clearance items on endcaps — displays at the end of each aisle. Clearance clothing is usually found on one or two specific racks in the clothing department.

6. Join Target Circle

Target Circle — formerly known as Cartwheel — is the company’s loyalty rewards program. You can earn 1% cash back on certain purchases and get alerted about deals at your local store. We spoke to one Target employee who said it’s the best way to stay informed about sales and discounts. You can sign up for Target Circle rewards online.

7. Consider the Target RedCard

If you’re a frequent Target shopper, a Target RedCard might be worth the splurge. You’ll get 5% back on purchases and other Target RedCard rewards such as free two-day shipping and an extra 30 days on returns.

8. Sign Up for the Target Weekly Ad

It’s not as satisfying as clipping coupons, but Target weekly deals hit the site on Sunday. You can sign up to get reminders delivered to your inbox. While Target doesn’t usually offer printable coupons, you’ll get a quick glimpse of current sales.

9. Lean Into the Target Price Match Policy

Shopping around pays off. Target will do a price match with its own online deals and other competitors like Amazon, CVS and even Costco. You can see a full list of approved competitors and get the details on the price match guarantee here.

10. Score Free Target Gifts Cards

There are a bunch of ways to score Target gift cards through promotions, a Target Circle offer or signing up for a Target registry. A Target baby registry in particular will score you some fringe benefits like a free welcome kit.

11. Use (or Lose) Your Coupons

Target has a policy about combining coupons, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use manufacturer coupons. According to Target.com, “only one manufacturer coupon (paper or digital), one Target coupon (paper or digital), and one Target Circle offer can be combined per item.”

12. Don’t Forget About Other Discounts

If you’re a senior, a veteran, a student or a teacher, Target has various discount programs throughout the year. Once you set up a Target account with the proper verification, Target student discounts of 15%-20% are automatically applied to online purchases.

See over seven dozen places you should be leveraging your senior discount, from pharmacies to theaters.

Get Target Discounts Online With a Target Promo Code or a Target Coupon Code

Scouring the shelves for a bargain is half the fun for some shoppers, but many of us prefer sliding in a promo code at checkout from the comfort of the couch. If you’re an avid coupon code consumer, you’re in good company.

Target coupon codes are easy to scare up online simply by typing “active Target promo codes” into any search engine. Just be warned that most of the verified Target promo codes align with active on-site sales for specific items and won’t discount your entire cart.

Rachel Christian is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance and a senior writer for The Penny Hoarder. Kaz Weida is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder.