How to Find the Best Target Clearance Bargains

I love shopping at Target, especially when I can find something I need for less. One of my favorite ways to save is by shopping the Target clearance sections.

From home decor and clothing to seasonal merchandise, toys, beauty products, and household essentials, you never know what you might find marked down. The trick is knowing where to look, how Target clearance works, and when it makes sense to wait for a deeper markdown.

If you’re already shopping at Target, taking a few extra minutes to check the clearance sections could help you find some great bargains.

Your Complete Guide to Finding Target Clearance

Where to Find Target Clearance

Target clearance isn’t always in one designated area of the store. While many clearance items are placed on endcaps, you may also find markdowns mixed in with regular-priced merchandise.

Take a look at the ends of aisles as you shop, particularly around the perimeter of the store. Clearance sections can vary from one Target location to another, so take some time to learn where your local store tends to put its markdowns.

You may also find clearance merchandise in seasonal sections as Target makes room for new inventory.

Don’t assume that everything on a clearance endcap is marked down to its lowest possible price. Check the individual price on the item before buying.

Check the Clearance Price Carefully

Target clearance price tags can give you useful information about the markdown. You’ll typically see the original price along with the current clearance price, making it easy to see how much the item has been reduced.

Don’t rely solely on the large clearance sign at the end of an aisle. Individual items can have different markdown amounts, even when they’re sitting in the same section.

If you’re interested in an item, check its actual price rather than assuming everything in that area has received the same discount.

Scan Clearance Items Before You Buy

One of my favorite clearance-shopping habits is checking the price in the Target app before heading to the checkout.

An item may have a clearance sticker on it, but the price you see in the app or at checkout can sometimes provide additional information about the current price.

You can also use the Target app to check product details and availability while you’re shopping.

And remember, clearance pricing and availability can vary by store. A price or inventory status you see online isn’t necessarily the same at every Target location.

Should You Wait for a Bigger Markdown?

This is where clearance shopping becomes a bit of a gamble.

If you find something you really want at 30% or 50% off, you have to decide whether the current price is good enough or whether you’re willing to risk losing the item while waiting for a deeper markdown.

Target clearance merchandise can receive additional markdowns, but there isn’t one universal markdown schedule that applies to every department and every Target store.

Markdown timing can vary based on the merchandise, inventory, season, and individual store.

So while waiting can sometimes result in a better deal, it can also mean someone else buys the item first.

If it’s something you really want and the current price is good, don’t assume you’ll find it later for less.

Watch for Seasonal Clearance

Some of the best Target clearance opportunities happen when stores need to make room for new seasonal merchandise.

Keep an eye out after major holidays and at the end of seasonal periods for markdowns on items such as:

• Holiday decorations
• Seasonal clothing
• Patio and outdoor merchandise
• Gardening supplies
• Toys
• School supplies
• Home decor
• Seasonal food and entertaining items

The exact timing and discount can vary, so checking the store regularly is often more useful than relying on a specific clearance calendar.

Don’t Judge a Clearance Sign by the Percentage

A clearance sign may advertise a particular percentage off, but that doesn’t necessarily mean every item in that area has been reduced by exactly that amount.

Always look at the individual item and its current price.

You may find a deeper markdown mixed in with items carrying a smaller discount.

This is one reason I like to slow down and actually look through the clearance section rather than simply walking past it.

Can You Use Coupons on Target Clearance?

Sometimes.

Target’s current coupon policy states that clearance is excluded from Target Circle Deals unless otherwise noted. However, eligible manufacturer coupons can still be used on qualifying clearance merchandise when the coupon’s requirements are met.

There is an important limitation: if a manufacturer coupon is worth more than the reduced price of the clearance item, Target applies the coupon only up to the item’s reduced price. Target does not provide cash back or apply the excess to other items in your transaction.

So before assuming you can stack every available offer with a clearance item, check the specific offer’s terms.

Don’t Forget About Target Circle

If you shop at Target regularly, a free Target Circle membership can be another way to save.

Target has changed the way its loyalty program works. The previous 1% earnings feature is being removed, and Target Circle now focuses on benefits such as automatically applied Target Circle Deals, personalized Target Circle Bonuses, exclusive perks, and community voting opportunities.

Most Target Circle Deals now automatically apply at checkout when you’re identified as a Target Circle member. In the store, you can enter the phone number associated with your Target account or use the Target app. Online shoppers simply need to be signed into their Target account.

Just remember that clearance is excluded from Target Circle Deals unless the specific offer says otherwise.

What About the Target Circle Card?

If you use a Target Circle Card, you can receive an additional 5% discount on eligible Target purchases in stores and online. The Target Circle Card replaced the former Target RedCard name, but existing RedCard holders continue to receive the same basic benefits.

Target also states that the 5% Circle Card discount can be used on top of eligible Target Circle savings, subject to the program’s exclusions and terms.

This can make an already-discounted purchase even more appealing when the clearance item qualifies.

Don’t Count on Price Matching Clearance

One important thing to know before purchasing a clearance item: Target’s Price Match Guarantee excludes clearance, closeout, and liquidation items.

So if you find the same item for less somewhere else, don’t assume Target will price match it simply because the item is otherwise eligible.

My Best Target Clearance Shopping Tips

If you’re looking for the best Target clearance bargains, here are a few habits that can help:

1. Check the endcaps.
Clearance merchandise is frequently displayed on aisle endcaps, but don’t limit yourself to those areas.

2. Look through seasonal sections.
End-of-season and post-holiday merchandise can be excellent candidates for clearance savings.

3. Check the individual price.
Don’t assume every item in a clearance section has received the same markdown.

4. Use the Target app.
Check product information and pricing before heading to checkout.

5. Decide whether the current price is good enough.
Waiting for a deeper markdown could save you more, but the item could sell before you return.

6. Check coupon restrictions.
Manufacturer coupons may be usable on qualifying clearance merchandise, while Target Circle Deals generally exclude clearance unless otherwise stated.

7. Remember that clearance varies by store.
Your local Target may mark down merchandise at a different time than another location.

8. Don’t buy something just because it’s on clearance.
A clearance sticker doesn’t automatically make something a good deal. If you wouldn’t buy it at the current price, leave it behind.

The Best Target Clearance Deal Is One You Actually Need

Target clearance shopping can be a great way to stretch your budget, but the biggest savings come from buying things you actually need and will use.

Take your time, check the price, look for additional savings when they’re allowed, and don’t be afraid to walk away if the price isn’t low enough.

And if you find something you really want at a great price? Don’t always wait for the next markdown. Clearance inventory is limited, and there may not be another one waiting for you when you come back.

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