10 Tips for Shopping Clearance at Target!

Clearance tags  and I are like magnets drawn together. As soon as I see clearance or markdowns anywhere- I’m there. Glued to them excitedly hoping I find something I need. Shopping Clearance will save you more than 50% off retail price.

The one store I  do almost all of my clearance shopping is at Target. Working there and having friends who worked there and still do I can give you some tips on how to really keep money in your pocket and not pay full price for ANYTHING! Can you imagine not having to spend almost your entire paycheck on things your family needs, and be able to save money for the future! If you say no, than you really need to add shopping clearance into your lifestyle!!

 

  1. The Markdown System.

    It is so important to understand how stores markdown their items. Most markdowns happen every 2 weeks.  Seasonal gets marked down sooner. You will see items start at 15%, 30%, 50% and 70%. Holiday and Seasonal items can go down to 90%! You will see a small number in the upper right hand corner this is the percent off the item is.

  2. Always check the back end caps.

    These are usually always filled with marked down items. For me the fun begins when I bring in my coupons and hit those end caps! Nothing like using a coupon on clearance item at Target!

  3. Recognize the clearance sticker.

    The end caps are not the only place for clearance. When I found all those bed sheets they were down the regular aisle but all marked on clearance 70% off! So don’t limit yourself to just end caps! But don’t forget about the end caps either!                                                                            102_2135

  4. How low will it go?

    70% off is usually as low as it goes. Of course seasonal will go lower but usually at that point there is a very minimal amount left.  For me,  if I see clearance and it’s ONLY 15% off I walk on by. I know that the item will go down lower. But it could be gone you might say?! Yes this is true and to me than it wasn’t meant to be! Haha. Yes my shopping is meant to be. By that I mean, I wait for a sale and clearance. And low and behold waiting I will find things I need way below retail price.  Take for example my recent purchase.    102_2112                                                                                    My Kitchen Aid Ice Cream Maker. I have been thinking about an ice cream maker for probably 6 months. But I did not want to spend $80 on another kitchen gadget. Even though things like my Kitchen Aid Mixer and bread machine have me baking so many things instead of buying them processed at the store. I wanted to add ice cream to the list..But the budget… 😉 I had a garage sale and it wasn’t too successful, it was a random no advertising deal. Made $45. I said to my husband I was going to use it to treat myself! AND there is the mixer marked down 50% $39.99! Only one left! It was meant to be!

  5. Use the red price checkers.

    If you have an item that is marked clearance you may want to scan it to be sure it’s marked right. The Batavia Target has been known for not having the most accurate pricing! If you see something mixed in with clearance and it’s not marked still check it! If something is marked down 30% and really it is 70% you will be glad you checked it and maybe grabbed one or two more of the items!

  6. Don’t be discouraged keep going back.

    Clearance is a hit or miss. If you do not see something one day, in a day or two still go back. Items are being added all the time do to re shop and what not. Patience is really what you will be learning. But the savings is so worth it. And it allows you to stick to your budget enjoyably. I post clearance at Target in our Facebook group with over 1,000 members! Come join us.

  7. Don’t fall for the misbelief about clearance.

    Most of the time clearance is marked down because the item is changing packaging, remember all the Up and Up diapers marked on clearance? The packaging changed. Or one store is not carrying that exact item anymore. You will be upset if you pass up the Frigo Cheese Head Light Sticks at Target which are on clearance and than see them full price at Walmart! If it is a food item you will want to check the expiration date. And make your decision accordingly.

  8. Follow a Target Blog

    My favorite one is Totally Target. And this blog too! I post weekly Target Coupon Matchups that are a sale price paired with a coupon/cartwheel offer to save you money.

  9. Sign up for a Target Debit Card

    This will save you 5% off your total every time you shop. This is not the credit card. Your total will be deducted right out of your checking account!

  10. Use Cartwheel and Target Coupons

    The Cartwheel App is great. You can add items right from your phone and than the cashier scans the barcode. You can also scan items using the app to see if there is a cartwheel offer available. You can stack cartwheel offers with manufacturer coupons and Target coupons ( paper or mobile). This makes for some sweet savings. Always check Cartwheel when you’re headed to Target.

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Above are some of my clearance at Target deals. The kids crayola and learning preschool books were 50% off! I buy the girls Halloween costumes the year before when they are at least 50% off! I have a box of clearance items that I will use for stocking stuffers, and easter baskets!

 

*Don’t get crazy. When I first started really seeing how much money you could save I would buy so many home decor items because they were marked down and than they would sit under our guest bed. Don’t be ashamed if you went a little overboard to return some items! Always ask yourself Do I really need this?

 

What tips do you have for shopping Target Clearance? 

Total Comments (4)

  1. Susan April 12, 2015
    • Tasia April 12, 2015
  2. KC April 12, 2015
    • Tasia April 12, 2015

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