How switching from Walmart to Target saved me money!

A few months ago, I decided that I had had it! I could not shop at Walmart anymore. It was saving me money by doing all of my shopping there, but I came home in a bad mood after every shopping trip. I dreaded going there so bad. Walmart was always out of the regular items that I bought. They didn't have a great selection of "healthy" foods. Their produce went bad after 2 days. I even became allergic to Walmart. I know this sounds absurd! But SERIOUSLY every time I went in there my eyes would burn, become blood shot and tear up. My sinus' would ache until it gave me a headache. My body was begging me to stop shopping there.

So when deciding which store I was going to switch to, I put a lot of thought into it. Well about 5 minutes.  Regular grocery stores hike the prices of beauty and household items up so high. It just bugs me to spend more when I don't have to. I don't like making trips to multiple stores either. I'm a one stop shop kinda girl.

I decided to give Target a try. I often shopped there for "fun" stuff like toys and clothes. But not regularly for food. So I made my list and headed over there for an experimental shopping trip. I was SHOCKED when I saw the prices! They were the same as the prices at Walmart, some things were even priced a few cents cheaper. I loved the selection and choices in their food. They even had items, like my daughter's Cliff Bars, which I had been making a special trip to Whole Foods and paying double the price for. I fell in love that night! I text my Husband in the middle of the shopping trip to tell him about his new competition!

I continued to shop there every week for our groceries falling more in love. Then the big day happened when Target popped the question! Did I want a Target credit or debit card?  So the check out clerk was telling me about them, and I was doing what everybody else does. Not listening and wishing they wouldn't bother me with this nonsense... Then I heard the magic words...It will save you 5% EVERYTIME!  I knew my Husband wouldn't be thrilled if I brought home a Target credit card. That's just dangerous. But a debit card... hmm? I asked the clerk to tell me again, because I obviously hadn't been listening. So you get a debit card, with no fees, it comes out of your bank account just like my bank debit card does and I get 5% off each shopping trip and free shipping at Target.com. My answer was Yes! Yes! why didn't you ask me sooner! 

I got the card right before Christmas shopping and I saved so much money. I even saved money at the Starbucks in Target. Sweet! Recently a little birdie told me that target.com had a place where you can print coupons. I took a look and there are multiple coupons on products that I buy every week. So Sweet! You can also bring your own reusable shopping bag and save 5 cents off per bag used. Mega Sweet!


I took advantage of the free shipping on target.com today. We needed new dining room chairs. Ours are padded and when you sit on them, you sink so low that your mouth is level with your plate. Makes it easy to eat, but my guests didn't seem as thrilled about that convenience. My Red Debit Card saved me $40 in shipping. Plus I got 5% off the clearance price. I ended up paying $78 for 4 dining room chairs. What a steal. I'm so excited to get my hot pink chairs! My Husband's super excited too, he loved the color. NOT!

I have also read a few things online that Target has an unofficial clearance schedule. I have gotten so many things on clearance. I get tons of clothes for so cheap. My Husband is thrilled too, he thinks I'm wearing "old clothes" that he hasn't seen before.  After Christmas I got the cutest gold slippers and tote bag for $1.29. They are online, but for $4.54. Which is still a great deal. They have gold, silver and rose gold. I bought them in all 3 colors...don't tell my husband : )  Here's the link..

http://www.target.com/p/xhilaration-junior-s-slippers-with-tote-gold/-/A-14182032#prodSlot=medium_1_4

 

The clearance schedule goes a little something like this...

Weekly Markdown Schedule

Target Marks Down Items Weekly. Inventory starts at 15% off, then goes to 30%, 50%, 75% and sometimes even 90% off!

Each day of the week the Target Employees go through different areas of the store and check for markdowns.

Monday
Baby, Kids Clothing, Stationary Items, and Electronics

Tuesday
Domestics, Food & Grocery, Women’s Clothing and Pet Care

Wednesday
Toys, Men’s Clothing, HBA, and Lawn &Garden

Thursday
Housewares, Shoes, Lingerie, Sporting Goods, Music, Movies, Books, Decor and Luggage

Friday
Auto Cosmetics, Hardware and Jewelry

Semi-Annual Markdown Schedule

These clearance events occur over the span of a month's time. Prices start at 30% the move to 50%, 75% and 90% in weekly intervals. Shopping as the month progresses means you will see deeper discounts, but the inventory might not be that great. If you have your eye on something you will probably need to snag it sooner rather than later. 

January & July - Baby Items. January, July & October - Toys.

Holiday Markdown Schedule

markdowns are taken every 2-3 days

Days 1-3 after holiday  = 50% off

Days 4-6 after holiday  = 75% off

Days 7-9 after holiday  = 90% off

I think Target is a magical place! I hope you enjoy shopping there as much as I do. I would love to hear about what amazing "finds' you've gotten at Target!