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10 Stores With the Best Price Matching

Kyle James — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 10:30:10 +0000

In an effort to prevent showrooming, when shoppers browse products in-store only to buy them online for less, retailer price match policies have become much more prevalent in recent years. After all, once a store has you in their doors, many are willing to match the competition's price to keep you from ordering elsewhere via your mobile device. It's simply a smart business move. But like any retailer's policy, some are simply better for shoppers than others. Here are the nine best retail price match policies that you should take advantage of every chance you get.

1. Best Buy

The Best Buy price match guarantee is a strong one, because they'll match the price of both online and local brick-and-mortar competitors — a policy that many top retailers have yet to adopt. When shopping in-store, simply show evidence of the lower price to any "Blue Shirt" in the store. The best way is via your smartphone or an actual store ad. They'll then review the price and verify that the product is identical and currently available at the local competing store.

To get an online price match from Best Buy, you'll need to call them directly at 1-800-BEST-BUY. Be prepared to direct the company rep to the ad or website that is showing a lower price. They'll then verify that the item is in-stock on the competing website and 100% identical. Top websites that they'll price match include Amazon.com, Bhphotovideo.com, Crutchfield.com, Dell.com, HP.com, Newegg.com, and TigerDirect.com.

2. Fry's Electronics

Fry's price match promise also includes online and in-store pricing. While they don't specify which authorized stores they will price match, it's safe to assume that they'll match all the big players in your area. Just bring in evidence of the lower price on your smartphone and show it to any employee.

While their in-store price match policy is straightforward, their online policy is a little less spectacular. For example, their site says they'll match all authorized Internet competitors on their "delivered price" only. This means they might not match Amazon Prime pricing, as they'll consider Amazon shipping charges into the order total. In other words, even if you would get free shipping from Amazon, Fry's will still factor in shipping charges when giving you an Amazon price match. In many cases, you might be better off ordering the item directly from Amazon and avoid the headache of dealing with Fry's online price match policy.

3. Home Depot

Home Depot stands behind their prices by offering a low price guarantee where they will actually beat a local competitor's price by an extra 10%. All you need to do is show evidence of the lower price in the form of an ad, printout, or photo. In most cases, the easiest way to do this will be with your smartphone. I like to get my price match at the customer service desk rather than at a checkout register, as some cashiers are really busy and it tends to hold up the line.

As for an online price match, unfortunately they won't give you the extra 10% discount on top of the lower price. But they will happily match other verified websites that might have an item at a lower price. To get your online price match you'll need to call Home Depot directly at 1-800-HOME-DEPOT. The rep will independently verify the lower price and adjust your virtual shopping cart accordingly.

4. Lowe's

Similar to Home Depot, Lowe's will also beat any competitor's price by 10% as long as the item being sold is identical at both stores. While the Lowe's policy states that you must bring in the ad of the local competitor, I've had success simply showing the lower price on my smartphone. It's worth noting that Lowe's excludes competitor's closeout, special order, discontinued, clearance, and liquidation items from a price match. The rub here can be that many ads from competitors are clearance or closeout items making them ineligible for a price match. Just keep this in mind and be prepared to politely argue your case if need be. Also, as of this writing they do not offer an online price match on your Lowes.com purchase.

5. Staples

The folks at Staples have a very intriguing price match policy that will actually beat the competing price by 10% through 9/17/16. For an in-store price match, they'll match any retailer "who sells products in both retail stores and online under the same brand." This means that most small "ma and pa shops" will not be included unless they also have a website that sells merchandise. This is their way of making it easier to verify the lower price by keeping it limited to larger retailers.

In terms of an online price match, they will match prices, but it has to be from a retailer with a brick and mortar location as well as an ecommerce website. The two exceptions to this rule are Amazon.com and Wayfair.com, as Staples will price match both of these "online-only" players. To get your online price match, you'll need to call Staples directly at 1-800-333-3330.

6. and 7. Office Depot/Max

The Office Depot/Max price match policy also offers a great way to save on office supplies and technology. Similar to Staples, they'll price match any retailer as long as the item is identical and the competing store sells the item both online and in-store. They also clearly spell out the methods you can use to get your price match and they include a "printed advertisement, printed in-store signage, receipt of item purchased, picture of in-store signage, or online offer from mobile device."

As for an online price match, they don't currently offer one. But if you're shopping in-store and you find that Amazon.com is selling the item for less, they'll match the price as long as it's sold directly by Amazon and not a 3rd party seller. According to their website, Amazon is the only online merchant that they'll currently price match.

8. Target

In my experience, one of the easier price match policies to take advantage of is at Target. The team at your local Target customer service desk actually has an iPad dedicated to price-matching, making it a very quick and seamless experience for shoppers. Just show them evidence of the lower price on your mobile device, or via a local ad, and they'll verify the lower price and make sure the item is identical and in-stock at the competing store and get you your savings quickly. It should be noted that exclusions include clearance, closeout, liquidation sales, and refurbished products.

For an online price match, Target has a long list of 29 online competitors that they'll match. Rest assured that the list includes all the big players like BestBuy.com, Amazon.com, Costco.com, Toys R Us.com, and Walmart.com. To request your online price match, you'll need to contact Target directly at 1-800-591-3869.

9. Toys R Us

Toys R Us has an excellent in-store price match guarantee that will help you get the lowest price on your future toy purchases. Not only will they price match all local competitors, but they'll also match 21 popular websites including Walmart.com, Target.com, and Amazon.com. It should be noted that when price-matching a competitor's website, they'll factor shipping charges into the total price of the item. To get your price match, simply show evidence of the lower price on your smartphone or via a print ad and a Toys R Us associate will take care of the rest. Items must be identical and they limit the price match to a maximum of two identical items per purchase. Unfortunately, they do not offer an online price match when shopping from their website.

10. Wal-Mart

The Wal-Mart price match policy is fairly straightforward and definitely worth taking advantage of. Wal-Mart will happily match the price on identical items sold by any local competitor or a select list of online retailers. Exclusions include clearance items, specials buys, and value of the day items as well as holidays like Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. To get your in-store price match, just show the lower price on your smartphone when checking out. For an online price match, you can either visit Walmart.com customer care or call them directly at 1-800-966-6546.

Are you a price-matcher? Do you often forget to take advantage of these great policies?

This article is from Kyle James of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The 8 Things That Are Always Cheaper at Target

Kyle James — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 12:15:21 +0000

There is no arguing the fact that Target has a very loyal following among many shoppers. While they might not always have the lowest prices, they certainly attract consumers who'll happily pay a little extra to avoid the crowded aisles of other discounters.

But there are certain items which are almost always cheaper at Target compared to other retailers. Here are eight such items that'll save you money on your next Target shopping trip. (See also: The Best Store Credit Card: Target REDcard)

(Note: Prices below as of October, 2015.)

1. "Green" Cleaning Products

Not only has Target led the natural cleaning trend over the past few years, but they often do it at a price lower than the competition. For example, Target sells the 28oz bottle of Method All-Surface Cleaner for an affordable $2.99, while Walmart sells the same product for $5.49 and Amazon sells it for $8.00.

Another great example is Green Works laundry detergent in the 90oz size; at Target you'll pay $11.99, while you'll pay $23.27 at Walmart, and $19.21 at Amazon. You'll also find similar savings at Target on other popular natural cleaning brands, like J.R. Watkins, Honest, and Seventh Generation.

2. Kids' Bedding and Decor

When buying bedding for your child's room, your wallet will likely benefit greatly from shopping at Target. You'll find steep savings on sheet and comforter sets, throw blankets, and even decorative pillows. This is especially true when buying "character" bedding from Star Wars, Disney, and Sesame Street. For example, you can purchase the popular Star Wars Classic Twin Sheet Set from Target for $19.79, while you'll have to pay $26.07 on Amazon. If you're shopping for a girl, you'll also save at Target, as you can buy the four-piece Disney Frozen bed set for $31.49 where you'll have to pay $36.97 at Walmart.

3. Photo Frames

When compared to the competition, Target is a great place to shop for picture frames and save money. While they easily beat the price at specialty stores like Michaels and Jo-Ann Fabric, they surprisingly also undercut the likes of Walmart and Amazon. For example, at Target you can buy 8x10 inch frames (set of two for $13.99, while you'll have to pay $19.97 at Walmart and $18.99 at Amazon.

The savings you'll find at Target aren't limited to the popular 8x10 size — it's seen across all picture frame sizes and designs. Plus, they often have coupons available via their Cartwheel app on home items and décor that will bring the price down even further.

4. Beauty Items

Target is where you'll get the most bang for your buck when buying cosmetics and makeup. While prices are generally better at Target when compared to Amazon, Walmart, and Macy's, the real savings comes in the gift card deals they offer. A current example is a free $5 Target gift card when you buy three L'Oreal products. When the gift card is factored into the price, Target easily beats the competition.

Other examples include a free $5 Target gift card with the purchase of three Aveeno items, and buy one, get one for 50% off with all fragrances. Also, be sure to always check for printable Target coupons before you visit to ensure you get the lowest price on beauty items.

5. Name-Brand Baby Gear

Brands like Graco, Britax, and Evenflo are often cheapest at Target. For example, Target currently sells the Graco Pack 'N Play Playard for $59.99 (color: Pasadena), while the cheapest color currently on Amazon is $69.97. The same can be said for the Evenflo High-Back Booster seat; you'll find it for $33.99 at Target and have to pay $39.98 at Amazon, $35.98 at Walmart, and $39.99 at Babies R Us. It's always a smart idea to check pricing at Target before buying baby products, as you'll often find the lowest price.

6. Men's Deodorant

Target is a great place to save money on deodorant and anti-perspirant for men. For example, Target sells the two-pack of men's Old Spice High Endurance Deodorant for $3.97, while Walmart sells the same product for $5.97. Also, you can find a two-pack of Axe Phoenix Anti-Perspirant at Target for $6.29, compared to $7.37 at Walmart. I found similar savings on other popular brands like Gillette, Degree, and Dove Men's Care as well.

For whatever reason, women's deodorant is cheaper across the board at Walmart and Amazon. But if you're a guy, or buying for one, purchase from Target and take advantage of the lower prices.

7. Tall Kitchen Bags

This one might seem a bit random, but kitchen trash bags — the tall variety — are 25% cheaper at Target compared to Walmart. Specifically, I'm talking about the store brand at each store. At Target, you can get the Up & Up brand in a 110 count box for $9.99, while you'll pay $12.52 for a box of only 100 bags of the Walmart brand. Both bags received strong customer reviews, making the Target brand a solid buy.

8. Wedding Registry Gifts

Because of the exclusive discounts they offer, wedding registry gifts are simply cheaper at Target. If the wedding couple registered at several stores, and Target is one of them, always choose to shop with them and you'll save. For example, they currently have a discount code (WEDDING20) that is good for 20% off your $100 or more regular-priced wedding registry gift. So if you're buying the couple the KitchenAid Mixer they registered for, you'll only pay $200 instead of $250 — a price that beats all of the major competition.

By the way, having been married for 15 years, I can honestly say that this mixer is the only gift we received that we still use today. It clearly falls under the category of quality items worth the price.

By knowing the items at Target that provide the most savings, you can plan your next trip accordingly and save money. Also, it's worth noting that most of the products listed above provide the same savings in-store as they do online. Happy savings.

What items, if any, do you usually find cheaper at Target compared to other major retailers?

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This article is from Kyle James of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The Best Store Credit Card: Target REDcard

Kris Majaski — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 22:11:59 +0000

Target stores provide a wide variety of household wares, clothing, food, and nearly any other type of everyday item you need. As one of the largest retailers in the United States, it only makes sense that it would also offer an equally competitive store credit card. (See also: Store Credit Cards That Don't Suck)

While many store cards lack the benefits that general rewards credit cards provide, the Target REDcard™ offers convenience and value for Target shoppers. If you are a frequent Target shopper and fan of its affordable merchandise, the Target REDcard Credit (or Debit) Card could come in handy.

Why We Like This Card

5% off Target purchases, online and in-store
Special Target shopping benefits

How This Card Works

If you use the card for your Target purchases, whether online or at a retail store, you'll get 5% off at checkout, on all purchases. You'll also get an extra 30 days for returns and free shipping at target.com.

Other Benefits

Special promotions. As a cardholder, you may receive notification of special sales, discounts, and promotions that you wouldn't receive if you weren't a cardholder. This small perk provides yet another way in which you can save money when you shop with this card.

Pros

Discount on shopping. You get a 5% discount on all purchases you make with the card, whether in store or online. This is an automatic discount that occurs at checkout, which doesn't require accumulating a certain amount or redeeming anything in order to take advantage of the discount. You also receive the discount on all purchases and not just certain merchandise in specific categories, providing a savings on a wide variety of products. This is comparable to a cash back card that gives 5% back on purchases.

Extra days for returns. If you need to return a purchase, you receive 30 extra days to do so when you purchase with this card. Target's return policy is 90 days for unopened items in new condition, but as a cardholder, you receive a little extra time if the product you have purchased doesn't meet your needs.

Free shipping. You can not only save money shopping Target's many sales and discounts, but you can also skip the drive to the store and standing in line, by shopping online at Target.com. If you use your Target credit card, shipping is free with no minimum purchase, or you can get free 2-day shipping on eligible items when your spend more than $35 on your order. Although other retailers offer free shipping, this benefit sometimes comes with a price.

Cons

Only Target purchases. Because this card is a store card and not a Visa or MasterCard, it isn't a credit card that you can use anywhere except Target stores.

High APR. The APR, as with most store cards, is exceptionally high. If you carry your balance from month to month, the 5% discount you receive for your purchases isn't going to be worth the money you pay in interest. In order to get the most from the card, it is important that you are diligent in paying your balance in full each month and avoid paying interest on your purchases. (See also: 5 Best Low Interest Rate Credit Cards)

Who This Card Is Best For

The Target REDcard Credit Card is best for those who frequently shop at Target stores, especially online where you can take advantage of free shipping. Most importantly, because of the APR, the card is ideal for those who consistently pay their balances in full each month rather than carry balances.

Note: The Target REDcard Debit Card provides many of the same benefits but instead of purchasing on credit, the card is attached to your checking account. You can also withdraw up to $40 cash at checkout with the debit card version. Because there are no credit checks required for the debit card, however, it is not a card that will help establish credit.

Click here to apply for the Target REDcard™ today!

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This article is from Kris Majaski of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Best Money Tips: 20 Awesome Target Shopping Hacks

Amy Lu — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 19:15:57 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found awesome Target shopping hacks, over 100 small ways to save big, and an easy way to deep clean your kitchen like a pro.

Best Money Tips: Ways to Save More at Target

Amy Lu — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 20:00:11 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some great articles on ways to save more at Target, burn calories without going to the gym, and live a more natural lifestyle.

Best Money Tips: Ways to Save Money at Target

Ashley Jacobs — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 19:00:03 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some great articles on ways to save money at target, getting the most from your auto insurance claim, and crucial things to know about life.

Best Money Tips: Protecting Yourself From a Target-Sized Data Breach

Ashley Jacobs — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 11:01:04 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some stellar articles on protecting yourself from a Target-sized data breach, affording a pet, and adding flair to your desk.

Best Money Tips

In the kitchen: When less is more — If you want to set up your kitchen without breaking the bank, determine what kitchen gadgets you can and can't live without. [Get Rich Slowly]

3 Things You Can Do Now to Start Saving for Retirement — To start saving for retirement now, remember to not rely on government money. [DINKS Finance]

Uncle Sam Can Help With Education Costs — Did you know interest on student loans is generally tax deductible? [Ask Liz Weston]

New in Town? How to Make Friends and Find Local Resources — Google can help you make new friends and find resources if you've just moved to a new town. [Parenting Squad]

How To Use Social Media For Your Business — Joining Twitter parties and having a blog are a couple good social media strategies for your business. [Grad Money Matters]

This article is from Ashley Jacobs of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Best Money Tips: Ways to Save Money at Target

Ashley Jacobs — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 11:00:31 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some stellar articles on ways to save money at Target, how to work abroad, and whether or not shopping can alleviate sadness.

25 Things You Shouldn't Buy at the Grocery Store

Aaron Crowe — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 10:36:44 +0000

We've all done it — grabbed a candy bar or gossip magazine while waiting in the checkout line at the grocery store. Without realizing it, we've just thrown our meticulous shopping out the window for the sake of convenience and a last-minute treat. Such quick spending decisions can add up over time.

There are plenty of purchases at the grocery store that can be avoided with a little forethought. They can be found cheaper elsewhere, which I admit is a hassle if you want to finish your shopping trip at one store and get it over with. But with some planning and the strength to avoid last-minute shopping for things you forgot, you can save money by buying these 25 things elsewhere. (See also: 8 Overpriced Grocery Items to Skip)

1. Magazines

Let's start with the common item that catches your eye while waiting in line. The headlines and photos are meant to grab your attention, and while a quick glance through may be worth a minute or two, don't give in and buy them. You'll pay the full cover price at the grocery store, and even if they give a 10% discount, it's still a ripoff. If you're only going to read that particular magazine once, go to the library, borrow an issue from a friend, or go to the magazine's website to read a few articles. If you want every issue (or even just a few) it's a lot cheaper to subscribe.

2. Organic Fruits and Vegetables

Compare supermarket prices of organic and non-organic fruits and vegetables, and all of the organic ones will likely be higher — much higher. If it's in-season (apples in the fall, watermelon in summer), find your local farmers market. You should find cheaper prices there for organic fruit and vegs that should taste a lot better than something trucked to your store.

3. Batteries

You can save 70% by buying in bulk at Costco, or better yet, buy rechargeable batteries for a higher upfront cost that will save you a lot of cash over the year. Department stores such as CVS often have much better sales on rechargeable batteries than grocery stores do.

4. Cakes

This goes for many things that are pre-made at a grocery store, but cakes are one of the top ones. You're paying for a baker's time and expertise in making a cake for you. For a lot less money, you can make one at home. Then again, your time may be worth enough that it makes sense to pay someone to bake the cake for you.

5. Cut-Up Stew Meat

This is another instance where paying for convenience doesn't make sense. Stew meat is comprised of some of the cheapest cuts of meat, so paying for it to be cut up into chunks just adds profit back to something that should be inexpensive to begin with. Grab a knife when you get home. If you can't do that, then buy a big piece of meat at the grocey store and ask the butcher to cut it up for you for free.

6. Pre-Cut Vegetables

You're not saving as much time as you think you are by buying pre-cut vegetables. Get to know your meal by washing and cutting veggies yourself, and don't pay a supermarket employee to do it for you. Same goes for fruit. You can slice a watermelon at home for free.

7. Anything Cooked or Made at the Store

Like buying cakes, buying friend chicken or going to the deli department and paying someone to make you a sandwich carries a hefty price for the convenience of not doing it yourself. That may be worth it to you. But if you want to save money, do it at home. Think ahead and buy everything you need to make sandwiches for the week, and make them at home for at least half the cost of what the store charges.

8. Canned Goods Not on Sale

Grocery stores mark up canned goods a lot — 50% is common — because they're often staples that people use a lot. Canned soup, for example, is a big seller in the fall and winter, and eventually a sale will lower the price. When you see a sale for something you buy often, stock up.

9. Deli Cheese

Many things in the deli section are more expensive than they are elsewhere in the grocery store, so it's a good area to avoid. Fancy cheeses can be found in the dairy section for a lot less money.

10. Spices

Name-brand spices especially are more expensive at a grocery store than at a natural food store. Instead of paying a few dollars for a spice you use regularly, you'll pay pennies at a health food store.

11. Fruit With a Short Shelf Life

Berries are notorious for getting moldy within a few days of purchase, and grocery stores charge more for such fruit because they have to cover their cost for the spoiled fruit that doesn't sell and they have to throw away. Either buy it fresh at the farmers market, where it's more likely to be freshly picked and won't go bad as quickly, or pay up and eat it soon.

12. Bottled Water

You probably already know that bottled water is a waste of money and that free tap water at home is just as safe. But if you're going to buy bottled water, buy it in bulk at Costco or another discount store, or at least buy generic brands that cost less. While water is a staple of life, bottled water at a grocery store is overpriced and should be avoided.

13. Cereal

The markup is too high to make a box of cereal worthwhile. Either wait for a sale or buy a two-pack box at a warehouse store. I'm not trying to say that bulk stores are the answer to all of your grocery-shopping problems, but this is another area where they make a lot of financial sense.

14. Detergent

Warehouse stores beat supermarkets in this area too, and online stores such as Target have better prices. If it's something you use a lot of, you might as well stock up.

15. Toothbrushes

If you can't get these free from your dentist, get another dentist. A regular pharmacy should be able to sell you a toothbrush or dental floss for a cheaper price than a grocery store can.

16. Greeting Cards

I have yet to see these sold at anything but full price at a grocery store. $2.99 for a paper card with printed thoughts from someone else? No thanks. Buy them in bulk online, make one yourself, or even better, have your kid make cards and pay them half of what you'd pay a grocery store.

17. Party Supplies

Candles, birthday hats, and paper plates are some of the party supplies that supermarkets stock for shoppers' convenience. Go to a dollar store or party supply store for lower prices.

18. Light Bulbs

Like any hardware item you'll find in a grocery store, it's probably a lot cheaper at a hardware store that specializes in such things. Again, you're paying for the convenience of having many things on your shopping list for sale at a grocery store, but don't let a darkened light bulb at home make you buy one immediately.

19. Bakeware

This is another item that's at the grocery store for your convenience, but the high price of a baking pan, cooking utensils, or similar kitchen products is often so high that you're better off shopping elsewhere. Baking cookies may be a spur-of-the-moment decision, but a good baking sheet should be a staple of every home.

20. Cosmetics

Like toothbrushes and other such products, most skin-care items can be bought cheaper at a drugstore.

21. Swiffer Cloths

These popular dusters are great for cleaning, but the replacement cloths can be bought a lot cheaper at a dollar store. Or tie an old rag to the device and sweep away.

22. Beer

Like many things at a grocery store, unless beer is on sale, skip it and go to a discount liquor store. You'll find the same brands at cheaper prices.

23. Diapers

Not that they go together with beer, but unless they're on sale, diapers can be found cheaper at department stores.

24. Rotisserie Chicken

Rotisserie chickens look good under the hot bulbs at the supermarket, but you'll likely find them cheaper at warehouse stores. And you'll get a bigger bird for your money elsewhere — giving you more leftovers to enjoy.

25. Milk

Yes, it's a staple at most houses and is needed so often that a quick trip to the grocery store is worth it as far as saving time. But a gallon of milk is usually half the cost at a warehouse store, so if you don't mind the crowds and are there for other purchases, grab some cheaper milk.

This article is from Aaron Crowe of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Best Money Tips: How to Save Money at Target

Ashley Jacobs — Thu, 10 May 2012 10:00:15 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some awesome articles on saving money at Target, managing finances after college, and ways you may be hurting your credit.

News & Events

Wise Bread Tweetchat (#WBChat) — Don't miss our weekly #WBChat at 12pm PST! We will be giving away prizes!

Be sure to check out our News & Events Calendar to see all the awesome upcoming events in the personal finance world!

This article is from Ashley Jacobs of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Is Target Really Just as Bad As Wal-Mart?

Carrie Kirby — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 19:37:59 +0000

I caught some flack here recently when I expressed a very common attitude: I won't shop at Wal-Mart due to their well known labor problems, but I love to shop at Target.

Is there really any moral difference between shopping at the two big box stores? Or is it just that Isaac Mizrahi and Jovovich-Hawk blind us to the store's values?

Here is how the two stores stack up:

Both have fought off employee unionization efforts, so far with 100 percent success in the United States. Target employees are shown an anti-union video as part of their orientation.
Neither store pays a living wage. A 2005 newspaper article quotes the United Food and Commercial Workers, which had tried to organize some Target workers, saying that wages and health plans at the two stores are similar, but Target's plan is more restrictive. "We feel they are worse than Wal-Mart because they are masquerading as this benign employer," said Bernie Hesse, a UFCW leader, in a Fortune piece published this month.
Both Target and Walmart use factories with poor human rights records.
Both stores present obvious environmental problems with all the packaging used, etc. Both have initiatives to improve their record in this area; Wal-Mart's promises go farther, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
With their low prices, both stores have the effect of putting smaller, more specialized and often locally owned retailers out of business.

There are plenty of reasons in there to justify boycotting both chains. However, there are also arguments for focusing on just one store: A boycott of one store is more effective. People have to buy things someplace, and for many, especially those outside urban areas, that someplace is going to be a big box store. A boycott is an easier sell if it isn't an undue burden on those who are asked to participate.

And if just one store is chosen, Wal-Mart is the obvious choice. Although both companies have labor problems, it's Wal-Mart that has shown in legal cases to abuse its workers by coercing them to put in unpaid overtime, and its Wal-Mart that faces a class action lawsuit on discrimination against female employees (Target was found guilty in an EEOC suit on racial discrimination in Wisconsin stores).

Wal-Mart's rap sheet at Co-Op America is as long as my arm, much longer than Target's. It's true that as a larger and higher profile company, Wal-Mart has been the subject of more scrutiny, but still -- there are many more documented reasons to avoid Wal-Mart than Target.

Finally, Wal-Mart's sheer size makes it the better candidate for a boycott. It's Wal-Mart's size that is allowing it to dictate changes in the retail supply chain worldwide. It's the size, and its 1.9 million employees, that make its wage-lowering influence on the labor market so powerful and its uncared-for workers such a burden on the public health system.

This last fact, the size, is what keeps me away from Wal-Mart while still caving occasionally to Target's siren song. Even if Wal-Mart was a model of good labor practices, I would feel uncomfortable adding to this behemoth's coffers and helping it become more powerful than any world government. Personally, I feel that no company should be as big or powerful as Wal-Mart has become, and, no matter what the sins of the other retailers out there, I know for sure that I'm not adding one more cent to the Wal-Mart world domination fund.

By the way, if you are looking for a big-box retailer with a reputation as a fair employer, look no farther than Costco, where employees make more, get better health care, and see a smaller difference between their own wages and those of executives than workers at either of the two leading retail chains. Costco is far from perfect, of course -- choices that truly benefit communities, the environment, etc. don't involve big boxes at all. But in a relative world, shopping there will cause you less guilt than shopping at Wal-Mart or Target.

This article is from Carrie Kirby of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

90% off is not a deal if you don’t need it.

Paul Michael — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 19:01:40 +0000

I found myself in a strange battle of wills last week. My favorite store, Target, was having another one of those spectacular sales. Red tags featuring the 75% off, and the rare 90% off, sticker were scattered far and wide throughout the store. And try as I might, I could not find a reason to buy anything.

It was hard work leaving the store empty-handed. Some of the items were reduced from $40 to just $4. Others were down from $120 to $30. Deals, deals, deals. The one I had the most trouble leaving alone was a beautiful full sized comforter set, down from $80 to $20. Great color, good fabric, a steal.

Trouble is, we don’t own a full sized bed. So I stood there thinking “hmm, could I buy it and sell it, maybe make a few bucks?” and “do I get this now, just in case we get a full sized bed?” What was I doing? “Leave it alone!” I screamed internally. Then I walked, quickly, out of the store. I initially felt like a fool for not getting anything, but later realized I had done the right thing.

This is a quandary I often find myself in. As a deal hound, I can sniff out a bargain at 100ft. But then I just can’t leave it alone. The fact that it’s a deal turns off, for a moment anyway, that part of my brain that says “but you don’t need it…walk away.” Is it greed? You bet, I admit it. It’s also preparing for those times of feast or famine, too. I grew up in a poor family and if my folks saw something on sale they would grab it, even if they didn’t need it until months, or even years, later.

So, what’s my advice if you’re as tempted as I am? It’s simply this…take a moment. If you see an incredible deal, don’t just pop it into your shopping cart, take it home and then leave it to rot in your garage or basement.

Simply stop and think…do I need this? Will I use this? If I’m buying it to sell, will I actually go through with it? Often that pause is enough to stop yourself getting a bargain that’s really not a bargain at all. Saving $36 on a $40 item is not much of a deal if that $4 could have been spent on something you really do need.

This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Tips for Perimeter Perusing at Target

Linsey Knerl — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 22:00:14 +0000

Want a deal on a Dyson, a jogging stroller, or a jewelry armoire? What if I told you that it could be on sale at your local Target for 75% off, and there is little chance anyone else knows about it? In addition to the fantastic finds on the end caps of most aisles of your local Target store, there are fabulous hidden deals to be had for those of us who really want them.

Save Big Money

Target has a crazy system of marking down their merchandise. Those that are familiar can get some really great deals before anyone else even knows that they are on sale. Clearance items at Target are usually marked with a red sticker in the upper right-hand corner of the packaging. Sometimes, however, the stickers don’t display the full discount, or there may be no sticker at all.

Secret Deals

Regular Target deal hunters know that it can really be a hit or miss type of deal. Some parts of the country have fantastic deals on high-end items, with no hint of the discount from their sticker price. Other areas never mark these same items down. The only way to really know if an item is on “secret clearance” is to scan it, made handy by the self-scanning stations placed throughout most stores. In order to get an idea of what might be on secret clearance, it is often necessary to browse message boards and web forums of those shoppers that do this regularly. (For a great resource for getting awesome Target deals, do a search for “Target Perimeter Perusing” and see what you may find!)

Daily Markdowns

In addition to the odd lot items that may be lurking among the regular merchandise and could be haphazardly stashed at the end caps, Target has a system for marking down their merchandise weekly:

Monday: Electronics, Kids Clothing and Stationary (Cards, GiftWrap, etc.)
Tuesday: Domestics, Women's Clothing, Pets and Market (food items)
Wednesday: Men's Clothing, Toys, Lawn & Garden, Health and Beauty items
Thursday: House Wares, Lingerie, Sporting Goods, Shoes, Music / Movies, Books, Decor and Luggage
Friday: Auto, Cosmetics, Hardware, and Jewelry

By closely following the markdown schedule, and hitting the stores early in the morning, it is possible to get what you want before anyone else knows about it. (We often hit the food items on Tuesday morning and come home with armloads of canned goods, boxed dinner kits, and gourmet juices for pennies!)

Holiday Deals

Target participates in a generous markdown after major holidays, as well. Clothing is at a fabulous price during their after-holiday clearance, with many Valentines or Independence Day t-shirts for under a buck. (By picking some generic prints and designs, they can be worn year-round.) Their holiday markdown schedule is usually as follows (with the exception of Christmas, which can vary):

50% off the day after holiday for three days.
75% off the fourth day after holiday for three days.
90% off the seventh day after holiday for 1-2 days.

Some additional points to note about Target shopping:

If you find an item at 75% off, and you want it, don’t let it get away! They rarely mark down non-holiday items below this discount.
If the price ends in the number 4, you may be looking at your last chance to buy.
Check to be sure that an item marked “As Is” is worth purchasing. I have been duped on a few occasions by unscrupulous customers who opened a package and swapped out the contents with a knock-off or broken merchandise. Target will not honor returns on “As Is” merchandise. That being said, I have also gotten some great deals on a Graco Pack N’ Play and a car seat simply because they were ordered online and returned to the store. There may not be anything wrong with the item at all!
Don’t buy just to buy.< Unless you are planning on reselling merchandise, or need the item anyway, don’t get tempted into buying for the thrill of it. Every penny you spend is that much more work you will have to do to earn it back. Play the game, but don’t lose at it.

The Target shopping game can be very competitive, and there will be others out there trying to get the same deals as you. Get there early, get what you want, and get out. You’ll save a bundle, and maybe even have some fun!

(Edited to Add:& Many wonderful readers have given me tips on the BEST places to find out which items may be on "secret clearance." The following sites have forums that track the deals as they are discovered. To see the active Target thread at each site, visit the forums section, and then search for "Target")

FatWallet

Deal of the Day

GottaDeal

This article is from Linsey Knerl of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Why there's no reason NOT to buy store brand baby formula.

Paul Michael — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 04:17:36 +0000

There’s nothing like starting an article with a double negative is there? Sorry, but it was the easiest way to get my point across. As a father of a 3-year old and a soon to be 1-year old, I’ve suffered the guilt of buying formula that wasn’t name brand. When money was short, we had no choice. But why the guilt? Is it so bad? In short, no. It’s almost exactly the same and it’s half the price.

So, what’s the deal? Why the huge price difference and why the guilt-trips? Well, to answer that I’d have to go back around 4 years to when my wife and I first discovered we were pregnant. The second you realize you’re responsible for a life, you start to do the responsible thing. You shop around for the best crib you can afford, decorate the nursery, invest in all kinds of gadgets and gizmos and become a walking cliché for the phrase “nothing’s too good for our baby.”

And that’s what lies at the heart of this issue. There’s a reason Babies R Us is growing so fast, and why the baby business is a multi-billion dollar industry. New parents, even old parents, feel that money should really be no object when it comes to a child. After all, how could you even think of pinching pennies when it comes to the life of your most precious addition?

I could go through all of the ways the moguls at big corporations factor guilt into every ad campaign and safety study, but I’m sure you know most of them already. But when it comes to infant formula, one of the biggest guilt trips of all is the purchase of store brand formula. You may as well be feeding your baby beer and yesterday’s garbage, the looks you get from people in the supermarket queue are the same.

Well, I’m here to say once and for all that there is nothing wrong with store brand formula, and I say this as an ashamed parent who has been buying name brand for over three years. Yes, name brand. The expensive stuff. After my wife stopped breast-feeding with each baby, around the 8-month mark, we have thrown away hundreds and hundreds of dollars buying name brand formula. That was money that could have gone towards all number of things for our babies...and why? To avoid looking and feeling bad, and to feel great knowing we were doing the best for our kids. But no more. It stops today, for today I did my research and found out the truth behind the infant formula cover-up. Let’s start with the most important point.

EVERY can of baby formula must meet FDA regulations.
It’s called the Infant Formula Act . It basically means that the “safety and nutritional quality of infant formulas are ensured by requiring that manufacturers follow specific procedures in manufacturing infant formulas.” In short, whether you buy Enfamil or Target brand, your baby is getting a product certified by the FDA as good and healthy for your baby. And as long as you buy a formula with iron, you’re fine. All you’re really paying for is a fancy label…and at an extra $13 a can, that’s one pricey label.

So what are the major differences?
There aren’t any. The differences are very minor, and it all comes down to taste and texture. For instance, Enfamil Lipil provides a whey-to-casein ratio of 60:40, which is supposed to mimic breastmilk exactly. Similac Advance contains no palm olein oil, which supposedly “promotes increased calcium absorption and greater bone mineralization.” And the one my family used (until today) was Nestle Good Start Supreme. It contains 100% whey and partially hydrolyzed 'comfort proteins'; these little proteins make the milk easier to digest and help with reflux, something from which both our girls suffered.

As for store brands, well, their formulas are almost identical. It’s hard to know for sure what they leave out or put in, you need to do a side-by-side comparison on the labels to see which name brand formula they are mimicking. And almost all of them are made by one company – Wyeth. You can check them out here. I also saw another company crop up quite a lot in my research. They’re called PBM products. Both companies supply infant formula to all the major supermarket chains, and they make a quality product.

But my pediatrician offers the name brand formula. Why?
Money. Pediatricians are hit by a barrage of marketing campaigns, samples and kick-backs in order to ‘give away’ samples of name brand formulas. When we left the hospital the nurse offered us one of two bags filled with formula samples, gifts and coupons. One was by Enfamil, the other Similac. No surprise there, they’re the two leaders of the formula world and can afford to dazzle you with free gifts and coupons in the first few months of your baby’s life. These coupons soon dry up though, and you’re faced with paying over $26 for a can of formula that is being sold next to store brand formula that costs half that price.

One thing I have learned is consistency. Whatever you choose, when you find one that works you should stick with it. It’s better on you baby’s digestion. But if you happen to stick with Target or Safeway formula, do it with your head held high and feel the power of being an informed consumer. You’re doing good by your baby and saving money for the future. Now, does that sound like something anyone needs to feel guilty about?

Further reading

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/babies-kids/baby-toddler/eating-and-sleeping/formula/formula-4-07/overview/0704_formula_ov.htm

http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/infant/baby_formula.html

http://www.momadvice.com/blog/2006/09/everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know.htm

http://babycheapskate.blogspot.com/2006/09/store-brand-formula-good-enough-or.html

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This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Pursenalized

Andrea Karim — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 18:42:06 +0000

Like many Wise Bread bloggers, I love Target for a number of reasons. I love their sales racks, where you can find perfectly good wool skirts for $4.99. I adore that they carry clothing sizes that fit women like me, women who could be featured in a remake of Sir Mix-a-Lot's "Baby Got Back." Target has brought style to the masses, and for that, they will always be a favorite of mine.

The only problem with shopping at Target is that everyone else shops there, too. Thus, you are bound to run into people who are wearing the EXACT same thing that you are, or carrying the same handbag. The latter is my current problem.

Now, this might be further proof that I have yet to conquer my vanity, but I like to stand out a little bit. Shopping at Target and other large chain stores can make this difficult, because they sell so much stuff.

So, when I'm slummin' it with a $21.99 Target handbag, and I frequently am, I want to avoid standing in line at the grocery store sporting the same bag as the three women in line in front of me. I can't help it.

In fact, when I went to Target a couple of weeks ago, I picked out a black fake leather hobo-style handbag that I thought was particularly nice — not overly wrought, not to young and whippersnappery, no garish patterns. As I was walking out of the store, I saw not one, but two women in the parking lot with the same purse.

I gazed down at my new purchase. I could return it. It's easy enough to return stuff at Target, right? But I actually liked this bag quite a bit. So I decided to personalize it. I walked back in to Target and immediately found what I was looking for — a long black scarf with multi-colored polka dots. Polyester. Cheap. I purchased it and drove home.

Once home, I got to work immediately (don't you love how fashion can spur you into action? I do). The idea was really simple. I removed the long braided strappy things with a pair of sharp scissors and threaded the scarf through the purse's rivets instead. I tried tying the scarf in a variety of styles before settling on one.

I LIKE it. It feels so French, or at least my idea of French.

Now, this isn't revolutionary, not by a long shot. But it's a bag that will probably last me six months or so (if you do the math, that's $2.33 per month of use). I can change the scarf out for others if I want, or remove it all together and hang bunches of cheap charms from each rivet. So far, no one has recognized the bag, but lots of people have complimented it.

This article is from Andrea Karim of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

target

10 Stores With the Best Price Matching

1. Best Buy

2. Fry's Electronics

3. Home Depot

4. Lowe's

5. Staples

6. and 7. Office Depot/Max

8. Target

9. Toys R Us

10. Wal-Mart

The 8 Things That Are Always Cheaper at Target

1. "Green" Cleaning Products

2. Kids' Bedding and Decor

3. Photo Frames

4. Beauty Items

5. Name-Brand Baby Gear

6. Men's Deodorant

7. Tall Kitchen Bags

8. Wedding Registry Gifts

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The Best Store Credit Card: Target REDcard

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1. Magazines

2. Organic Fruits and Vegetables

3. Batteries

4. Cakes

5. Cut-Up Stew Meat

6. Pre-Cut Vegetables

7. Anything Cooked or Made at the Store

8. Canned Goods Not on Sale

9. Deli Cheese

10. Spices

11. Fruit With a Short Shelf Life

12. Bottled Water

13. Cereal

14. Detergent

15. Toothbrushes

16. Greeting Cards

17. Party Supplies

18. Light Bulbs

19. Bakeware

20. Cosmetics

21. Swiffer Cloths

22. Beer

23. Diapers

24. Rotisserie Chicken

25. Milk

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