Has this ever happened to you? I tend to walk into Target with a small list and leave having spent at least $150. That all changed once I learned about Target’s markdown schedule. Now, I’m excited to share my clearance shopping tips with you!
By keeping an eye out for those small yellow stickers, you can score some of the best clearance deals at Target. However, predicting these markdowns can be challenging due to recent changes in Target’s clearance strategy. Fortunately, we’ve done the hard work for you.
Familiarizing yourself with the clearance patterns at your local Target can be very rewarding, and these tips will help you save at any Target store you visit. In this guide, I’ll cover everything from regular clearance markdowns to special clearance events and holiday schedules.
Target Clearance Guide
1. Regular Target Clearance 30%-70%
Standard clearance discounts at Target typically range between 30% and 70% off. But household essentials such as laundry supplies start their markdown process at 15% off and can go up to 50% off. In my local store, these products tend to sell out fast, rarely reaching the ultimate 70% discount.
2. Learn to Read Target Clearance Tags
Shoppers have always been curious about the significance of the numbers on a Target clearance sticker. However, the secret behind it isn’t really a secret.
On the upper right-hand corner of the tag, you’ll find one of three numbers: 30, 50, or 70. These numbers indicate the discount percentage (30%, 50%, or 70% off) respectively. So, once you understand that clearance markdowns range from 30% off to 70% off, you can easily determine whether it’s the first, second, or third markdown!
The 9-digit number in the middle is known as the DPCI by Target. You can utilize this number in the Target app (available on iOS and Android) or input it into BrickSeek to check the inventory at other stores.
3. Target’s clearance discounts don’t exceed 70% off
Sadly, Target clearance items hitting 90% off is becoming increasingly rare. Once items reach the 70% off mark, Target typically sends them to Target salvage stores, providing only a brief window to grab these final clearance deals.
Target is more inclined to salvage higher-priced items once they hit the 50% off threshold. If you stumble upon something you truly need at a clearance price, it’s best not to procrastinate, as it might vanish from the shelves permanently.
The sole exception to the 70% off limit is holiday clearance items. Following Halloween and Christmas, select items may be discounted up to 90% off at Target in the subsequent weeks.
4. Target Online Clearance ≠ Target In-Store Clearance
For the ultimate Target clearance deals, opt for in-store shopping. While Target.com offers an online clearance section, discounts rarely exceed 50%, and most items don’t surpass 30% off.
For example, earlier this year when Target Easter Clearance items in-store hit 70% off, the same items online were discounted at only 15% off.
5. Learn Target Markdown Schedule at Your Local Store
Before we delve into the specifics of Target clearance timing, remember that markdown schedules can differ depending on your store location. I recommend getting to know your local Target and taking notes of when various departments mark down their items. Here’s what I’ve learned:
Target typically applies markdowns Monday to Friday
Target reduces prices five days a week, from Monday to Friday, with each department having its designated day. For instance, one store would always mark down toys on Tuesdays, while another does it on Thursdays. It helps to be friendly with the Target employees at your store and politely ask if they can provide some insight into their markdown schedule.
Target applies additional discounts every two weeks
This aspect also depends on location and inventory dynamics, including what items are moving and what aren’t. While the standard Target clearance schedule typically involves further markdowns every two weeks, if a store has an excess of items not selling at the initial 30% discount, they may opt for more aggressive markdowns sooner.
6. Target Clearance Items Return Policy
Many people are asking “Can you return clearance items to Target?” the answer is yes, you can return clearance items within 90 days of purchase. Clearance items adhere to the same rules as other products covered by the Target return policy. However, there are exceptions where refunds aren’t applicable, such as salvaged or discontinued items.
7. Get Best Toy Deals at Semi-Annual Target Toy Clearance
Don’t miss Target’s Semi-Annual Toy Clearance Sale, held in January and July each year, offering unbeatable discounts on toys, games, dolls, and more. These sales usually last three to four weeks, with discounts ranging from 30% to 50% initially, and climbing up to 70% towards the end.
Keep an eye out for the top deals and enjoy savings of up to 70% on renowned toy brands. While clearance deals are also available on Target.com, the best bargains are found in stores. Brands like Barbie, Lego, Little Tikes, Nerf, and more are all up for grabs during this event.
For example, this year (2024), these were the clearance weeks:
- Week 1 (December 26th) – 30% off
- Week 2 (January 1st) – 50% off
- Week 3 (January 8th) – 70% off
And the predicted dates for July are as follows:
- Week 1 (June 18th) – 30% off
- Week 2 (June 25th) – 50% off
- Week 3 (July 9th) – 70% off
Additionally, make sure to check out all the latest toy deals in general.
8. Target’s Christmas Clearance
After stocking up on toys and gifts, it’s time to score Christmas decor on clearance. Target’s Christmas clearance begins on December 26, both in stores and online. You can find discounts on holiday gift sets, accessories, Christmas lights, decorations, party supplies, gift bags, wrapping paper, bows, and more.
Typically, here’s how the markdown schedule for Christmas decor at Target unfolds:
- December 26th: 50% off for non-food, 30% off for food and candy
- December 29th: 70% off for non-food, 50% off for food and candy
- January 4th: 90% off for non-food, 70% off for food and candy (note that by this point, most of the goodies will be gone)
9. Target’s Holiday Clearances
Finding holiday clearance deals at Target is more of an art than a science. For the best bargains, aim for the 70% markdown to secure deep discounts before everything is sold out.
Target’s holiday clearance sales generally last about a week. If items reach a 90% discount, you’ll have just a day or two to grab what’s left. Normally, you can anticipate this holiday clearance markdown schedule at most Target stores:
- 1 day after the holiday: 50% off non-food, 30% off food and candy
- 3-4 days after the holiday: 70% off non-food, 30% off food and candy
- 7 days after the holiday: 90% off non-food, 70% off food and candy
10. Patio Furniture & Summer Items Clearance
If you’re planning to buy a new patio set, wait until the clearance sales in July. During this time, you can find patio furniture, summer toys, and garden items discounted up to 70% off as Target clears out their remaining summer inventory.
Initially, discounts start at 15% off, but they gradually increase to 70% off as the month progresses.
11. Check Aisle Endcaps for Clearance Finds
Nearly all of Target’s clearance items are typically found in three key areas:
- The seasonal section
- Designated aisles, especially during the Semi-Annual Toy Clearance
- Endcaps scattered throughout the store
Keep an eye out in these spots, particularly on the sides of endcap displays in the health and beauty section, where you might uncover some hidden clearance deals.
12. Use Coupons on Target Clearance Items
In case you were wondering if you can use coupons on Target clearance items, the answer is YES! You can use Target Circle coupons combined with Circle Card discount (5% off; former RedCard).
13. Price Check at Price Scanner
Even if a clearance item appears to be reasonably priced, the actual cost might be even less. Take all your clearance items to a Target price scanner to verify the most accurate pricing. Important note: Regrettably, if the scanner shows a price of “$0,” it doesn’t mean the item is free. This simply indicates that the clearance price hasn’t been entered into the system yet.
14. Price Match Clearance Prices
If an item you purchase appears in the Target clearance section shortly after you bring it home, you can request a price adjustment within 14 days. Target’s price match policy allows you to benefit from a lower price if an item you bought goes on sale afterward.
Simply provide proof of purchase, which can be your receipt, order confirmation email, or the order history page in your Target app. Present this to associates at the checkout or Guest Services desk. For online purchases, reach out to Customer Service.
15. Target Salvage Stores
Target no longer keeps clearance items in the store as long as they used to. When non-holiday items reach a 70% discount, they are quickly sent to salvage stores. For even greater discounts on clearance items, visit Target salvage stores. Some of the more well-known salvage stores that carry Target items are Blue Streak, Dirt Cheap, Big Deal Outlet, Bargain Hunt, The Salvation Army, and Goodwill.
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