By Request, Some Target Shopping Information

Target is about my favorite place to shop for good markdowns.  I have posted prior about using coupon stacking at Target in order to get some really good deals.  You can use the coupons.com coupons (look on the right sidebar to find those) and Target store coupons together, often getting some items almost free when you work with a sale.

They clearance out toys and baby items on a regular basis.  If you shop diligently at your favorite store, you begin to learn their markdown schedule.  My favorite time for stocking up at Target is coming up very soon.  Most Target stores have an area for their seasonal items.  Back to school, then Christmas, then Valentines, then summer items.  At the end of each "seasonal" display, these items get clearanced to make room for the next items.

Right now, they have their Valentine's Day items, but they also have the bulk section that they are advertising as "club store pricing without the membership."  They've got the big boxes of diapers and wipes, along with large containers of shampoos, cleaning supplies, ziploc bags, etc.  If you are a careful shopper, you'll notice that the prices aren't the best.  With good coupons, the smaller sizes are actually a better price per unit. 

However, right after Valentine's Day, they will begin the markdowns.  The items will first go 15% off, then 30% off, then 50%, 75% and 90% if you're lucky.  I've found these bulk items rarely make it past 50% off, but 50% off for these with coupons becomes a REALLY good deal.  You just have to know when to look.  I jokingly say that I stalk the aisles waiting for the good prices.  Knowing the markdown schedule helps, so I am going to take the time to post the schedule here.

WEEKLY:

• Monday: Electronics, Kids clothing and stationary (Cards, gift wrapping paper, etc.).
• Tuesday: Domestics, women's clothing, pets and Market (food items,etc).
• Wednesday: men's clothing, toys, lawn & garden, health and beauty items.
• Thursday: House wares, lingerie, sporting goods, shoes, music, DVDs, books and luggage.
• Friday: Auto, cosmetics, hardware, and jewelry.

HOLIDAY:

• All holidays except Christmas follow the 3-3-2 rule:
• The first 3 days after the holiday are 50% off
• The next 3 days are 75% off
• The next 2 days are 90%

The items for Valentine's Day should follow this schedule, which would mean that starting Monday, February 15, all the Valentine's Day items will be 50% off, but the bulk things will start with 15% off, then be marked down weekly from there.  According to this schedule, they might not be marked down the first time until Wednesday, though it's been my experience that they usually start with the VD markdown date.  If you then check on the following Wednesday morning, they should have moved to 30% off.  Depending on your store, you can wait another week for the 50% off markdown. 

You'll need to be there early, because I'm not the only one who knows this schedule.  In our town, people seem to snap the items up as soon as they are a little marked down.  It's rare for these items to make it 50% off, so you have to really watch the items you want, and make sure you have your coupons ready.

If you have a lot of Target stores available in your area, I've discovered that the best clearance deals are to be had in the less affluent areas.  For example, if I have a lot of items I'm interested in, I might plan to be at the South Side Des Moines Target first thing Wednesday or Thursday morning.  I'm not sure why this is, but I think it's because people who have a lot of "disposable" income can afford to stock up as soon as a sale is seen.  They don't need the really good markdowns to make the deal worth it to them. 

Because this post has gotten a little long, I will make another post either later today or tomorrow and detail my planning for the sales.