Table of Contents

Target vs. Walmart: Decoding the Price Match Mystery

The burning question for savvy shoppers: Does Target match Walmart prices? The short answer is a qualified no. Target’s official price match policy explicitly excludes matching prices from Walmart (both in-store and online). However, the retail landscape is more nuanced than a simple yes or no, so let’s delve deeper into Target’s price matching practices and how you can still snag the best deals.

Understanding Target’s Price Match Policy

Target’s official policy, readily available on their website, outlines which retailers they do price match. This is crucial information for any budget-conscious consumer. Ignoring this distinction can lead to disappointment at the checkout.

Retailers Target Will Price Match

Target’s price match policy focuses on select competitors. These retailers, as of October 2024, generally include:

Amazon.com: Only when the item is sold and fulfilled by Amazon.com directly. Third-party sellers on Amazon are excluded.
Best Buy: A major player in electronics, Best Buy’s prices are often eligible for a match at Target.
Bed Bath & Beyond: If you can find the same item cheaper at Bed Bath & Beyond, Target will likely honor the lower price.
Costco: Only on items available for purchase without a membership.
Kohl’s: Another department store competitor whose prices Target may match.
Macy’s: Keep an eye on Macy’s sales to potentially leverage Target’s price match.
Nordstrom: For similar items, Target may honor Nordstrom’s lower price.
Sears: Although its physical presence has diminished, Sears’ online prices might still be eligible.
Staples: For office supplies and electronics, Staples is a viable price match option.
Ulta Beauty: For beauty products, compare prices between Ulta and Target.
Walmart.com: Only items sold directly from Walmart.com, and not third-party sellers.

The key takeaway here is to verify the “sold by” information, especially when dealing with online marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart.com. Third-party sellers are almost universally excluded from price match policies.

Conditions for a Successful Price Match

Beyond the eligible retailers, several other conditions must be met for Target to honor a price match request:

Identical Items: The item must be exactly the same – same brand, model number, size, color, etc. Even slight variations can disqualify it.
Item Availability: Both Target and the competitor must have the item in stock at the time of the price match request.
Proof of Price: You’ll need to provide proof of the lower price, such as a printed advertisement, a screenshot from the competitor’s website (with the date clearly visible), or showing the price on your smartphone.
Time Frame: Price matching is typically only valid at the time of purchase or within 14 days of your original purchase (with your receipt).
Exclusions: Certain items are typically excluded from price matching, including clearance items, closeout deals, liquidation sales, refurbished items, and promotional offers such as percentage-off or buy-one-get-one deals. Also, pricing errors are usually not honored.

Navigating the Price Match Process

Price matching at Target can be done either in-store or online.

In-Store: Head to the customer service desk before your purchase (or after, within the 14-day window). Show the representative your proof of the lower price and, if all conditions are met, they’ll adjust the price accordingly.
Online: Contact Target’s customer service via phone or online chat before placing your order. Provide them with the necessary information and proof of the lower price. If approved, they’ll guide you through the process.

Remember to be polite and patient. Price matching policies can sometimes be interpreted differently by different employees. Having all your documentation in order can make the process smoother.

Alternative Strategies to Save at Target

While a direct Walmart price match isn’t possible, there are several other ways to maximize your savings at Target:

Target Circle: Sign up for Target Circle, Target’s loyalty program, for exclusive deals, discounts, and personalized offers. This is a crucial tool for any regular Target shopper.
Target RedCard: The Target RedCard (both debit and credit versions) provides a guaranteed 5% discount on almost all purchases, plus free shipping on online orders.
Weekly Ad Scans: Regularly check Target’s weekly ad for advertised deals and promotions.
Clearance Sections: Explore the clearance sections in-store for heavily discounted items.
Price Tracking Tools: Use price tracking websites or browser extensions to monitor the prices of items you’re interested in and receive alerts when they drop.
Manufacturer Coupons: Combine manufacturer coupons with Target’s own promotions for even greater savings.
Shop Around: Even though a direct match is off the table, checking prices at Walmart before shopping at Target is still a wise move.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 frequently asked questions about Target’s price matching policy and related topics:

1. Does Target price match Amazon Prime Day deals?

Generally, yes, Target will price match Amazon.com during Prime Day, provided the item is sold and fulfilled directly by Amazon and meets all other price match criteria. However, be prepared for potentially long wait times at customer service during major sale events.

2. Will Target match a price if the competitor is out of stock?

No, Target requires that both they and the competitor have the item in stock at the time of the price match request.

3. What happens if I find a lower price after I’ve already purchased the item at Target?

Target’s price match policy typically allows for price adjustments within 14 days of the original purchase, provided you have your receipt and meet all other criteria.

4. Can I stack Target Circle offers with price matching?

Generally, yes, you can usually stack Target Circle offers with price matching, as long as the terms and conditions of both allow it. This is a great way to maximize your savings.

5. Does Target price match online prices in-store?

Yes, Target will price match online prices from the retailers listed in their policy, both in-store and online.

6. What is the best way to provide proof of a lower price to Target?

A screenshot from the competitor’s website (with the date and time clearly visible) is often the easiest and most effective way to provide proof of price. Alternatively, you can show the price on your smartphone.

7. Are there any exceptions to Target’s price match policy?

Yes, certain items are typically excluded, including clearance items, closeout deals, liquidation sales, refurbished items, and promotional offers such as percentage-off or buy-one-get-one deals. Pricing errors are also usually not honored.

8. Can I use a coupon in addition to price matching?

Yes, in most cases, you can use a manufacturer’s coupon in addition to price matching, further reducing the price. Target coupons (Target Circle offers or paper coupons) can usually be stacked as well.

9. What if I am told the item on sale at a competitor is a loss leader?

Target will price match a loss leader item from a competitor, meaning, it is still up to the store managers discretion.

10. Does Target price match prices from auction sites like eBay?

No, Target does not price match prices from auction sites or other non-traditional retailers.

11. Will Target match a price if the item is on sale for a limited time only?

Yes, Target will generally match a price that is on sale for a limited time, provided all other price match criteria are met. Act quickly, as the sale price may expire soon!

12. Can I price match with gift cards?

The official policy does not mention specifically whether you can use gift cards in combination with the price match, but it is typically not an issue.

In conclusion, while Target doesn’t directly price match Walmart (excluding Walmart.com items sold directly by Walmart), understanding their price match policy, leveraging Target Circle and RedCard benefits, and employing other smart shopping strategies can help you consistently find great deals.