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Does Target Sell The Ordinary? A Deep Dive into Skincare Availability

The short answer is both yes and no, but mostly no. While Target stores may not directly sell The Ordinary products in-store, Target.com does occasionally offer a selection of The Ordinary products through its online marketplace or directly as a featured brand. Availability fluctuates, so constant checking is highly recommended.

The Elusive Ordinary: Why Is It Hard to Find at Target?

Let’s be frank; finding your favorite The Ordinary serum nestled amongst the sunscreens and makeup at your local Target is like spotting a unicorn. There’s a reason for this sporadic presence. Target often operates on a curated selection of brands and products, driven by trends, partnerships, and consumer demand. While The Ordinary’s popularity is undeniable, its distribution strategy, heavily focused on online sales and select retailers like Sephora and Ulta, means it’s not consistently available at Target stores.

The Online Advantage: Hunting for Deals at Target.com

Your best bet to find The Ordinary within the Target ecosystem is through Target.com. Even here, the situation can be a bit of a treasure hunt. You might find specific products listed, often fulfilled by Target itself or through third-party sellers via Target’s online marketplace.

Checking Physical Stores: Tips and Tricks

While not a guarantee, checking in-store is always an option. Here’s a proactive strategy:

Use Target’s Website or App: Check Target’s website or the Target app to search for The Ordinary products at your local store. This can give you a glimpse of availability, though accuracy can vary.
Call Ahead: The most reliable way to determine if a specific Target store carries The Ordinary is to call the store directly and ask a beauty department employee.
Check Endcaps and Promotional Displays: Keep an eye out for endcaps or promotional displays in the beauty section. Sometimes Target will feature online-only brands in these areas for a limited time.
Scan the Beauty Aisle Carefully: If the online inventory suggests availability, meticulously scan the beauty aisles, paying close attention to skincare sections that feature niche or trending brands.

The Retail Landscape: Where Else to Find The Ordinary

Since relying solely on Target for your The Ordinary fix can be unpredictable, it’s wise to explore other reliable retailers:

Sephora: A primary stockist, Sephora offers a comprehensive range of The Ordinary products, both online and in-store.
Ulta Beauty: Another major player, Ulta provides a similar selection to Sephora, often with attractive loyalty program benefits.
The Ordinary’s Official Website: Directly purchasing from The Ordinary’s website ensures authenticity and access to their full product line.
ASOS: This online fashion retailer also carries a good selection of The Ordinary products, particularly popular among a younger demographic.
Cult Beauty: A UK-based online retailer that ships internationally, offering a curated selection of beauty brands, including The Ordinary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The Ordinary at Target

Here are twelve frequently asked questions about The Ordinary’s availability at Target, along with detailed answers:

Why doesn’t Target consistently stock The Ordinary in its stores?

The Ordinary primarily focuses on online sales and partnerships with select beauty retailers. Target’s in-store inventory is carefully curated, and while they have carried The Ordinary products in the past, it’s not a permanent fixture due to distribution agreements and inventory management.
How often does Target restock The Ordinary online?
Restock frequency varies greatly. It depends on demand, supplier availability, and promotional campaigns. Check Target.com frequently, especially during sales events. Sign up for email alerts for out-of-stock items to be notified when they’re back.
Are The Ordinary products at Target the same price as on The Ordinary’s website?
Prices are generally comparable, but Target may occasionally offer promotions or discounts that differ from The Ordinary’s official website. Always compare prices before making a purchase.
Does Target offer free shipping on The Ordinary products purchased online?
Target’s free shipping policy applies to eligible orders, typically those over a certain dollar amount. Target RedCard holders also usually enjoy free shipping. Check Target’s current shipping policies at the time of purchase.
Can I return The Ordinary products purchased at Target?
Target has a standard return policy that generally allows returns of unopened beauty products within a specified timeframe. Always review Target’s return policy on their website or at the customer service desk for the most up-to-date information, as policies can change.
Are there any Target exclusive The Ordinary products?
Generally, no. The Ordinary rarely offers exclusive products through specific retailers like Target.
How can I check if a specific Target store carries The Ordinary?
Use Target’s website or the Target app to search for the specific product at that store. The most reliable method is to call the store directly and ask.
Does Target’s online marketplace offer The Ordinary products from third-party sellers?
Yes, Target.com hosts a marketplace where third-party sellers can offer The Ordinary products. Be sure to check seller ratings and reviews before purchasing to ensure authenticity and reliability.
Is it guaranteed that The Ordinary products sold on Target.com are authentic?
While Target strives to ensure authenticity, buying from third-party sellers on Target.com always carries some risk. Stick to products sold and shipped by Target directly or carefully vet third-party sellers before purchasing. Check product reviews and seller ratings.
Does Target price match The Ordinary products with other retailers like Sephora or Ulta?
Target’s price matching policy varies, and typically excludes certain retailers. Review Target’s official price match policy on their website for specific details and exclusions. It’s unlikely they will price match Sephora or Ulta.
What are some alternative skincare brands Target carries that are similar to The Ordinary?
Target carries a growing range of affordable skincare brands with similar formulations and ingredient focuses to The Ordinary. Look for brands like Versed, Good Molecules, CeraVe, and Pacifica.
Will Target ever permanently stock The Ordinary in stores?
While predicting future retail strategies is difficult, it’s not impossible. Consumer demand and Target’s overall merchandising strategy will ultimately determine whether The Ordinary becomes a permanent fixture in Target stores. Keep expressing your interest in seeing The Ordinary at Target through their customer service channels.

In conclusion, while scoring The Ordinary at your local Target is a bit of a gamble, Target.com offers a more consistent, albeit fluctuating, opportunity. By using the tips and tricks outlined above, and exploring alternative retailers, you can ensure you get your hands on your favorite The Ordinary skincare essentials. Happy hunting!