Are you one of the multitudes of people obsessed with Target? Do you find it challenging to go into the store for a few things without buying half the store?
Well, it turns out there’s a science behind this that encourages people to spend more than planned.
We all want a great deal, but it’s a good idea to know how they draw customers into spending. In this article, we’ll show you how to save money when visiting Target.
Grab your shopping bags, and let’s go!
Why Do People Love Target So Much?
What is this science that Target uses to make us spend extra time and money in their stores? We’ll give you the details about this, but to put it simply, they make us feel good!
Most people don’t want to feel cheap. But they do enjoy a good deal. Target understands this and has a way of making the experience feel more upscale.
There’s even the joke pronunciation, Tar-jhay. The French twist affirms for many that Target is more upscale than Walmart.
Creating a perception that sets Target apart from Walmart is the goal of this science. And with many jokes and websites about the People of Walmart, this is an integral part of Target’s marketing.
The company’s approach to discounts is unique as well. Instead of just focusing on price, Target highlights up-to-date, modern products.
They collaborate with trending fashion and interior designers to create Target’s private labels. These clothing and home products are perceived as high-quality compared to other brands.
The stores are also well organized and carry a wide range of items, from electronics to groceries and beauty products. This helps Target project an image of a one-stop- shop, a place to find new products, good deals, and try products before buying.
This makes customers more likely to explore the store and suggests ideas about their needs as they walk the aisles.
As we said, it’s the science. Target’s research is focused on behavioral economics and shopping behavior.
What Is the Target Effect?
The store has a way of getting customers to buy more than planned. This experience is so common the Internet has dubbed it the Target Effect.
The real genius behind this sale tactic starts with the store’s layout. The Starbucks near the entrance creates a welcoming vibe that invites people to come in and hang out. Once you stop for an iced coffee, you’re already spending more time there.
From there, it just flows.
The stores are colorful and well-lit, and the aisles are wide with well-organized merchandise. This is why shopping at Target is so pleasant.
This enjoyment creates a treasure-hunt shopping experience similar to stores like TJ Maxx and Marshall’s. And Target employees in red shirts are easy to spot If you’re having trouble finding something.
Research shows that the more time customers spend in a store, the more likely they spend money.
Pro Tip: Love shopping at Costco? Make sure to never commit any of these Seven Deadly Sins of Costco Shopping.
What Are the Best Ways to Save Money at Target?
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help you save money when shopping at Target. Let’s look at some of these shopping hacks to avoid overspending.
First, limit how often you go. A trip to Target every two months rather than weekly can help you reduce your Target addiction.
Second, have a plan. Starting with which door you enter through. If you need groceries, park on the grocery side of the store so you won’t have to walk past the fashion or home decor sections.
Third, leave the credit card home and only bring the cash you need. Having cash can help you control your spending and limit impulse shopping.
Fourth, don’t get a cart. Skipping the cart is one of the easiest ways to save money at Target.
A shopping cart is like an invitation to buy more things. You’re going to want to fill it.
Secret Sales and Discounts
Many people know Target is affordable and carries a wide range of products. But some don’t know that the store has a secret sale schedule, color-coded discounts, and generous policies that save shoppers money.
Let’s examine a few of these secrets to remember on your next visit to Target.
Markdowns happen by department on a standard schedule, depending on the store location. Check the All Things Target website for more details.
Target will price match any local store or online retailer that carries an item for a lower price. Just bring in an ad or online listing that shows the object with a lower price and present it to Guest Services to get this discount.
Target’s mobile app gives customers access to exclusive coupons and additional discounts of up to 50%. Present the coupon screen to the cashier to get the deals.
Don’t buy as soon as an item is on sale. The discounts increase over time, and the longer you wait to buy something, the cheaper it’ll be. Sale items start at 15 to 30% off and finally end at 70% off.
Don’t worry if something you want is sold out. You can still buy it at the sale price 30 to 45 days after the store restocks it. Just request a rain check at Guest Services for the sold-out items.
Multiple coupons at checkout. Target’s policy allows customers to use up to three coupons on one item. You can use mobile coupons from Cartwheel and print coupons from advertisements and manufacturers and use them all on one thing to triple the savings.
These are just a few money-saving hacks you can use at Target in addition to post-holiday sales, the dollar deal section, and bringing your own bags.
Does the Chain Have a Generous Return Policy?
Target offers shoppers a generous timeframe to return unwanted items. There’s also a special extended policy for customers who use a Target RedCard for purchases.
Additionally, you have up to a year to return items from Target’s line of in-house brands.
If you’ve lost your receipt, Target has ways to locate your purchase to give you a full refund. If you bought from a Target Plus Partner, you need proof of purchase. This is easy to find because it’s sent to your email when the order ships and when it’s delivered.
The Target app also has ways to help you get the information you need to make returns easier.
Pro Tip: Save money by following these 10 Unwritten Rules for Shopping at Walmart.
Is It Really Possible to Buy More and Pay Less at Target?
Target isn’t a store where you can buy bulk items for less. However, there are enough ways to save money that it can make you feel that you’re buying more and spending less.
Target’s marketing, organization, layout, and wide range of quality products make customers want to spend more time there and find things they didn’t know they wanted.
So as long as you take advantage of the markdown, schedules, discounts, sales, and coupons, you might feel you’re getting more for less. This tends to make people feel good, which is Target’s target!
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