1. Target’s usual price drops go from 30% to 70% off.
When Target lowers prices in any section, they start with 30% off and sometimes go up to 70% off. It all depends on what the item is and how many are left.
For home items like laundry supplies, the price drops start at 15% off and end at 50% off. These items often get bought up quickly at my store, so they never reach the final 70% discount.
2. Learn your store’s price drop schedule and shop during the week.
Before we get into the “when” of Target’s price drops, remember that each store might do it differently. My best advice? Get to know your Target store and see when price drops happen for different sections. Here’s what I know:
Target usually drops prices Monday through Friday. Every section does it on a different day. I have one store near me that always drops toy prices on Tuesday and another that does it on Thursday. Try making friends with the Target employees at your store and kindly ask if they can give you some tips about their price drop schedule.
3. Learn how to read a Target price drop tag — it’ll tell you when to wait for a bigger discount.
For years, shoppers have wondered what the numbers mean on a Target price drop sticker. But in reality, it’s not a big secret.
In the top right corner of the tag, you’ll see one of three numbers: 30, 50, or 70. The number shows the discount percentage (30%, 50%, or 70% off). So once you know that price drops start at 30% off and end at 70%, you can easily tell whether you’re looking at a first, second, or third price drop!
The 9-digit number in the middle is what Target calls the DPCI. You can use this number in the Target app (iOS / Android) or even type it into BrickSeek to check if other stores have it.
4. Target price drops won’t get better than 70% off — items get salvaged after that.
Sadly, the days of getting Target clearance items at 90% off are few and far between. Not long after items hit 70% off, Target sends them off to salvage stores, so you only have a short window of time to grab these final price drop items.
Target is more likely to salvage big-ticket items when they hit 50% off. If you find something you really need at a price drop, don’t wait too long. Otherwise, it might vanish from the shelf forever.
The only exception to this 70% off rule are holiday price drop items — you’ll see select items reach up to 90% off at Target in the weeks after Halloween and Christmas.
5. Online Target price drops are different than in stores and the discounts aren’t nearly as good.
If you’re after the best Target price drops, always go to the store to shop. Target.com does have an online price drop section, but you’ll rarely find discounts over 50%. In fact, most online price drop items don’t get past 30% off.
For example, I recently stocked up on Target Easter Clearance items in person at my store for 70% off, and when I looked online, I found a few of the same items for only 15% off.
6. Can you return price drop items to Target? You bet!
Yes, you can return price drop items to Target as long as it’s within 90 days of your purchase. Price drop items have the same rules as anything else under the Target return policy. However, there are some items you can’t get a refund for, like products that have been salvaged or discontinued.
7. Shop for toys during the Semi-Annual Target Toy price drop in January and July to score some of the best deals all year.
Target’s Semi-Annual Toy Clearance Sale happens in January and July each year, and it’s THE BEST time to stock up on toys, games, dolls, and more. Both of these Target toy sales typically run for three to four weeks total, with discounts starting at 30% to 50% and reaching up to 70% during the last leg of the sales.
If you stay on top of the best deals, you can score name-brand toys for up to 70% off. These price drop deals are available on Target.com, too, but the best deals are always in stores. During the event, you can save on brands like Little Tikes, LOL Surprise, Barbie, Lego, and Nerf.
8. Save BIG on holiday decor for next year during Target’s Christmas price drop.
Now that you’ve stocked up on toys and other gifts, it’s time to get all your Christmas decor on price drop, too. Target Christmas price drop starts the day after Christmas (Dec. 26) both in stores and online. You’ll find price drops on holiday gift sets, accessories, Christmas lights, decor, party supplies, gift bags, wrapping paper, bows, and more.
