Grocery Tour: Stop #4, Target

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Fourth stop on my grocery tour was Target. I think we've all been to Target recently as they've been running some pretty incredible sales! Nevertheless, I stopped there anyhow and took a look at a few things.

I have to say- I was impressed! By the end of my trip, I was wondering why I haven't been shopping there more regularly. A while ago I browsed the aisles and their prices were too high and selection was sparse. I deducted it was a good store to hit the clearance racks at periodically. Well, times have changed and so has Target! I was surprised to find that Target had the lowest prices for many of the 20+ items on my comparison list. {Yes, even less expensive than Walmart.}

One thing that really sets Target apart from other big box stores is their service. Yes, I've had a few not-so-good experiences at Target, but on the whole, as I walk around the store, at least one worker in the grocery department asks if I need help finding something. This time was no different. It was refreshing, especially since I had just come from Walmart, land of no-service-whatsoever.

Like Walmart, Target now price-matches! However, you still have to pay for the items at the register, then take your receipt to Customer Service where they refund you the amount of the price-matched items. I'm not a fan of this method of price matching and hope they change it in the future.

Another thing that sets Target apart is the store coupons! They're available each week here on the website, but I like to use a Target coupon generator like this one at Organic Grocery deals. Since they're store coupons, you can pair them with manufacturer coupons and score even better deals. I do find a lot of Target coupons beep. All the time. No matter what I get. The cheese coupon beeped at my 8 oz blocks of cheese! It's frustrating, but often, as long as you get the correct item, the cashier will just push it through. Sometimes individual Target employees have been difficult to work with as one seems to have one idea on how coupons work while another has a completely different idea. Thankfully, the Target coupon policy is now online! I recommend printing out a copy to have on hand while checking out, just in case!

Target sales are good, but their promotions are often fantastic! I like them not only because they are a good deal, but because they are simple. Buy 3 of these, get a $5 Target gift card. Repeat! Often times the most difficult part of shopping at Target is keeping track of all your coupons! You thought one coupon per item was difficult- try two!

As you walk around, keep an eye out for clearance end-caps. Most of us know where they are in the store! Ours are located by the pharmacy department, but you can also find clearance items on the end-caps by the frozen food and by the make-up. Clearance items + Target store coupons + manufacturer coupons = Many happy coupon shoppers!

While I'm not thrilled with the limited selection and higher prices at the meat counter, the produce section makes up for it. Target produce prices are generally pretty good, especially since they often have store coupons to pair with the sales. Not only are the prices decent, but the produce actually looks like something I want to eat! They have a nice selection of organic items too. While you're in the produce section, stop by the Bakery and pick up a mini loaf of artisan bread for $1 {unless you have a coupon and it's free!} The asiago bread is heavenly!

Like Walmart, another aspect of Target is the size and wide variety of items. It's certainly a one-stop-shop kind of place and if you're not careful, you can come out with a receipt a mile long. They have some great deals in the non-grocery areas as well. Their toy clearance is awesome, if you can manage to get there fast enough. I think they have really cute clothes for both adults and kids. Clothes are also of decent quality and moderately priced. As far as many non-perishable items, I do think Walmart has lower prices, but I like the look of Target's merchandise better.

Even though I shop at Target often, I'm so glad I went in and took a closer look. If you can get past the inconsistent cashiers and coupons beeping, I think it's a fantastic place to shop and save money.

My Grade: A-

{The minus is for the inconsistencies with accepting coupons. It's annoying! Hopefully this will change in the future!}