These Target Shopping Hacks Are Absolutely Genius

Here’s a typical Target trip: You think you're running a simple, quick errand, like picking up a case of seltzer, and somehow you walk out carrying bags overflowing with razors, novelty tank tops, cute housewares, and a random gift card. No word on whether the seltzer made it into the cart, but you don't even care anymore. What just happened?

But the ubiquitous big-box retailer doesn't have to be so mysterious. We've uncovered the best secrets to help you get the most out of this superstore paradise. Read on, retail warrior. Things are about to get awesome.

1. Get the Target Cartwheel app.

Step one: Download Target's Cartwheel app before heading to the store. It's an online shopping portal and in-store BFF, allowing you to build a shopping list before you get there and access discounts only available to app users when you head to the checkout line. Show your app to the cashier and that too-cute Threshold pillow could be 15 percent off.

You can also use it to schedule home deliveries and in-store pick-ups (though spending hours browsing the aisles is part of the fun, right?) and find items in the football field-size store. Le dream, all on your phone.

2. Psst, the REDCard is totally worth it.

If you shop at Target all the damn time, sign up for the REDcard, which is available as a credit or debit card. Both options will net you 5 percent off every purchase in-store and online, free two-day shipping, and extended returns for 30 extra days IRL and online. Yeah, let that sink in.

Oh, and that 5 percent discount also applies to third-party gift cards sold by Target, like Disney and iTunes, meaning you could essentially save 5 percent on that Disney World vacation.

But, hardcore PSA: The interest rate on the REDcard is high (much like other store-affiliated credit cards), currently around 25 percent (yikes!), so consider the debit card over credit if you don't always pay your balance in full every month.

3. You can exchange stuff you didn't even buy at Target for a gift card.

The general return policy (you can refund or exchange new and unopened items within 90 days) is pretty typical, but guys, you can also swap stuff without a receipt.

That means you can sometimes trade in stuff you did not buy at Target-but they sell there anyway — in exchange for a store gift card. It'll be worth whatever they last sold the item for. (TBH, this is often up to the discretion of the employee you're dealing with, so don't freak if your customer service rep says no.) 

Another little-known fact: Target store brand items, like the popular Opalhouse home line or Joy Lab workout gear, can be returned within a year. Wild times over at Tar-jay.

4. They'll honor the lowest price you can find-anywhere.

Ever experience that thing where you buy something and then two days later see it online for $20 cheaper? It's the worst! Luckily, Target has a bonkers-good price-match policy, allowing for adjustments up to 14 days after purchase. That means if you get a cooler at Target for $40 and then find the same make and model at a sporting-goods store for $20, Target will give you $20 back as long as you show them proof of a better price, like a receipt or an online listing. (If you want more info on this policy, check out the fine print right here.)

Similarly, if you find a coupon for an item that specifies something like, "redeemable at Walmart" or any other competitor, bring it to Target, where they'll honor it at checkout. And yes, this works online, too. Are they wizards?!

5. You can find discounts hidden on price tags.

Take a look at the upper right-hand corner of the price sticker on clearance items: There's a tiny number there. See it? That's how much an item has been discounted, whether it's 15 or 90 percent. This is super helpful when there aren't any sale signs or if you find a misshelved or stranded item somewhere random.

6. There are deals of the day. Deals! Of! The! Day!

Okay, this is a big one: Target issues in-store discounts for certain categories on different weekdays. Madness, I know! Follow this markdown schedule, according to AllThingsTarget:

Monday: Baby, electronics, kids clothing, accessories, books, stationery

Tuesday: Women's clothing, pets, food

Wednesday: Men's clothing, diapers, health and beauty, furniture, lawn and garden

Thursday: Housewares, shoes, toys, luggage, sporting goods, lingerie

Friday: Auto, cosmetics, hardware, jewelry

7. There's also a holiday discount schedule.

The day after a holiday (be it Valentine's Day or Christmas), non-food holiday stuff is marked down 50 percent, while food and candy gets a 30 percent discount, per The Krazy Coupon Lady. Four days after the holiday, all that grub becomes half off, and other items drop to 70 percent off the original price. On the seventh day, lingering inedible stock is 90 percent off, while all the yummy stuff is 70 percent off the final markdown. Can you even??

8. You can trade in electronics and non-Target gift cards...for Target gift cards!

A little-known Target service allows customers to trade in used electronics or gift cards for non-Target spots for a Target gift card. For example, you could get more than $200 in Target money if you trade in a 64 GB iPhone 8 Plus in working condition. Likewise, if you have a gift card for something like the Gap you can swap it for a Target one at the Guest Services desk. One catch: You gotta do this one IRL. 

9. There's a "subscribe & save" program.

Target also offers near-dupes of Amazon's Subscribe and Save and Pantry features with Target Restock and subscriptions. That means you can get discounts for placing recurring orders for items like toilet paper and cleaning products. Just sign up at Target.com. A literal dream.

credit: COSMOPOLITAN Kase Wickman