This story has been updated since it was originally published on 04/26/23 to include additional items
There are many reasons why people love shopping at Target. It’s trendy, has a lot of popular items to choose from, carries both name brands and store brands of good-to-great quality, and all in all is usually a pleasant shopping experience. You can spend a whole day in Target and come out with everything on your shopping list, as well as a cartful of extras.
However, after exploring customer reviews and social media feedback, we’ve gathered the following 11 items that may be considered overpriced at Target, and something to consider when shopping—after all, who doesn’t want the most bang for their buck?
1. Books
Target isn't known for its robust book selection, and discounts are rarely offered on their books, while sales and promos regularly launch at booksellers like Barnes & Noble and Amazon. For example, the popular comic Lore Olympus: Volume One is $14.89 in hardcover at Target, while it's sold on Amazon for just $10.63 in hardcover.
2. Beauty Products
Target is ever-expanding its beauty product selection, with many stores now housing mini-Ultas within their footprints. However, according to MSN, some customers have reported that certain products from name beauty brands are more expensive at Target compared to other retailers, including Ulta themselves. This includes popular skincare brands, like La Roche-Posay and CeraVe, and makeup brands, like Nars and Urban Decay.
3. Coffee Machines
Here's a wild card: Target also apparently marks up several popular coffee machines versus value added to the package by other retailers. For instance, the Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Maker is priced at $199.99 at Target, while at Costco, you can snag the same java machine at the same price, but with an additional Aeroccino three-milk frother, 32 coffee capsules, two recyling bags, and a $40 voucher to Nespresso.com. At the same price, Target only throws in 16 coffee capsules and a whole lot of nada mucho.
4. KitchenAid Professional Stand Mixers
Last on our list is another kitchen classic that may look good in store, but can be nabbed for quite a bit less elsewhere. At Target, the mega-popular KitchenAid Professional Stand Mixer is priced at $449.00 and comes with three standard attachments—a paddle, whisk, and dough hook. Meanwhile, at Costco, you can get the 6-quart version for just $399.99, along with the standard dough hook, whisk, and paddle—and you'll also score a flex edge beater and pouring shield for preventing ingredient spills. An extra quart and multiple additional attachments for $50 less? Yeah, we're going with Costco here.
5. Up & Up Brand Razors
Target's brand of household items may be cheaper than other name brands you'll find on the shelves, but according to some shoppers, what you save in money you'll lose in quality. "I wouldn't recommend buying the giant bag of single blade disposable razors," wrote one Reddit user. "Yes, they're cheap... but it's like shaving with an angry cat wrapped in barbed wire." Yikes! This may be a product that's worth a bit more money for a higher quality.
6. Up & Up Brand Diapers
Diapers are another item that you may want to shell out a bit of extra money for if you want to ensure a good quality product. Based on a study by GearLab Baby, the Up & Up diapers are lower quality than leading brands like Huggies and Pampers. "This product did not perform well in our tests for absorption or leaks, two critical performance metrics for diapering," they warned. On top of this, Up & Up diapers may even have more common skin irritants. Noted!
7. Pet Supplies
Your pet is part of your family, which means it's important to supply them with the best of the best food, treats, and accessories. According to pet lovers, Target isn't the best place to find these items. Cheapism notes that the store typically has limited options when it comes to brands, sizes, and more—and on top of this, their prices usually aren't very competitive, either. You're better off going to a specialized pet store for Fido.
8. Party and Craft Supplies
There's no denying that Target has a lot of cute party and craft supplies on shelves. Unfortunately, though, the prices aren't the best around. So next time you're hosting a party or craft night, it's likely a better idea to stop at a party supply or specialized craft store instead. "If you're looking for specific supplies like paint brushes, acrylic paints, stitching supplies, and other craft goods, you're better off heading to a devoted store," consumer analyst Julie Ramhold told Best Life. Michael's, here we come!
9. Electronics
Next time you need a new laptop, TV, or even a kitchen appliance like a microwave, experts urge you to look elsewhere before you head to Target. Sure, the store has a wide selection—but they certainly don't offer the best deals. According to Jeanel Alvarado of Retail boss, "You can often find better deals and a wider selection at specialized electronics retailers or online stores like Amazon and Best Buy." Plus, she told Best Life, "These specialized retailers may offer better customer service and more knowledgeable staff when it comes to electronics."
10. Greeting Cards
Birthday coming up? Getting your Christmas shopping done? You might want to skip the cards at Target and get them elsewhere. Money-saving expert Andrea Woroch told Best Life that Target greeting cards could cost you as much as $7, and there are much better prices at other stores. Take the Dollar Store, for example, where "You're looking at getting cards for as little as $.50 each."
She has some other advice regarding card shopping, too: "My tip—plan for 6 to 12 months in advance. Think ahead about all the events, holidays, and celebrations you have coming up, and pick up the necessary greeting cards for each. Generic birthday cards work great for any person, too." Got it!
11. Gift Wrap
Speaking of birthdays and Christmas, there's another essential you're better off stocking up on elsewhere: gift wrap. Like greeting cards, you're likely to have to shell out a few extra dollars for wrapping paper at Target. According to Woroch, Walmart has slightly cheaper options, "but the best deals on gift bags and tissue paper are at the dollar store," says Woroch. Plus, "If you're looking for higher quality and thicker wrapping paper, head to a discount store like T.J.Maxx or Ross, where you can get nicer quality for less." Great tip!
Overall, shoppers do love Target for so many reasons, but sometimes the retail giant just won't have the best prices in the 'biz for the biggest brands and products. Sure, you can try to request price matching, but unless it's the holiday season, you're probably out of luck. So, for these 9 items and categories, it might help to price check elsewhere to find the best savings of the bunch.
