As a savvy senior shopper, you know that every penny counts when you‘re living on a fixed income. That‘s why many older adults seek out senior discounts at their favorite retailers – those special offers that honor the spending power and loyalty of customers aged 55+.
If Target is your go-to spot for household essentials, groceries, and more, you may be wondering: does this retail giant offer any breaks for senior shoppers? In this expert guide, we‘ll dive deep into Target‘s discount policies and uncover all the ways thrifty seniors can save on their Target runs.
Why Senior Discounts Matter
First, let‘s talk about why senior discounts are so important. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are over 54 million Americans aged 65 and older, and this population is expected to nearly double by 2060. Many of these seniors are retired and living on fixed incomes from sources like Social Security, pensions, and savings.
At the same time, older adults face rising costs for healthcare, housing, and other essentials. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that households headed by seniors aged 65+ spend an average of $45,756 per year. That‘s a significant chunk of change for those no longer earning a paycheck.
Senior discounts can help ease the financial burden by offering percentage-off savings, exclusive deals, or other perks for older shoppers. AARP research shows that 90% of seniors aged 50 and up use senior discounts when available. Clearly, these special offers make a real difference for golden-years budgets.
Target‘s Senior Discount Policy
So, does Target offer a senior discount? The short answer is no. Unlike some of its retail competitors, Target does not currently have a special discount for customers over a certain age.
This may come as a surprise, since major chains like Kohl‘s, Stein Mart, and Goodwill offer 10-15% off for seniors on select days of the week. Even retail giants like Amazon have special perks for older adults, like a discounted Prime membership for Medicaid recipients.
So why doesn‘t Target jump on the senior discount bandwagon? It‘s hard to say for sure, but it may have to do with Target‘s overall pricing strategy. Target already aims to offer low everyday prices on a wide variety of goods. Adding a senior discount on top of other promotions and deals could cut too far into margins.
However, Target‘s lack of a senior discount doesn‘t mean older adults can‘t still save big at this beloved retailer. Let‘s explore some of the best ways seniors can stretch their dollars at Target.
Savvy Strategies for Seniors to Save at Target
Use Manufacturer Coupons
One of the simplest ways to save at Target is by using manufacturer coupons. These are coupons issued by the product brand itself, not Target. You can usually find them in newspapers, magazines, mailings, and online.
Target makes it easy to use manufacturer coupons in-store. Simply hand your coupons to the cashier at checkout and the discount will be applied to your total. Some manufacturer coupons can even be used for online Target orders – just enter the coupon code at checkout.
To maximize your savings, combine manufacturer coupons with Target Circle offers or RedCard discounts (more on those in a moment). You can even "stack" multiple manufacturer coupons for the same item, as long as you purchase the correct number of items required.
A few tips for using manufacturer coupons at Target:
- Check the expiration date before using a coupon
- Read the fine print for exclusions (e.g. travel sizes not included)
- Use coupons on already-discounted clearance items for bonus savings
- Organize your coupons in a binder or folder for easy access
Join Target Circle
One of the best ways for seniors (or anyone) to save at Target is by joining the free Target Circle rewards program. Signing up is easy – just create an account on Target.com or the Target app with your email address or phone number.
As a Target Circle member, you‘ll enjoy perks like:
- 1% earnings on most Target purchases to redeem later
- 5% off a single purchase for your birthday
- Exclusive Target Circle offers personalized to your shopping habits
- Votes to help direct Target‘s community giving initiatives
To make sure you earn rewards and get credit for your purchases, provide your Target Circle barcode or phone number at checkout in stores and online. You can keep track of your 1% earnings progress and available rewards in the Target app or your online account.
Target Circle benefits can add up quickly for seniors who shop at Target often. Let‘s say you spend $500 per month at Target. With Target Circle‘s 1% earnings, you‘d get back $5 to redeem on a future purchase – that‘s $60 per year in rewards!
Get a Target RedCard
Another smart strategy for saving at Target is applying for a Target RedCard. This store credit or debit card offers a 5% discount on most Target purchases, both in stores and online. That‘s one of the most generous retail rewards rates around.
For example, let‘s say you spend $200 on groceries, household items, and prescriptions at Target. With your RedCard 5% discount, you‘d save $10 instantly. Those savings can really add up over time, especially if you‘re a frequent Target shopper.
The Target RedCard has no annual fee and also includes perks like free 2-day shipping on most Target.com purchases, 30 extra days for returns, and exclusive RedCard holder offers. If you opt for the debit card version, it links directly to your existing checking account for easy payments.
One important note: The Target RedCard is a retail credit card, which means it can only be used for Target purchases. As with any credit product, be sure to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges. Seniors on a fixed income should carefully consider whether a new credit card is right for their financial situation.
Check the Weekly Ad
Another easy way for seniors to save at Target is simply by checking the Weekly Ad before shopping trips. The Weekly Ad is a roundup of the best current deals and promotions at Target. You can find it in print at your local store or online at weeklyad.target.com.
Browsing the Weekly Ad can help you:
- Spot sales on groceries, household essentials, apparel, and more
- Plan your Target shopping around discounted must-haves
- Compare prices to see where you can save the most
- Discover Target‘s latest seasonal merchandise and décor
The Weekly Ad updates every Sunday and often includes special promotions around holidays. It‘s a great resource for seniors looking to stay on budget while still enjoying Target‘s wide selection.
Shop Target-Owned Brands
Did you know that Target has over 45 of its own private label brands? These Target-exclusive lines offer the same or better quality as other name brands for a fraction of the price.
Some popular Target-owned brands that seniors may want to check out include:
- Good & Gather: Budget-friendly groceries and organic foods
- Up & Up: Value-priced household essentials like cleaners and paper goods
- Smartly: Ultra-low-cost everyday items like toiletries and office supplies
- Gilligan & O‘Malley: Comfortable and affordable sleepwear and underwear
By opting for Target‘s in-house brands over pricier alternatives, seniors can save big without sacrificing quality. Next time you‘re browsing Target‘s aisles, look for the distinctive Target brand logos to find great deals.
Target‘s Senior-Friendly Shopping Experience
Beyond just saving money, many seniors also value a comfortable and accessible shopping experience. Target has taken several steps in recent years to make its stores more welcoming to older adults and those with mobility challenges.
For example, most Target stores now offer the following senior-friendly amenities:
- Wider aisles for easy navigation, including with mobility aids
- Benches and seating areas for resting while shopping
- Brighter lighting and larger signage for better visibility
- Magnifying glasses available in the pharmacy section for reading labels
- Accessible restrooms and fitting rooms
- Free delivery to your car with Target Drive Up service
Additionally, Target has expanded its selection of senior-specific products in recent years. Many stores now carry items like mobility scooters, adult diapers, compression socks, pill organizers, and more. Target even offers a line of adaptive clothing with features like magnetic buttons and easy-access openings.
By making its stores and products more senior-friendly, Target shows that it values older shoppers and wants to make their experience as comfortable and convenient as possible. That‘s a win for seniors, even if there‘s no discount involved.
The Bottom Line
So, does Target have a senior discount? Technically, no. But that doesn‘t mean seniors can‘t still save big on their Target shopping. By using manufacturer coupons, joining Target Circle, opting for a RedCard, checking the Weekly Ad, and shopping Target‘s own brands, older adults can trim their bills without sacrificing on quality or selection.
Plus, Target‘s efforts to create a more accessible and senior-friendly shopping experience show that this retailer values its older customers. While a senior discount would be nice, Target still has plenty to offer thrifty golden-agers.
The key takeaway? Don‘t be shy about asking for discounts as a senior shopper. With a little research and strategizing, you can make the most of your retirement budget at Target and beyond. Here‘s to saving in your golden years!
