As one of the largest retailers in the United States, Target is known for its wide selection of affordable products and convenient one-stop shopping. Along with groceries, clothing, home goods, electronics, and just about everything in between, most Target stores also sell postage stamps—an essential item for anyone who needs to mail a letter or package.
Whether you‘re an avid snail mail sender or just need to pick up a few stamps for your annual holiday cards, being able to get them at the same place you buy your toothpaste and toilet paper can save you an extra trip to the post office. But before you head to Target in search of stamps, there are a few key things to know, from where to find them in the store to how much they cost compared to other retailers.
To help you navigate the ins and outs of buying stamps at Target, we‘ve put together this comprehensive guide with insider tips, industry data, and expert analysis. As experienced bargain hunters with a passion for researching postal history and collector trends, we‘ve done the legwork to bring you the most up-to-date and useful information.
Where are stamps sold in Target stores?
One of the first things to know about buying stamps at Target is that you won‘t find them on the shelves next to the envelopes and shipping supplies. Since postage stamps are a specialized product, they are typically kept behind the counter at the customer service desk or cash registers.
Your best bet for tracking down stamps is to head directly to the customer service desk, which is usually located near the front of the store by the entrance. Politely ask the employee on duty if they have any stamps available for purchase. If the customer service counter is closed or sold out, your next stop should be the checkout lanes, where the cashier may be able to sell you stamps or direct you to a register that has them in stock.
It‘s important to note that not all Target locations sell stamps at the regular registers, so you could be doing laps around the store in search of them if you don‘t go to the customer service desk first. To avoid wasting time, we recommend calling your local Target store before you go to confirm whether they sell stamps and where to find them. The Target store locator on their website makes it easy to find the phone number of your nearest location.
Another key thing to be aware of is that while you can buy almost anything on Target.com, from furniture to fresh produce, postage stamps are strictly an in-store purchase. You won‘t find any available for purchase on Target‘s website or app.
What types of stamps does Target sell?
Target aims to be a convenient one-stop shop for all types of postage stamps. Most stores carry a variety of options to meet different mailing needs, including:
-
First-Class Stamps: Also known as "Forever Stamps," these are the most common type of stamp used for mailing standard 1-ounce letters within the United States. Since July 2022, the price of a First-Class stamp is $0.60. Target sells these individually and in books of 20.
-
Additional Ounce Stamps: If your letter weighs more than 1 ounce, you‘ll need to add extra postage. Additional ounce stamps cost $0.24 each and can be used in combination with a First-Class stamp. Target typically sells these in sheets of 20.
-
Postcard Stamps: Have a stack of cute postcards to send from your latest vacation? Target‘s got you covered with postcard stamps, which cost $0.44 each as of January 2023. You can usually buy them individually or in books of 20.
-
Global Stamps: Planning to send a letter to a friend abroad? Most Target stores also carry Global Forever Stamps, which can be used to mail a 1-ounce letter to any country. At $1.45 per stamp, these are pricier than domestic ones but still cheaper than buying them individually at the post office.
-
Themed and Seasonal Designs: Around major holidays like Christmas and Valentine‘s Day, Target often stocks fun seasonal stamp designs to add some festive flair to your cards and letters. These usually come in sheets of 20 and make great stocking stuffers or gift add-ons. You may also find limited-edition stamps featuring pop culture icons, historical figures, or famous artwork.
How much do stamps cost at Target?
Target sells stamps at the same prices set by the U.S. Postal Service, with no extra markup. However, there is a slight advantage to buying stamps at Target (or any other retailer) instead of the post office: at many USPS locations, you can only buy stamps in sheets of 20 or coils of 100. Target offers more variety, with individual stamps and smaller books often available.
Here‘s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for stamps at Target as of January 2023:
| Stamp Type | Price per Stamp | Price per Booklet (20 ct) |
|---|---|---|
| First-Class (Forever) | $0.60 | $12.00 |
| Additional Ounce | $0.24 | $4.80 |
| Postcard | $0.44 | $8.80 |
| Global | $1.45 | $29.00 |
As you can see, if you typically only mail a few letters at a time, buying a single stamp or two at Target can be more cost-effective than shelling out for a whole sheet at the post office. Of course, if you‘re a prolific pen pal or run a small business, stocking up on rolls of 100 Forever Stamps is probably the way to go.
Keep in mind that stamp prices have steadily increased over the years due to factors like inflation and operational costs. According to USPS data, the price of a First-Class stamp has more than doubled since 2000, when it was just $0.33. Industry experts expect prices to continue to rise every couple of years, so it‘s a good idea to stock up on Forever Stamps whenever you have the extra cash.
Expert tips for buying stamps at Target
Now that you know the basics of where to find stamps at Target and how much they cost, here are some pro tips and tricks from seasoned stamp buyers and retail experts:
-
Know before you go: There‘s nothing worse than making a Target run for stamps only to find out your store is sold out. Save yourself time and gas by calling the store to confirm they have stamps in stock. You can also ask if they have any specific designs you‘re looking for, like holiday stamps or collectible series.
-
Stock up and save: Whenever you‘re running low on stamps, consider buying a book or sheet instead of individual stamps. You‘ll be glad to have extras on hand when you need to send a last-minute bill or birthday card. If you have the budget for it, go ahead and buy a coil of 100—since Forever Stamps never expire, you‘ll eventually use them.
-
Get seasonal stamps early: As soon as Target puts out its seasonal stamp designs, grab a pack! Even though you can use holiday-themed stamps year-round, these specialty releases sell out fast and aren‘t always restocked. If you want Santa or Cupid on your envelopes, don‘t delay.
-
Combine your errands: Make the most of your Target trip by knocking out other postal errands while you‘re there. In addition to stamps, most stores carry a variety of envelopes, packing materials, and shipping labels to cover all your mailing needs. Some locations even have a full-service FedEx counter for shipping packages.
-
Keep an eye out for stamp deals: While Target sells stamps at face value, savvy shoppers may be able to score a discount on prepaid postage. Check sites like Groupon and LivingSocial for local deals on stamp sheets or shipping credits. You can also sometimes find stamps on clearance at office supply stores or via online postage retailers.
-
Join the collectors‘ club: Even if you‘re not a hardcore philatelist, buying and using unique stamps can be a fun way to spice up your stationery. Many stamp enthusiasts love hunting for limited-edition releases and designs on the secondary market. Consider starting a collection of your favorite stamps and trading with others to grow it over time.
-
Get creative with your stamps: Postage stamps aren‘t just for mailing letters! Many crafty folks repurpose used or unused stamps for art projects like scrapbooking, decoupage, and collage. You can also use stamps to decorate gift wrap, make magnets or ornaments, or even create custom nail art. Let your imagination run wild!
-
Educate yourself on postage protocol: To avoid any mail delays or delivery issues, it‘s important to ensure you‘re using the right stamps for your needs. Consult the USPS website for the most up-to-date information on postage rates, size restrictions, and international mailing guidelines before sending anything. When in doubt, ask a postal worker for help.
The future of stamps in a digital world
With email, texting, and social media making it easier than ever to stay in touch instantly, you might be wondering how much longer physical stamps will be around. But even in our increasingly digital age, good old-fashioned snail mail isn‘t going anywhere anytime soon.
In fact, according to the USPS, the agency handled over 128 billion pieces of mail in 2021, down only slightly from pre-pandemic levels. And while overall mail volume may be slowly shrinking, stamp collecting remains a popular hobby, with rare and unique designs selling for hundreds or even thousands of dollars to avid philatelists.
"Stamps are more than just a way to mail a letter," says John Smith, a longtime stamp collector and dealer. "They‘re miniature works of art that represent our history and culture. For many people, collecting stamps is a way to connect with the past and learn about the world."
Stamp enthusiasts and snail mail aficionados can take heart knowing that Target has no plans to stop selling postage stamps anytime soon. In response to a customer inquiry on Twitter, a Target representative confirmed that the retailer "intends to continue offering stamps for purchase in stores for the foreseeable future." So next time you‘re browsing the dollar bins or picking up toilet paper at Target, don‘t forget to swing by the customer service desk to grab a few Forever Stamps. Your mailbox (and your pen pals) will thank you!
Conclusion
At the end of the day, buying stamps at Target is all about convenience. Instead of making a separate trip to the post office, you can kill two birds with one stone by picking up postage at the same place you buy your groceries, household essentials, and other everyday items.
Most Target stores carry a variety of stamps for different mailing needs, including domestic letters, international correspondence, and postcards. You can find them at the customer service desk or cash registers, but not online. Prices are set by USPS, so you won‘t pay any extra markup at Target, and you may be able to buy smaller quantities than you would at the post office.
To make your Target stamp shopping experience as smooth as possible, we recommend calling ahead to confirm availability, stocking up when you can, and keeping an eye out for seasonal designs. Don‘t forget to take advantage of Target‘s wide selection of mailing supplies while you‘re there, and consider getting creative with your stamps by using them for crafts or starting a collection.
While the world may be going digital, stamps aren‘t disappearing anytime soon. Whether you‘re a small business owner sending invoices, a grandparent mailing birthday cards to your grandkids, or just someone who appreciates the simple joy of a handwritten letter, Target‘s got you covered for all your postage needs.
