If you‘re in the market for a high-performance cooler or insulated tumbler, YETI is likely a brand at the top of your list. Known for their durability, ice retention, and sleek designs, YETI products have amassed a cult following among outdoor enthusiasts, tailgaters, and anyone who appreciates a cold drink on a hot day.
As one of the nation‘s largest retailers, Target is often a go-to destination for one-stop shopping, offering everything from groceries and household essentials to high-end kitchen appliances and recreational gear. So it‘s only natural to wonder: does Target sell YETI coolers and tumblers?
The short answer is no. Despite Target‘s wide-ranging product assortment, the retailer does not currently carry any YETI products in stores or online at Target.com. However, there are several other retail and online options for purchasing YETI products, as well as some great alternative brands available at Target.
Why Doesn‘t Target Sell YETI?
There are a few key reasons why you won‘t find YETI products on the shelves at your local Target store. Firstly, YETI has strategically chosen to partner primarily with specialty outdoor retailers and sporting goods stores that align with the brand‘s rugged, adventure-seeking image. These include stores like REI, Dick‘s Sporting Goods, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Bass Pro Shops, and Cabela‘s, among others.
According to YETI CEO Matt Reintjes, the brand‘s selective retail partnerships are designed to "build brand awareness and equity through the passion and authenticity of the communities we serve." In other words, YETI wants to be where its core customers are shopping and ensure its products are showcased by knowledgeable retail partners who share their enthusiasm for outdoor recreation.
Another factor is YETI‘s premium price positioning, which may not align with Target‘s overall value proposition and pricing strategy. YETI‘s hard coolers range from around $199.99 for the smallest Roadie 24 model to $1,299.99 for the largest Tundra 350, while their soft coolers start at $199.99 for the Hopper Flip 8 and go up to $299.99 for the Hopper M30. YETI‘s popular Rambler tumblers start at $19.99 for a 10 oz lowball and top out at $49.99 for a 64 oz half gallon jug.
In contrast, Target‘s average selling price for a hard cooler is around $60, with the majority of models falling under $100. The retailer‘s assortment of insulated tumblers is similarly value-oriented, with most options priced between $5-$15. While Target does offer some premium options in key categories, the retailer generally aims to provide stylish, functional products at accessible price points that appeal to a broad range of consumers.
It‘s worth noting that YETI has achieved remarkable success and growth in recent years without selling through mass retailers like Target. The brand generated net sales of $1.1 billion in 2021, a 29% increase over the prior year, driven by strong demand for both hard and soft coolers, as well as drinkware and other accessories. YETI also commands a significant market share in the premium cooler category, with an estimated 55% share of the $300+ hard cooler market and 65% share of the $200+ soft cooler market, according to a 2021 report by Cowen Equity Research.
Where to Buy YETI Coolers & Tumblers
So if Target is out, where can you get your hands on a coveted YETI cooler or tumbler? The brand has several key retail partnerships and a robust direct-to-consumer website that make it easy to shop their full product line.
One of the best places to buy YETI products is directly from the source at YETI.com. The brand‘s website offers their complete range of hard and soft coolers, insulated drinkware, bags, and accessories, with many exclusive colors and customization options you won‘t find anywhere else. YETI.com also offers free shipping on orders over $19.99 and a generous 30-day return policy (60 days for store credit).
If you prefer to shop in-store, outdoor and sporting goods stores are your best bet for finding a wide selection of YETI products. DICK‘S Sporting Goods, one of YETI‘s largest retail partners, carries the brand‘s full line of coolers and drinkware both online and at its 800+ locations nationwide. Academy Sports + Outdoors and Bass Pro Shops/Cabela‘s are also authorized YETI dealers, with large assortments available at their 250+ and 170+ respective store locations.
Specialty outdoor retailers like REI and Backcountry.com are also great sources for YETI products, especially if you‘re looking for a specific model or color that may be hard to find elsewhere. Many local outdoor gear shops also partner with YETI to offer a curated selection of the brand‘s most popular items. Some even offer exclusive colors and customization options you won‘t find at larger chain retailers.
When shopping for YETI products at retail, it‘s always a good idea to check the store‘s website or call ahead to confirm availability of the specific item you‘re looking for. Selections can vary widely by location, and popular models and colors often sell out quickly, especially around peak gifting holidays. Some stores may also offer demo units of popular YETI hard coolers and tumblers so you can see the product in person before purchasing.
Cooler & Tumbler Alternatives at Target
While you may have your heart set on a YETI, don‘t write off Target completely when it comes to coolers and insulated drinkware. The retailer offers a range of options from both national brands and its own in-house labels that deliver solid performance and value.
In the hard cooler category, Target‘s standout offering is the Igloo Latitude 90 qt Rolling Cooler, which can keep ice frozen for up to 5 days and hold 137 cans plus ice. With durable wheels and a telescoping handle for easy transport, this model is a great alternative to YETI‘s Tundra Haul wheeled cooler at less than half the price ($149.99 vs. $399.99).
For a more budget-friendly option, the 70 qt Igloo Ice Cube Roller Cooler rings in at just $44.99 and can keep contents cold for up to 3 days. It features a push-button telescoping handle, molded side handles for team lifting, and a threaded drain plug for easy emptying.
In terms of soft coolers, Target‘s Sun Squad line offers several fun, functional, and affordable options perfect for a day at the beach or park. The Sun Squad 24-Can Soft Sided Portable Cooler Backpack, for example, comes in trendy patterns like pineapples or gingham and keeps contents cold for up to 12 hours. At just $25, it‘s a steal compared to YETI‘s $199.99 Hopper Flip 8 soft cooler.
When it comes to insulated drinkware, Target‘s Room Essentials and Sun Squad brands offer a variety of tumblers, water bottles, and other sip-ready vessels at unbeatable prices. The 40 oz Room Essentials Stainless Steel Tumbler, for example, shares many of the same features as YETI‘s 36 oz Rambler (double-wall vacuum insulation, sweat-free design, clear lid with straw) at a quarter of the price ($10 vs. $49.99).
For a near-identical dupe of YETI‘s 10 oz Lowball tumbler, check out Sun Squad‘s 10 oz Insulated Stainless Steel Tumbler. Also featuring double-wall insulation and a spill-resistant lid, this version comes in a range of fun colors and prints for just $3 (versus $19.99 for the YETI).
In head-to-head testing, many of Target‘s in-house brand tumblers have been shown to perform comparably to YETI in terms of temperature retention. A 2018 test by Good Housekeeping found that the 24 oz Room Essentials Stainless Steel Tumbler kept drinks hot for 5 hours and cold for 12 hours (empty), nearly matching the performance of the YETI 20 oz Rambler tested (6 hours hot/13 hours cold empty).
Beyond Target‘s own brands, the retailer also carries insulated drinkware from trusted names like Contigo, Takeya, and S‘well at competitive price points. Contigo‘s 24 oz Snapseal Byron Vacuum-Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Mug, for example, is a popular alternative to YETI‘s 26 oz Rambler Bottle, with a leak-proof lid and easy one-handed drinking for just $24.99 (versus $39.99 for the YETI).
The Bottom Line
While Target may not carry the YETI brand directly, fans of the premium cooler and drinkware maker still have plenty of options for finding their favorite products. From specialty outdoor retailers to the brand‘s own website, YETI is readily available for those willing to seek it out and pay a premium for the brand name.
However, if you‘re open to alternatives, Target offers a compelling assortment of coolers, tumblers, and other insulated drinkware at much lower prices. By focusing on functional, stylish products from quality in-house and national brands, the retailer aims to delight customers of all ages and interests with on-trend designs and accessible prices.
At the end of the day, the "best" cooler or tumbler comes down to your individual needs, preferences, and budget. If you‘re looking for maximum durability and performance for rugged outdoor adventures, YETI may be worth the splurge. But if you just need a reliable, affordable option for keeping drinks cold by the pool or at a BBQ, one of Target‘s offerings will likely fit the bill. Happy shopping!
