Does Target Price Match Grocery Stores? Complete Policy Guide
Does Target Price Match Grocery Stores? Complete Policy Guide
What's In This Article
- Quick Answer: Does Target Price Match Grocery Stores?
- Target Price Match Policy Overview
- Which Grocery Stores Does Target Price Match?
- How to Price Match at Target Step-by-Step
- Target Price Match Exclusions and Limitations
- Online vs. In-Store Price Matching at Target
- Tips to Successfully Price Match Groceries at Target
- Common Questions About Target Price Matching
- Why Bargain Boxed Offers Better Value Than Price Matching
Quick Answer: Does Target Price Match Grocery Stores?
Yes, Target does price match select grocery stores including Walmart, Kroger, Aldi, and other major competitors. Target will match the price if you find an identical item advertised for less at a qualifying local competitor or select online retailers. However, there are specific requirements and limitations to be aware of when price matching groceries at Target.
Target Price Match Policy Overview
Target's price matching policy allows shoppers to get the best possible price on identical items found at lower prices elsewhere. The policy applies to groceries and other merchandise, but understanding the specific details can help ensure a smooth price matching experience.
For grocery items specifically, Target will match prices from local grocery competitors within a certain radius of the store location. This includes both weekly advertised sale prices and regular shelf prices at competing stores.
The policy states that the item must be identical (same brand, size, model, etc.) to qualify for a price match. Additionally, the competitor must be on Target's approved list of stores they will price match with.
Price matching at Target can be done at the time of purchase or within 14 days after purchase with a receipt. This gives shoppers flexibility if they spot a better deal after making their Target purchase.
Which Grocery Stores Does Target Price Match?
Target price matches groceries from several major competitors, including:
- Walmart
- Kroger and Kroger-owned stores
- Aldi
- Costco (for members)
- Sam's Club (for members)
- Whole Foods
- Trader Joe's
- Local grocery chains in your area
- Amazon.com
- Walmart.com
- BestBuy.com
It's important to note that the list of eligible competitors may vary by location. Some Target stores may price match with regional grocery chains specific to your area. To confirm whether a particular grocery store qualifies for price matching at your local Target, we recommend checking with customer service before shopping.
How to Price Match at Target Step-by-Step
Following these steps will help ensure a successful price matching experience for grocery items at Target:
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Find the lower price: Locate the identical grocery item at a lower price from a qualifying competitor. This can be in a print advertisement, on the competitor's website, or in their store.
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Verify eligibility: Make sure the item matches exactly (same brand, size, quantity, model, etc.) and that the competitor is on Target's price match list.
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Bring proof: Have the advertisement, website, or mobile app ready to show the Target employee. For online prices, ensure the item is in stock at the competitor's website.
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Request the match at checkout: Inform the cashier before they ring up your items that you'd like to price match. For multiple items, process them as separate transactions to make verification easier.
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For after-purchase matching: If you've already purchased the item, bring your receipt and proof of the lower price to Target's customer service desk within 14 days of purchase.
Target associates may need to verify the competitor's price, so patience during this process will help ensure a smooth transaction. Some stores may have a dedicated customer service desk for handling price matches rather than processing them at regular checkout lanes.
Target Price Match Exclusions and Limitations
While Target's price matching policy is generous, there are several important limitations and exclusions to be aware of:
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Limited time offers: Target will not match prices for clearance items, lightning deals, doorbusters, or flash sales.
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Quantity limits: Price matches are limited to one identical item per guest per day.
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Timing restrictions: Competitor prices valid during a specified period (like Black Friday week) are excluded.
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Geographic limitations: Target only matches local competitors operating within a certain mile radius of the store location.
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Marketplace sellers: Prices from third-party marketplace sellers (even on approved retailer websites) are not eligible.
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Special circumstances: Target will not match prices that require membership fees, store loyalty rewards, or special manufacturer deals.
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Store brands: Target won't price match store-specific brands (like Kroger's Simple Truth or Walmart's Great Value).
For grocery items specifically, Target may be particularly strict about matching exact sizes and quantities, which can sometimes be challenging with produce or meat products that may be sold by weight.
Online vs. In-Store Price Matching at Target
Target's price matching policy differs slightly between online and in-store purchases:
In-Store Price Matching:
- Can match both local competitor store prices and select online retailer prices
- Price matching is handled at the checkout or customer service desk
- Requires physical proof of the lower price
- Can be done at purchase time or within 14 days after purchase
Online Price Matching:
- Only matches prices from select online competitors (not local stores)
- Must be requested before purchase completion
- Requires contacting Target.com customer service
- Cannot be done retroactively after the online purchase is complete
For grocery items specifically, in-store price matching tends to be more practical, as many grocery items aren't typically purchased online through Target.com, and fresh items may not be identical to those sold online.
Tips to Successfully Price Match Groceries at Target
To make your price matching experience more successful when buying groceries at Target:
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Do your homework: Research prices before shopping and save advertisements or screenshots of lower prices.
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Check exact specifications: Ensure the grocery items match exactly, including size, quantity, flavor, etc.
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Verify the competitor qualifies: Double-check that Target price matches with the store where you found the lower price.
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Shop during slower hours: Price matching takes time, so avoiding peak shopping hours can make the process smoother.
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Be polite and patient: Target associates may need to verify prices, which can take extra time.
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Know the exclusions: Familiarize yourself with items that don't qualify for price matching to avoid disappointment.
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Bring the Target app: Having the Target app on your phone makes it easier to look up item details if needed.
Many successful price matchers find that building a relationship with customer service staff at their local Target helps streamline the process over time.
Common Questions About Target Price Matching
Does Target price match Aldi grocery prices?
Yes, Target does price match with Aldi. Since Aldi often has very competitive grocery prices, this can be a significant saving opportunity for shoppers.
Can I price match Target groceries after purchase?
Yes, Target allows price matching within 14 days of purchase with your original receipt.
Will Target price match an item that's out of stock at the competitor?
No, the item must be in stock at the competitor for Target to honor the price match.
Does Target price match buy-one-get-one-free grocery deals?
Generally, Target does not price match BOGO offers unless the advertisement clearly shows the item price.
Can I use coupons with price matching at Target?
Yes, in most cases. Target allows manufacturer coupons to be applied after a price match, but not Target coupons or promotions.
Does Target price match grocery items on sale in competitor weekly ads?
Yes, as long as the advertisement is current and the item matches exactly.
Will Target price match online grocery delivery services?
No, Target typically doesn't price match with grocery delivery services like Instacart or Shipt due to potential markup in their pricing.
How many grocery items can I price match in one transaction?
While technically you can price match multiple items, Target may prefer to handle them as separate transactions for verification purposes.
Why Bargain Boxed Offers Better Value Than Price Matching
While price matching at Target can save you money, we at Bargain Boxed believe we offer an even better solution for budget-conscious shoppers. Here's why our approach beats the hassle of price matching:
No Research Required: Instead of spending hours hunting down the lowest prices and gathering proof for price matching, Bargain Boxed has already done the work for you. We source products at the absolute lowest prices possible.
Consistently Lower Prices: Our business model allows us to offer grocery and household items at prices that are regularly lower than what you'd find at Target or other major retailers—even after price matching.
No Membership Fees: Unlike warehouse clubs that Target price matches with (like Costco or Sam's Club), we offer our rock-bottom prices without requiring any membership fees.
No Complicated Policies: Price matching comes with numerous restrictions and exclusions. At Bargain Boxed, our straightforward pricing means what you see is what you pay—no need to navigate complex policies or convince a cashier.
Time Savings: The price matching process takes time—showing proof, waiting for verification, and potentially dealing with rejections. Shopping with Bargain Boxed eliminates this time investment completely.
Broader Selection: We offer many shelf-stable grocery items that are perfectly good to consume but might be approaching or just past their best-by date. When stored properly, these items maintain their quality and safety while allowing us to pass on significant savings to you.
For smart shoppers looking to maximize their grocery budget, Bargain Boxed offers a more efficient alternative to Target's price matching policy. While price matching can work in certain situations, our everyday low prices on quality merchandise deliver consistent value without the extra steps.
We hope this guide helps you understand Target's grocery price matching policy. While it can be a useful tool in your money-saving arsenal, we believe Bargain Boxed offers a superior shopping experience with less hassle and greater savings. Happy shopping!