The week just isn’t done until you’ve made your sojourn to Target. You’re such a regular there that the associates know your name, and the Starbucks baristas practically have your drink ready the moment you walk in the door. Really, though, you don’t do it for fame. You do it for fortune — as in, the fortune you hope to save by shopping at Target instead of other stores.
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However, you might be surprised to learn that Target isn’t always the Shangri-La of savings you believe it to be. In fact, there are several everyday items you can consistently find for less elsewhere.
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1. Probiotic Sodas
The newest trend in soft drinks, these probiotic sodas offer a fizzy, gut-friendly alternative to your standard can of cola. If you’re as focused on health as you are on saving money, you probably pick up a few of them for your own fridge on your Target runs, with brands like Olipop retailing for $2.49 each at Target.
But you’re not getting the most refreshing deal available. That would be at Aldi, where its house brand, Poppi, typically sells for $1.75 per can, depending on location. That’s a 30% savings on average.
2. Throw Blankets
No home attains maximum coziness without throw blankets — they’re practically a decor staple. But Target’s pricing might leave you out in the cold. Even the most affordable options start at around $14.99, and premium throws can reach a budget-busting $54.99 or more.
For a cozier price point, check out Five Below, where you can find decent-quality throws for just $5.55. They may not be made of the world’s finest linen, but they’re perfect for layering or seasonal use, and oh-so-kind to your wallet.
3. Zyrtec
Ah, spring. The weather is warming, the flowers are blooming, and there’s so much more to do — that is, unless your head is so stuffy that you can’t do anything at all. If Zyrtec is your allergy relief of choice, beware of Target’s markup. A 25-count box of name-brand Zyrtec can run between $20.99 and $29.99.
By comparison, Costco sells a 65-count twin pack for just $30.99, which breaks down to less than 48 cents per pill versus 83 cents or more at Target. That’s nearly double the value at Costco.
4. Notebooks
Whether you’re journaling, budgeting or jotting down your to-do list, you don’t need to overspend on notebooks. A standard spiral notebook at Target can cost $2.79 or more, depending on the design. But at Dollar Tree, you can get basic or even fun, decorative notebooks for just $1.25 a piece. You can even find three-packs of mini composition books for the same price.
5. Home Decor
Target is known for its home décor section, and for good reason, since it offers a broad selection of funky, chic and elegant products to bring style to your living space. That said, you often pay a premium for the aesthetic — and can probably find similar items for a lower price elsewhere.
Take faux plants: a medium faux ficus at Target can cost up to $65.99, while similar options at Michaels often sell for $17.99 or less, especially with regular coupons and sales. For home accessories like shelves, trays, and small accents, Five Below and Dollar Tree also offer surprisingly modern options at a fraction of the price you’d pay at Target.
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Bottom line
We love Target, but not every aisle is a bargain. With a little comparison shopping, you can still enjoy your weekly run — and save more while you’re at it.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Hey, Target Shoppers: Skip These 5 Items (You’ll Save More Elsewhere)
