Target might be the queen of convenience, but those little red cart runs are not always budget-friendly and can add up fast. From groceries to throw pillows, it’s easy to walk out with a lighter wallet and a heavier sense of regret. The good news? There are stores quietly undercutting Target’s prices on everything from household basics to kitchen gear and a few of them are seriously unexpected.
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Walmart
Walmart is often notably cheaper on groceries compared to Target. You can typically find everything from meat, dairy, frozen foods and non-perishables at a more affordable price. A 2025 price comparison from Saving Your Tail checked prices between the two retail giants and found that Walmart offered the lowest price on 85% of the 150 or more grocery items they checked. The biggest savings were on cereal, pasta, rice and deli products, with at least a 45% savings compared to Target’s prices.
You’ll also find exceptional deals that outdo many of Target’s sales on home items.
For example, this down alternative queen-sized comforter at Target costs $109.99, while a comparable one at Walmart is only $22.99. That’s a savings of $87 on just one item.
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Target Salvage Stores
Target has some stylish home decor that could bring a much-needed refresh to your home. However, the prices aren’t always kind to your wallet, which can slow down your redecorating process while you save up for the next purchase. Instead of paying full price for the products you’ve had your eyes on, you may want to consider visiting your local Target salvage store.
These third-party retailers may be hard to find, but once you locate one, you stand to score some amazing deals. Salvage or liquidation stores carry products that were overstocked, returned or a little damaged during transport. So you’ll see discounts of 40% to 70% off in most cases. And if you’re lucky, you’ll find up to 90% clearance deals on certain pieces. The downsides — you’ll have to inspect your picks closely for any damage or defects and there’s typically a no returns policy in effect. Plus, these stores aren’t usually super organized like the brightly lit Target aisles you’re used to. Come prepared to hunt for the needle in a haystack as if you were heading to the thrift store.
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet
If you haven’t been to Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, you’re missing out. Not familiar? It’s a closeout or overstock style store, much like the liquidation stores we mentioned earlier. The inventory is constantly shifting, so if you see a great deal, you don’t want to save it for next time. At this bargain outlet, you’ll find everything from toiletries, cookware and appliances to toys. And the prices are almost always lower than Target or other retail stores. Although Ollie’s has deep discounts on many of its items, you may notice that some of the appliances are older models, so you won’t always get the latest and greatest.
Restaurant Supply Stores
Of course, warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club have better prices than Target and it’s for good reason. They buy and sell in bulk, so you get a better deal than buying from Target in smaller quantities. The same concept goes for restaurant supply stores and you don’t have to own a restaurant to take part in the savings.
At Target and other grocery stores, you’ll notice that kitchen supplies like tongs, mixing bowls, sheet trays and plastic containers are more expensive. These items are often dramatically cheaper at restaurant supply stores. A 12-inch locking stainless steel tong might be under $2 versus a similar option at Target for $15.99. Plus, commercial-grade kitchen gear tends to last longer, so you won’t have to buy it again after a few months of use. Some supply stores also sell food at a lower per-unit cost than what you’d get in smaller packages at Target. However, these bulk food deals are only worth it if you can use it all before it expires.
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 4 Surprising Stores With Way Lower Prices Than Target
