Shopping at Target is one of our favorite pastimes, but scoring clearance deals is even better. I once got a Shark vacuum for 70% off — not by chance, but by knowing the best time to shop. Target’s markdown schedule along with smart couponing strategies is the secret to unlocking massive savings. Whether you're stacking discounts, navigating the Target coupon policy, or planning for Target toy clearance, I’m here to break it all down for you.
Target’s clearance discounts typically range from 30% - 70% off. Most items start at 30%, then drop to 50% and eventually 70%, depending on inventory and demand. Household essentials, for example, usually don’t make it to 70%, because they sell quickly. Food items start at 15% off, except for holiday food, which follows a different markdown schedule. Knowing when these markdowns happen — and how to coupon at Target — is key to maximizing your savings.
By understanding Target’s markdown schedule and clearance strategies, you can plan your shopping trips and score amazing deals.
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Target's markdown schedule varies by store and inventory.
You might have heard that Target has a set markdown schedule, like home items get marked down on Tuesdays and electronics get marked down on Wednesdays. But the truth is, markdowns vary by store, inventory, and even the individual employees processing the tags. While some patterns exist, there’s no universal markdown schedule that every store follows to the letter.
Most markdowns happen on Mondays or Tuesdays, but it can take all week for stores to get everything updated on the shelves. Each store has their own markdown process, and clearance tags are typically printed on Wednesdays — but employees might not put them up right away. Some stores update their clearance tags within 24 hours, while others may take until Friday.
If you want to get to know your store’s markdown routine, check the shelf tag. The markdown date is printed on it, showing when the discount was applied. Just keep in mind that only seasonal clearance items ring up at their reduced price automatically— for other clearance items, a Target employee has to scan each one manually to apply the discount.
Target's Full Clearance Calendar
While Target's weekly markdowns can vary widely from store to store, their annual clearance schedule is a little more predictable. Since markdowns on everyday items can be hit or miss, understanding the timing of regular clearance events (like seasonal and holiday clearance) gives you a reliable way to plan.
In fact, knowing the schedule of Target’s annual clearance events can help you plan your biggest savings. Here are key events to watch for:
Semi-Annual Target Toy Clearance (January and June)
Target’s Semi-Annual Toy Clearance Sale is one of the best times to stock up on toys. Discounts start at 30% and could reach 70% by the second week. During the event, you can save on brands like Little Tikes, LOL Surprise, Barbie, Lego, and Nerf.
Winter Toy Clearance (January 2025)
Dec. 26: 30% off
Jan. 1: 50% off
Jan. 7: 70% off
Summer Toy Clearance (Predicted June 2025)
June 18: 30% off
June 25: 50% off
July 9: 70% off
Related: Looking for the best toy deals right now? We have a whole list of ways to help you save on Target toys.
Patio Furniture and More Summer Items in July
If a new patio set is in your future, wait until they go on clearance in July. You’ll find clearance patio furniture, summer toys, and garden items, along with markdowns on all the remaining summer inventory.
Discounts will start at 15% off, but they’ll ramp up to 70% off as the month continues.
Target Holiday Clearance
Target’s holiday clearance for Christmas, Halloween, and Easter follows a similar schedule. Discounts typically begin the day after the holiday and increase over the following days. Here’s what to expect:
Day After the Holiday
50% off non-food
30% off food / candy
3 - 4 Days After
70% off non-food
50% off food / candy
One Week After
90% off non-food
70% off food / candy (lasts 1 - 2 days)
While most of the sale is in-store, Christmas and Halloween offer more online clearance deals, with Easter also featuring some online discounts.
How to Hack Target Clearance
1. Learn to read a Target clearance tag so you know when to wait for a bigger discount.
For years, shoppers have speculated what the numbers mean on a Target clearance sticker. But in reality, the secret formula isn’t really a secret.
In the upper right-hand corner of the tag, you’ll see one of three numbers: 30, 50, or 70. The number represents the discount percentage (30%, 50%, or 70% off). Once you know that clearance markdowns start at 30% off and end at 70%, you can easily tell whether you’re looking at a first, second, or third markdown.
The 9-digit number in the middle is what Target calls the DPCI. You can use this number in the Target app (iOS / Android) or even type it into BrickSeek to check inventory at other stores.
The bottom section of the tag shows the date when the markdown began. This is helpful if you're tracking price drops and trying to predict the next markdown cycle. If an item was marked down recently, another discount may still be coming.
2. Online Target clearance is different (and more expensive) than in stores, but look for exclusive discounts.
Just because something’s on clearance in-store doesn’t mean it’s also on clearance online. Target.com has its own clearance section on items that aren't necessarily on clearance in stores, and discounts usually top out at 50%. However, online clearance can sometimes offer sizes and colors that aren't available in-store. So if you're after something specific, it’s worth checking both places.
3. Hunt for clearance deals on endcaps, clearance aisles, and seasonal sections.
Clearance items are usually found in three spots:
Seasonal Section: Look here for seasonal goods and holiday items being cleared out.
Designated Clearance Aisles: These aisles are packed with markdowns, so it's worth browsing frequently.
Endcaps: Target often places clearance items on endcaps, especially in the health and beauty sections, but check them out in every department.
It’s always a good idea to browse down each aisle — you never know what you’ll find.
Related: Here’s your ultimate guide to clearance sale schedules at all the top stores.
4. Get fresh meat and bakery discounts up to 50% off before they’re gone.
If you're looking to save on fresh food at Target, timing is everything. At my store in Tampa, FL, meat markdowns usually happen in the mornings. Discounts typically start at 15% or 30% off, but can go as high as 50% off if the product is close to its sell-by date. Look for a yellow clearance sticker on the meat package. Shopping early in the day gives you the best chance of scoring discounted meat before it's gone.
If you have a Super Target with a bakery, check for markdowns on fresh baked goods too. Just like the meat, these items get discounted as they near their best buy date. I like to grab muffins and other bread items to freeze for later. At my store, I tend to find these deals in the morning or even later in the afternoon. Baked goods don’t disappear as quickly as meat, so you might have more time to find a deal.
5. Can you return clearance items to Target? Yes, you can.
You can return clearance items to Target as long as it’s within 90 days of your purchase. Clearance items have the same rules as anything else under the Target return policy. However, there are some items you can’t get a refund for, like products that have been salvaged or discontinued.
KCL TIP: If an item you bought goes on clearance within 14 days, you can ask for a price adjustment at Guest Services.
6. Target clearance discounts usually won’t get better than 70% off — items get sent to salvage stores after that.
The days of Target offering 90% off clearance are rare. Not long after items hit 70% off, Target sends them off to Target salvage stores. There you'll find deeper discounts on past-season inventory. Check out your local salvage stores for bigger savings on Target items you might have missed.
The only exception to this 70% off rule are holiday clearance items — you’ll see select items reach up to 90% off at Target in the weeks after Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween, and Christmas.
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