Target is one of the leading department stores in the United States today and claims to charge lower prices than many of its competitors. Target has also been one of the biggest attention grabbing department stores in the past few years with their political backings and human right ideas. Target is also connected with Pizza Hut, one of the largest pizza franchises, and Starbucks coffee, another gigantic chain and Converse, one of the leading shoe companies in the country and worldwide.
Despite all of the hype surrounding Target it is the prices that truly effect shoppers in this economy. Target claims to have a hold on good deals and often times advertises price matching, but when it comes to actually going through this process customers are forced to jump through hoops just to prove they have paid more for an item. The following items will show that Target is not the cheapest one-stop-shop around.
Rachel Ray Cookware
Rachel Ray cookware is a big name in the culinary world these days, which is why so many people seek out these great quality pans. This set comes with two sauce pans, two skillets, a saute and stockpot that are all featured on the Rachel Ray show. These pans are stainless steel with rubber handles and provide a non-stick cooking surface. They are all durable in the oven and can handle being washed in the dishwasher without taking any damage. Due to Rachel Ray being a big name Target obviously bought into this item and promises it at a low price of $189.99 on target.com, but can be found on overstock.com for $37 cheaper, or $152.99!
Halo 4
The popular new XBOX game Halo 4 was released this November and is said to be one of the top request holiday gifts of the year. Target, of course, offers many XBOX games as well as games from other consoles for sale. It is important to shop around though because often Target’s sales are not all they are supposed to be. On target.com this game is on sale for $59.99 which matches just about any other department or specialty store around; however, when this item is bought online it costs almost $20 for taxes and delivery. On upkicks.com the same game is currently on sale for $53.98, without all the extra charges.
LCD TV
LCD Television sets are highly sought out in today’s market, especially with the holiday season just around the corner. Unwrapping this Westinghouse 40 inch LCD TV would make any person smile, – movies and television will never be the same after watching anything on this TV, and gaming is also an all new experience! But buyers should be careful where they purchase this set from if they are looking to save money. Target.com offers this television set for $379.99, which seems like a great offer. However, at Walmart.com this set can be purchased for $319.98, a $60 difference from Target’s offer. This set can be purchased for even less when bought as refurbished on Walmart.com.
Nikon SLR Digital Camera
Nikon is one of the leading names in digital cameras because of their great quality photos and easy to use cameras. This is only one of the reasons why Nikons are such a wonderful gift for anyone who loves photographing, or anyone who is interested in taking up the hobby. Finding a Nikon at a great price is often hard to do though. Right now on target.com this wonder Nikon D800 CMOS FX Format Digital SLR Camera Body is on sale for $2,9995. With a bit of shopping around though this exact same camera can be purchased brand new on electrofundepot.com for $1911.86, almost a thousand dollars off!
iPad 2
The iPad will surely be on most kids and adults list this holiday season, but since iPad 4 was just recently released prices will be a lot more than many expect. This is one of the reasons why shopping around for a older iPad 2 makes holiday shopping a bit cheaper. This 16 GB Wi-Fi enabled iPad 2 can be purchased on target.com for $399.99 before tax. This item does ship for free though. The same iPad can be purchased at samsclub.com for $389 with a one year warranty and free shipping!
Oregon Scientific Aroma Diffuser and Sound Therapy Clock
Sometimes people need help relaxing and falling asleep, which is what this clock is designed to do. This clock is filled with water that allows it to produce aromas using various oils that are meant to calm the body down, making relax time even better. This clock also produces relaxing lights that are scientifically proven to help the body reach a state of relaxation much faster. It also produces five different relaxing sounds that can be controlled using a remote. To make things better, this clock even has an alarm clock that will awaken anyone gently. On target.com this clock sells for $101.99 and is not sold in stores. The same clock can be purchased on amazon.com for $81.53, over a $20 difference!
The Amazing Spiderman Gift Set
Spiderman is one of the most beloved superheroes in the United States. People of all ages have loved this superhero for decades, which is why this collectors set will make a great gift to young and old. This set comes is a four disc combo which includes the DVD, 3D disc, and two Blue Ray Disc of The Extraordinary Spiderman movie, the newest edition to the Spiderman saga. The set also comes with a digital copy that makes it easy put on personal computers, tablets, and mp3 players. The set comes with two bonus figurines that are sure to be collector’s items. Currently, this collection is on sale on target.com for $64.99. With a bit of research, though, this same collection can be found on deepdiscount.com for $59.96.
Exerpeutic Air Elliptical
The Exerpeutic Air Elliptical is one of the most sought out home workout systems on the marker. This system has eight levels of resistance, is low impact and works many of the body’s trouble areas. Unlike other workout systems ellipticals are great for cardio, flexibility and simple toning, but they can also be used for rehabilitation. This system also allows people to look at how many calories they burned, distance they would have biked, and time they worked out, so keeping track of activities will be easier than ever. This easy to use machine is currently sold on target.com for $149, but can not be purchased in stores. The exact same Exerpeutic Air Elliptical can be purchased on walmart.com for $86, more than a $60 price difference!
Dyson Vacuum Cleaner
People with pets know how hard it is to get rid of all the pet fur that accumulates throughout the household. It is even harder to watch guest who have allergies sit in a house with pet allergens everywhere, especially when there is a way to fix it. The Dyson DC 24 Animal Ultra Upright Vacuum Cleaner is the best way to get rid of pet hair, dander and other allergens and odors that might be in the home. This vacuum cleaner is also one of the lightest made by Dyson, so it is easy for just about anyone to use. On target.com this vacuum cleaner can be purchased for $449 and can not be picked up in a store. The same Dyson vacuum can also be purchased for $349, a $100 discount at homedepot.com. However, this is a closeout sale, so act fast before the deal is gone.
Beats Headphones
A great pair of headphone can change a music experience from good to out of this world. The new Beats headphones by Dr. Dre are the newest headphone available and have hit the markets just in time for the holidays. These headphones feature acoustic reflection, amplified bass and noise cancellation that make listening to music a personal paradise. These headphones come in eight different colors and ear cushions are made of leather. An adapter, personal case and anti-bacterial cleaner are included when a buyer purchases these headphones. Right now, on target.com these headphones can be bought for $299.99, which is slightly higher than most other vendors. But on techforless.com these exact same headphones can be purchased for $149.97, a $150 mark down!
It is hard to see great prices at a place like Target when so many things can be matched, or beaten. As we have seen throughout Target’s prices are often over a hundred dollars more than many sale items from other stores that offer the exact same product. This makes it difficult to be a loyal customer to Target and to believe that they are trying to give the consumer the lowest prices possible. Looking at a wide spectrum of products from cookware to electronics it is clear that Target does not offer low prices, but prices they believe they can pass off as cheap. This is why I do not shop at Target.
