Shhh... it's a secret!

It's no secret how much I love my local Target store... and it's great having 6 locations within 15 miles of my house. (Especially when you're on the hunt for one particular item!) When I was working, Target was one of my favorite stops during my lunch hour... and as my bank account can attest, I probably went about twice per week. (Yikes!)

Five Quick Shopping Tips

Tip #1: NEVER ever wear a red shirt while shopping at Target... you will always be mistaken for a sales associate.

Tip #2: If your visit allows, be sure to browse the interior endcaps (along back walls, or inner aisles) at Target... this is where you will find all of their clearance merchandise, usually still in excellent condition. Per Blissfully Domestic, there is a schedule as to when Target marks down certain merchandise:

• Monday: Electronics, Kids clothing and Stationery
• Tuesday: Domestics, Food Items, Pets, Women’s Clothing
• Wednesday: Health and Beauty, Lawn & Garden, Mens Clothing, Toys
• Thursday: Books, Decor, Housewares, Lingerie, Luggage, Music and Movies, Sporting Goods, Shoes
• Friday: Auto, Cosmetics, Hardware and Jewelry

Tip #3: If the clearance price ends in a ‘4′ (i.e. $1.94), then it is at its lowest price!

Tip #4: The first week an item is on clearance, it's usually just 30% off. The second week, it's 50% off. If you think you can wait three weeks (and it will still be there), it'll be 75% off. Rarely, and usually only with holiday/seasonal items, you'll see clearance at up to 90% off.

Tip #5: Don't sweat keeping the receipt for your purchases, if you always pay electronically (with a debit/credit card). When you have to make a return, just present the card you made the purchase with, and their computers will locate the sale for you. (So handy if you're a decide-and-return-it-later shopper like me!) Just make sure you make that return within 90 days of purchase.

Happy Shopping!!