I got some clearance deals at Target this week. I was reminded of an article I read a while back that talked about Target’s corporate price reduction policies. Here’s the brief article from The Consumerist.

Once you learn these simple rules you’ll know the difference between a good clearance deal and a great one.

Target Markdown Rules:

Target marks items down with percentages: 15%, 30%, 50%, 75% & 90%.

The upper right hand corner of the price tag will tell you the percentage off.

Item will remain at a percentage off for usually two weeks before progressing to the next level.

Consumable items, furniture, and electronics are generally the only things that go 15%.

Target’s full prices end in 9. Thereafter each price drop will reduce the final digit in the price to either an 8, 6, or 4. (eg. A $9.99 item at 30% off will be priced $6.98)

The lowest the last digit will drop is to 4. If you see something you want and the price ends in 4, buy it. The price won’t go any lower.

Holiday Clearance Rules:

50% off day after holiday for three days

75% off fourth day after holiday for three days

90% off seventh day after holiday for 1-2 days

Here are some examples from today’s shopping trip. Good thing I had coupons for most of these items:

Food item 15% off. Blah deal:

Food item 30% off. Better deal. Ends in 8 so its the first price reduction:

Twice reduced. Now at 50% off & ending in a 4. The lowest price this product will go:

Also twice reduced (from 15% to 50%) & ending in a 4. Buy it now: