Comparing Big-Box Retailers: Walmart vs. Target From Prices To Returns
When trying to decide whether Walmart or Target is the better retailer, it depends on what you’re looking for. Walmart is known for its lower prices, but Target shoppers can save 5% on eligible purchases with a Target Circle Card.
However, pricing isn’t the only factor to compare. Depending on what you’re buying and what benefits you’re looking for, it can be a toss-up as to whether Walmart or Target comes out on top.
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Everyday Prices: Walmart
Walmart is usually cheaper on regular prices, especially groceries. According to Consumer Reports, Target’s grocery prices are 5.9% higher than Walmart’s, on average. Even so, Target's sales and discounts can offer some good deals worth shopping.
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If you don’t want to wait for a sale or hunt for a discount, Walmart’s regular prices are likely the better bet.
Extra Savings Opportunities: Target
Shoppers who use a Target Circle Card get 5% off eligible purchases in stores and online. The card has no annual or monthly fee and is available as a credit card or debit card.
Target’s 5% discount won’t always make it cheaper than Walmart, but it can pay off to compare prices.
Store-Brand Selection: Tie
Both big-box retailers own a variety of brands. Target has brands such as Good & Gather, Threshold, Cat & Jack and All in Motion, while Walmart offers brands such as Time and Tru, Great Value, bettergoods and Mainstays.
Target’s Good & Gather includes more than 2,500 food products without synthetic colors, artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners or high-fructose corn syrup. Walmart’s bettergoods line offers about 300 chef-inspired products across three distinct categories, including plant-based, with most items priced under $5.
Both retailers offer a variety of store brands, from food and clothing to cosmetics and home goods, so it really depends on which brands you prefer.
Return Policy: Target
Both Walmart and Target let you return most items within 90 days, but you can return Target-owned brand items for up to one year with a receipt. Additionally, paying with a Target Circle Card gives you an extra 30 days to return most purchases, except for Target-owned brand items.
Some Walmart items have shorter return deadlines: electronics have a 30-day return limit, while wireless phones have a 14-day limit. Target also has shorter return limits for electronics (30 days), Apple and Beats products (14 days), and mobile phones (14 days).
A full year to return Target-owned brand items gives Target the edge.
Delivery Perks: Target
Walmart+ costs $98 per year and includes free shipping with no order minimum on eligible items, plus free store delivery on orders of $35 or more.
Target Circle 360 costs $99 per year and includes unlimited same-day delivery on orders of $35 or more from Target and nearby stores, plus free two-day shipping. Additionally, Target Circle Card holders can get a discounted annual membership for $49.
Because you can get delivery from other stores and a discounted annual membership if you have a Target Circle Card, Target is the better deal.
Editor’s note: Prices and availability are subject to change.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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