Target shoppers can find deep discounts on specific categories every February as the retailer clears inventory for the year ahead. Experts reveal the best times to buy, with markdowns often ranging from 15% to 70% off. Here’s a breakdown of what to look for:
Baby Gear Discounts Start Mid-February
According to Syeda Sultana, COO at Vettted, Target typically begins discounting baby gear around February 21st. Car seats, strollers, and travel systems see reductions of 15% to 50% through early March. For example, the Acekool two-in-one infant stroller is currently discounted by $77.
This timing is strategic: retailers make room for new stock after the holiday rush and before spring product lines take over.
Holiday Toys Hit Clearance
Gary Gray, founder of CouponChief, points out that popular holiday toys quickly drop in price after the season ends. Toys with limited seasonal appeal are often heavily discounted to clear space for new inventory. Currently, the Kinetic Sand construction kit is selling for just $4.24 at Target.
This cycle is predictable: high demand during the holidays leads to rapid clearance afterward.
Seasonal Beauty Items on Sale
Holiday-themed self-care products, like the eos holiday body lotion in caramel cashmere (currently $8.49 at Target), also receive discounts. These items are frequently marked down around 15% after the holiday season, despite remaining usable year-round.
Retailers prioritize moving seasonal stock to make room for new products.
Winter Clothing and Accessories Discounted Early
As temperatures rise in some regions, Target starts reducing prices on winter clothing in February. Suvrangsou Das, co-founder of EasyPR LLC, notes that heavy sweaters, puffer jackets, scarves, gloves, winter boots, and kids’ snow clothes can see reductions of 30% to 70% as retailers prepare for spring collections.
For example, a short faux fur jacket is currently available for nearly $20 off.
Electronics Clear Out for New Models
If you don’t need the latest gadgets, February is a good time to buy electronics at a discount. The Beats Fit Pro true wireless Bluetooth earbuds are selling for $169.99 ($30 off the original price) as a clearance item.
Clearance pricing often occurs with new model releases or to reduce excess inventory.
New Year’s Resolution Items Get Marked Down
Items purchased for New Year’s resolutions (yoga mats, resistance bands, planners, storage bins) often see price drops in February as the initial buying buzz fades. The Yaheetech adjustable dumbbell set is currently 38% off at Target.
The hype around resolutions wanes quickly, leading to discounts on related products.
Bottom line: February offers consistent savings at Target across several categories. Knowing these trends can help shoppers maximize their budget and find significant deals before inventory changes over for the spring season.
