Target to end price match guarantee perk at all US locations

Daily Mail​

5 days ago

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Target is scrapping one of its most popular perks — its price match guarantee — at all of its nearly 2,000 US stores. Beginning July 28, shoppers will no longer be able to request a price match for items found cheaper at competitors like Walmart or Amazon. Under the current policy, customers can match prices at checkout or within 14 days of purchase.
Target says the change reflects shopper behavior, claiming most customers use the perk to match prices between Target stores or to its own website, rather than to rivals. Not all shoppers are pleased. 'Yikes, this sucks,' one user wrote on Reddit . 'I'd price match Amazon or Walmart at times and then use my discount. Well, I'll just buy less or buy it where it's cheaper.'
But retail expert Neil Saunders of GlobalData said the move makes sense. 'Target's profitability and margins have weakened over recent years, and if it wants to invest more in stores, then it needs to be more financially disciplined,' Saunders told DailyMail.com. 'Target's profitability and margins have weakened over recent years, and if it wants to invest more in stores, then it needs to be more financially disciplined,' Saunders told DailyMail.com.
'Ending price matching helps to achieve this, especially at a time when costs are rising because of tariffs. That said, this is only one part of the puzzle and there is a lot more Target needs to do to bolster its bottom line.' 'We're always working to deliver consumers outstanding value and give them confidence to choose Target, with our everyday low prices, affordable owned brands, incredible deals, free-to-join membership program, Target Circle, and more,' a spokesperson said.
Prior to the upcoming change, Target predicted its holiday sales would fall flat during its fourth quarter. Valentine's Day ended up being a financial win for the company, but Easter was another story due to a church-led boycott of the retailer .
During the protest, over 150,000 participants boycotted the company for 40 days of Lent. The actions were the result of the chain's decision to roll back on its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program . This, along with the impact from tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, was enough to make its sales fall 2.8 percent to $23.85 billion during its first quarter.
The mayhem from its massive price hikes in stores also didn't help, especially when the craziness came from employees fearing for their jobs . A noticeable rise was for the chain's USB-C cords, which jumped from $9.99 to $17.99 in May. Target is not letting its weak earnings and traffic get in the way of future plans.
The chain is set to launch 48 stores across 22 states, the most being in Florida and Texas. Its also busy testing an Amazon-style shipping model, which would deliver products to customers' homes from factories.