For astute consumers, securing a fantastic deal goes beyond just the initial purchase. After completing their transaction, if they discover a lower price available elsewhere, price matching policies can enhance their savings significantly. Numerous large retail chains provide price matching, which means if an item is available for less at another location, the retailer will align their price accordingly. Target has been a prominent retailer with a price matching option, but this will cease on July 28.

As per Retail Dive, Target is discontinuing its price-matching policy. Previously, shoppers could match prices at the point of sale or within a 14-day window, specifically limited to pricing from Amazon or Walmart. Effective July 28, Target will completely eliminate this policy, joining Amazon and Walmart among major retailers that do not offer price matching.

A representative from Target informed Retail Dive that customers “predominantly price match at Target rather than with other retailers,” indicating that shoppers typically identify the best price at Target.

This change in policy occurs alongside impending price increases attributed to tariffs. Users on Reddit who claim to work at Walmart have shared insights into price increases on common items such as cocoa powder, which have surged by nearly 80%. Business Insider has also reported comparable price hikes for various products.

What implications does this have for shoppers? Price matching supports consumers in a competitive market, serving as a safeguard for their savings. In the absence of such policies, shoppers must conduct prior research to secure the best possible deals.

Target customers still have the opportunity to utilize the price matching policy prior to its conclusion on July 28.