10 Reasons to Never Shop at Target

Target is popular for trendy products, great deals, and an enjoyable shopping experience, but not everyone feels that way. At least not anymore.

While many use it as a way to try to beat inflation and get new products on a budget, people on Reddit often express frustration with the retailer by sharing their honest and diverse opinions, including low stock, higher prices on some products, and a lack of customer service.

Not everyone enjoys shopping at Target these days, and here are a few reasons why.

Things are more expensive than at competitors

Target has good deals, but some Reddit users say prices are higher than those of other stores like Walmart.

One Redditor said, "[P]eople pay $8 for a bag of trail mix that's 1.99 at Walmart. Literally every name brand is [two times] the price at Target compared to Walmart or Kroger stores."

You often end up overspending

While Target is convenient, you may overspend on items you could get for less at another store. "Target feels like it's priced for the 'convenience' factor, but I don't think it's worth it when I can get the same thing for less somewhere else," explains one Reddit user.

Another said, "Somewhere like Target, which used to be considered good for pricing, is just too expensive for me now."

Items are frequently out of stock

Some complain that Target's items are often out of stock. Customers find empty shelves, and the items they need aren't in stock.

One user complained, "The grocery section is always depleted. Forget getting any bakery. They NEVER have any bakery in stock no matter what day I shop. And many of the food items are also consistently out of stock."

There aren't enough eco-friendly options

Many customers want eco-friendly options, and Target has fewer choices than other stores. Their use of plastic bags and packaging also sways some consumers away from their products, with one user asking "Has anyone else had difficulty finding the eco-friendly or reusable products at [T]arget recently?"

Some of the stores are disorganized

While some Target stores are well organized, Reddit users complain that other locations lack organization. Items are scattered or misplaced, so it's hard to find what you're looking for.

One Redditor shared, "I feel like most Target's have gone downhill in the last year and a half or so and that a totally messy store is more the norm than the exception."

Using the Target website isn't always easy

Some Reddit users complain that the Target website is hard to navigate. Finding specific items and seeing an accurate availability status isn't always feasible.

"Have had similar issues with Target's [website] for months if not almost a year at this stage," complained one Redditor. "I called and chatted with customer service reps on multiple occasions, and even uploaded screenshots of the issues I encountered."

The price match policy is more limited than it used to be

Target still offers a price match guarantee, but the policy is more limited than it used to be. Since July 28, 2025, Target no longer matches prices from competitors such as Amazon or Walmart. Instead, shoppers can request a price match if they find the identical item for less at Target.com, at their local Target store, or through a qualifying Target Circle deal.

You can request price matches when you buy an item or within 14 days of purchase. For an in-store purchase, you can bring proof of the lower Target price to Guest Services. For Target.com or Target app purchases, you can contact Target Guest Services online or by phone.

Several exclusions apply, including clearance and closeout items, certain promotions, gift card offers, and other special pricing. Target also won't match the price of an item at a different Target store.

Target customer service can be unreliable

From long checkout wait times to a lack of help on the sales floor, many Target customers complain that customer service isn't reliable. When customers do find staff, they say they aren't knowledgeable enough to help with purchase decisions.

One Redditor vented that as a store employee, "I was trained for like two days and then they just put me on my own without any notice."

The aisles are crowded

At some Target stores, shoppers find the aisles crowded because they are so narrow. It's especially a problem during peak shopping hours, when the walkways get congested.

Shoppers find it hard to navigate the store, with one Reddit user wondering if others have "been able to figure out times to shop that are typically less crowded??"

The clothing quality is low

Target is known for having trendy, affordable clothing, but some customers have found that it doesn't hold up. Their workwear and business attire are especially problematic. According to a Redditor, "For some reason, everything I touched felt cheap, shrinkable, wrinkleable, and just rough and uncomfortable."

Bottom line

Target is a favorite store for many people, but not everyone has the same enthusiasm. As these Reddit users explain, there are reasons people no longer love Target the way they used to. From higher prices and lack of stock to inconsistent customer service and crowded aisles, many consumers opt for different stores or online retailers.

While Target still has work to do to appeal to some consumers, you can still save on everyday essentials by watching for deals at your local store or online. Looking for these deals can help you stretch your Target budget and avoid overspending.

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