target

Is Target Closed for Christmas 2019

December 19, 2019 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

The holiday season is an incredibly joyful but also hectic time. Many people find themselves sprinting between work, home, and various parties. As a result, they might forget to buy something they need before Christmas day arrives. Since every retailer can set its own holiday schedule, you might know where you can turn for a last-minute gift, food item, or other necessity. If you think you may need to shop on Christmas, you might wonder whether Target will close for Christmas. If so, here’s what you need to know.

Is Target Closed for Christmas 2019?

Yes, Target stores close on Christmas Day. In fact, Christmas is only one of two days during the year when Targets aren’t open. The other holiday where Target closes is Easter. On every other day of the year, Target stores welcome customers with open arms. However, the retailer does occasionally close early on certain holidays.

Target Stores Christmas Week Schedule

While Target closes on Christmas, that’s the only day during Christmas week when the retailer isn’t open. In fact, many Targets have extended hours in the days leading up to the holiday, making it easier for shoppers to grab last-minute gifts, food items, and more.

In general, Target stores follow a similar schedule during the week before Christmas. Here’s a look at the typical Target’s operating hours during the runup to the holiday and the day after:

Wednesday, December 18: 7:00 am to 12:00 am
Thursday, December 19: 7:00 am to 12:00 am
Friday, December 20: 7:00 am to 12:00 am
Saturday, December 21: 7:00 am to 12:00 am
Sunday, December 22: 7:00 am to 12:00 am
Monday, December 23: 7:00 am to 12:00 am
Tuesday, December 24: 7:00 am to 12:00 am
Wednesday, December 25: Closed
Thursday, December 26: 7:00 am to 11:00 pm

It’s important to note that not all Target locations use the exact same schedule. If you are planning on heading to Target early in the morning or late at night, it’s wise to confirm that your preferred store will be open. You can either call your store for information or use Target’s online store locator. That way, you can make sure you don’t arrive to find a closed store.

Shopping on the Target Website

If you prefer to shop online instead of in-store, there is a decent selection of shipping options on Target’s website this holiday season. However, it’s important to understand that none of them include delivery on Christmas day, even the same-day delivery service. Instead, if you need to order items from the Target website for Christmas, you need to order in advance and choose an option that ensures it arrives by Christmas Eve, December 24.

Shoppers who live in an area with Shipt service can receive a same-day delivery for a Target online purchase. As long as you place an order before the last two hours the store is open and are willing to pay the fee (about $10), you can place an order on Christmas Eve and get your items in time.

For stores with same-day curbside pickup, the cutoff time can vary. At many Targets, as long as you place your order by 6:00 pm on Christmas Eve, it will be ready in time. However, the cutoff may vary by location, so you’ll want to check with your store if you need to make a last-minute purchase and don’t want to go inside.

If you want your purchase to be mailed to you, you’ll need to order far enough in advance. Target’s standard shipping takes three to five business days, depending on where you live. However, select items and an eligible purchase amount can score you free next day delivery. If you qualify, you could potentially order as late as 7:00 pm on December 23.

Certain items are eligible for free two-day shipping. However, that option requires two business days for shipping, not just two days. For those orders, you’ll need to complete the purchase by 12:00 pm at the shipment destination zip code on Friday, December 20.

Unexpected Order Delivery Delays

It’s important to note that the week before Christmas is an incredibly busy time for package and mail delivery services. If a carrier is overburdened, there is a chance that your order will be delayed. Additionally, weather issues, like severe winter storms, can also slow down deliveries.

While Target may offer a delivery guarantee, there’s always a chance the unexpected can occur. Even though Target is a retail giant, it has no control over an order once it leaves its warehouse or store and is given to a carrier or delivery service.

If you want to ensure that your order will make it before Christmas, it’s best to place it as soon as possible or selected the fastest shipping option (though that may come with a higher fee). That way, you increase your odds of it arriving before Christmas Day.

Stores Open on Christmas Day

If you genuinely need an item on Christmas Day, you do have options. Even though Target and many other retailers close, some do open their doors on the holiday. Usually, the hours are limited, but they typically fall during the morning, afternoon, and into the early evening.

Here are a few stores that are welcoming customers on Christmas:

Albertsons
CVS
Family Dollar
Rite Aid
Safeway
Walgreens

It’s important to note that Christmas Day hours at those stores may vary. Additionally, some locations might close even in much of the chain opens. If you want to see if yours will be open on Christmas just in case you need it, it’s best to find out in advance. That way, if you need to do some shopping on the holiday, you know where you can go.

Do you plan on trying to do any shopping on Christmas Day? Do you wish more stores were open on Christmas? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

Is Target Open on Veterans Day 2019?

November 8, 2019 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

Monday, Nov. 11, 2019, is Veterans Day. Since many people get the day off, they might decide to do some shopping during the day. However, since Veterans Day is a federal holiday, it’s easy to be confused regarding whether a store will be open or closed. If you were planning to head to Target on the holiday, here’s the answer to the question, is Target open on Veterans Day.

Is Target Open on Veterans Day?

Yes, Target is open on Veterans Day. In nearly all cases, stores will use the same operating hours as they would on any other Monday. Here’s a look at a typical Target’s schedule:

Monday through Friday: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm (or 11:00 pm)
Sunday: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm

The majority of stores will have hours that closely reflect those above. However, it’s important to understand that some stores are different. Locations in large cities might open earlier or close later since they are higher traffic. On the other side of the equation, small-town Target stores might open later or close earlier.

If you want to shop early or late on Veterans Day, it can be a good idea to contact your local Target. That way, you can confirm when that store is open, ensuring you can come inside at that time.

Target 2019 Holiday Schedule

Like most retailers, Target stores are open on most federal holidays. The schedule is set by the Target corporate office, so it deviates from the closure schedule that government offices follow.

Every Target store is open and closed on the same holidays. Here’s a look at Target’s 2019 holiday schedule:

Tuesday, January 1 (New Year’s Day): Target stores are open
Monday, January 21 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day): Target stores are open
Thursday, February 14 (Valentine’s Day): Target stores are open
Monday, February 18 (Presidents’ Day): Target stores are open
Sunday, March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day): Target stores are open
Friday, April 19 (Good Friday): Target stores are open
Sunday, April 21 (Easter Sunday): Target stores are closed
Monday, April 22 (Easter Monday): Target stores are open
Sunday, May 12 (Mother’s Day): Target stores are open
Monday, May 27 (Memorial Day): Target stores are open
Sunday, June 16 (Father’s Day): Target stores are open
Thursday, July 4 (Independence Day): Target stores are open
Monday, September 2 (Labor Day): Target stores are open
Monday, October 7 (Columbus Day): Target stores are open
Thursday, October 31 (Halloween): Target stores are open
Monday, November 11 (Veteran’s Day): Target stores are open
Thursday, November 28 (Thanksgiving Day): Target stores are open, but for limited hours
Friday, November 29 (Black Friday): Target stores are open for extended hours
Tuesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve): Target stores are open, and they have extended operating hours
Wednesday, December 25 (Christmas Day): Target stores are closed
Tuesday, December 31 (New Year’s Eve): Target stores are open
Wednesday, January 1, 2020 (New Year’s Day): Target stores are open

By using the schedule above, you figure out if your Target store should be open on any given holiday. However, there are instances where a location may be closed even when it would typically be open. For example, power or water loss may cause a store to close unexpectedly.

When in doubt, it never hurts to call ahead before heading to Target. Then you can know for sure that it will be open when you arrive.

Do you plan on heading to Target on Veterans Day? Do you prefer to shop at all on holidays? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

Target Shares Jumped 10%: Why They Are One of Few Retailers Killing It

May 22, 2019 By Amanda Blankenship Leave a Comment

It has been rough for many retailers to keep up with online shopping trends in recent years. Amazon has pretty much taken over. However, the larger retailer stores, like Walmart and Target, have seemingly been able to keep up. The latest quarterly report shows that Target shares are up 10 percent. So, how is the retailer still playing ball with the likes of Amazon?

Target Shares Jump 10%

Target shares soared Wednesday after the company released its first-quarter earnings. Sales topped all analysts’ expectations. Not only did the retailer bring even more people into its physical stores, but online commerce increased by 42 percent.

For online shoppers, Target offers something Amazon cannot: curbside pickup for online orders. This and its ability to continue getting shoppers in their stores, Target shares increased by 10 percent. Compared to what analysts predicted, here is how Target performed in the first quarter.

Analysts expected to see $1.43 per share. Target saw $1.53 in reality.
Target also blew expected revenue numbers out of the water. It saw $17.63 billion versus $17.52 billion in expected revenue.
Additionally, Target saw same-store sales growth of 4.8 percent (compared to 4.2 percent expected growth).

Brian Cornell, CEO of Target, believes the company is well-positioned to continue to perform well throughout the rest of 2019, despite the threat of 25 percent tariffs on items imported from China. “We continue to see a healthy economic backdrop for our business,” he said.

Cornell anticipates this to be true for 2019 and beyond. But how is Target keeping up with the likes of Amazon, where you can buy practically anything, and offers same-day shipping in some areas of the country?

Why Target is Still Thriving

When it comes to retail, many investors are becoming nervous. Macy’s, Kohl’s, and Nordstrom are all failing to keep up with the online shopping trend. However, as you can see above, Target is continuing to grow. If you look at Target’s efforts to keep up with online retailers, you’ll know why it is thriving.

First, Target has implemented an ambitious remodeling plan throughout 400 of its stores. It plans to remodel another 300 stores this year and another 300 in 2020. The remodels have focused on improving apparel, cosmetics, electronics, and grocery sections of the stores. In many cases, it includes expanding each of those departments along with online pickup spots.

These fresher looking retail locations have more people wanting to go into Target to shop. Even if customers aren’t coming into the store, it seems their online shopping experience is desirable as well. Target, according to consumers, is offering a seamless shopping experience from online to pick up.

On top of that, Target is offering more competitive pricing in the grocery on food and other household items as well. So, there is no wonder was Target shares are up and there’s no sign of it slowing down any time soon either.

Photo: Mike Mozart

Which Stores and Restaurants Are Open On Mother’s Day?

May 10, 2019 By Jackie Cohen Leave a Comment

When a holiday falls on a Sunday, it’s easy to get confused about which businesses are open that day. So, which stores and restaurants are open on Mother’s Day? Just about all of them are, as it’s a busy day for retailers and restaurants alike.

Restaurants

Most restaurants do a lot of business on Mother’s Day—they’re open but you should expect to run into crowds. Many offer special deals and promotions like free meals for moms. So it’s a good idea to make reservations in advance if you plan to treat mom to a meal.

Retailers

Barring any extenuating circumstances, all retailers are open on Mother’s Day, so you still have time for last-minute gift purchases.

Places open for business include florists, candy and chocolate stores, discount stores, department stores, specialty stores, drug stores, and supermarkets ranging in size from locally-owned small businesses to large chains like:

Albertsons
Costco
CVS
Kroger
Publix
Rite Aid
Safeway
Target
Trader Joe’s
Walmart
Walgreens
Whole Foods

That said, it still doesn’t hurt to call ahead to see whether stores near you are open on Mother’s Day. You might be able to find out by phone how crowded it is in the store so you can plan accordingly.

Retailers also offer a variety of discounts on Mother’s Day — click here for 50+ freebies and deals to help you celebrate mom on Mother’s Day.

Gas Stations

All gas stations that normally operate on Sundays should be open on Mother’s Day.

Financial Institutions

Since Mother’s Day always falls on a Sunday, that means most banks, credit unions, and brokerages are typically not open. However, branches located within supermarkets that have Sunday hours of operations, are an exception. Otherwise, you can still use ATMs and online banking even when your preferred financial institution is closed, although the actual transactions won’t go through until the next business day.

Post Offices

Since Mother’s Day always falls on a Sunday, that means no post offices are open. However, some postal locations keep their lobbies open seven days a week so you can buy stamps from machines and drop letters into the chutes. It doesn’t hurt to call ahead to confirm whether a self-serve lobby near will be open on Mother’s Day.

Yes, All Stores and Restaurants are Open on Mother’s Day

Yes, every retailer and restaurant you can think of is likely open on Sunday for Mother’s Day. Most of what you may want to do that day should be possible except, perhaps, for avoiding traffic.

Readers, what sort of plans are you making for Mother’s Day this year?

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Click here to get started.

Does Target Sell Stamps? Here’s What You Should Know

March 20, 2019 By Tamila McDonald 1 Comment

Today, most people don’t spend much time heading to their local post office. Plus, thanks to online bill paying services, few people feel a need to keep stamps on hand at all times. If you are looking for a convenient place to purchase stamps and don’t necessarily want to head to the post office, there are options available. If you are wondering if Target sells stamps or where else is worth checking, here’s what you need to know.

Does Target Sell Stamps?

There isn’t a simple answer to this question. Yes, many Target stores do sell stamps. However, some locations may not have them available. It’s always wise to call ahead and confirm you can get stamps at the Target you normally shop at before heading out the door.

If you want to purchase stamps at your Target store, head to any open cash register. There, you can ask the customer service representative for stamps. If they are available at that location, you will find them at the register. The cashier can grab a book and add them to your purchase.

In some cases, you may be directed to the customer service desk if stamps are not available at the register. While this isn’t as common, it is important to be prepared to be directed away from the register to make a stamp purchase.

Other Stores That Sell Stamps

Since some Target stores don’t sell stamps, it is wise to check out other options that may be available in your area. That way, if you need stamps quickly and don’t want to go to the post office, you can select a retailer that best meets your needs.

In many cases, one of the easiest places to buy stamps is Walmart. The majority of locations can sell you stamps at the register. These are sold to you by cashiers while checking out. Plus, since Walmart stores are commonly open 24/7, you can get stamps right when you need them, no matter how late or early.

Many banks and credit unions can also sell you stamps, though availability may vary by location. If you are already heading to your bank or credit union or one is conveniently located in your area, you might want to check there. However, if you will have to go out of your way to get to a branch, calling ahead to confirm stamps are available is wise.

Chain pharmacies – like CVS, Walgreens, and RiteAid – may also carry stamps. If they have them available, you’ll probably find them at the register. Just ask the cashier for stamps and, if that store has them, they will be able to handle your purchase.

Office supply stores might also be worth exploring. Chains like Staples, Office Max, and Office Depot stores may have stamps available, though calling ahead to confirm is a good idea if you are going out of your way to stop there for stamps.

Both big grocery store chains and some local or regional grocery stores might be able to sell you stamps as well. However, this can vary by location, so you should contact your store directly to confirm if they have them for sale.

If you do not have any of these other stores nearby, then your best bet might be your local post office. Every USPS location can sell postage, either as stamps or in another form.

Buying Stamps Online

If you are open to purchasing stamps online, you can buy them through the USPS website. If you do, they will be delivered straight to your mailing address.

However, there are also online retailers aside from USPS that can sell you stamps.

Some shoppers are surprised to hear that you can buy stamps from Amazon. Not only does Amazon sell stamps, but many of the options are available with free Prime shipping. If you can wait a few days for your stamps and are a Prime member, consider making your stamp purchase at Amazon.

If you have a printer and need stamps immediately, you can actually purchase printable USPS postage stamps at Stamps.com. The process is a little more complicated than just buying a regular stamp and requires you to sign up for their service, but it is worth exploring if you need a single stamp (or multiple stamps) immediately and also need stamps fairly regularly.

A Note About Buying Stamps from Retailers

When you purchase stamps at a retailer, you might not have the option to buy just one stamp. Instead, they may only be able to sell stamps as full books, or possibly half books.

While this may vary by location and retailer, it is important to keep in mind. If you only need one stamp or can’t afford to purchase a book or half book right now, then heading to the post office may be your best bet.

USPS will always allow you to buy the exact amount of postage you need, including just a single stamp. In some cases, they will even have stamp vending machines available, allowing you to buy a stamp outside of their core business hours when employees are not on-site.

Ultimately, you have a ton of options for buying stamps, though what is available might vary depending on your location. Before you head out the door, call your preferred store to confirm they sell stamps. Then, if they don’t, select another option and contact them. Otherwise, your post office is always a safe destination, particularly if you can get there during their normal operating hours.

Where do you usually buy stamps? Let us know in the comments below.

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

Target Holiday Schedule 2019 and Store Hours

January 14, 2019 By Amanda Blankenship 2 Comments

One of the most frustrating things about stores like Target is they don’t publish a holiday schedule of when stores are open and closed. For those who have to make a quick trip to the store for whatever reason on a holiday, not knowing if the store will be open when they arrive can be maddening.

To further complicate things, federal holidays aren’t necessarily the same as store holidays. Target corporate chooses whether they are open or closed on each holiday. If you’re wondering which days Target stores are open and when they will be closed, here’s the Target holiday schedule and store hours for 2019.

Download a copy of the Target Holiday Schedule here.

Target Holiday Schedule 2019

January

Tuesday, January 1: Target stores are open on New Year’s Day
Monday, January 21: Target stores are open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

February

Thursday, February 14: Target stores are open on Valentine’s Day
Monday, February 18: Target stores are open on Presidents’ Day

March

Sunday, March 17: Target stores are open on St. Patrick’s Day

April

Friday, April 19: Target stores are open on Good Friday
Sunday, April 21: Target stores are closed on Easter Sunday
Monday, April 22: Target stores are open on Easter Monday

May

Sunday, May 12: Target stores are open on Mother’s Day
Monday, May 27: Target stores are open on Memorial Day

June

Sunday, June 16: Target stores are open on Father’s Day

July

Thursday, July 4: Target stores are open on Independence Day

August

There are no holidays in August

September

Monday, September 2: Target stores are open on Labor Day

October

Monday, October 7: Target stores are open on Columbus Day
Thursday, October 31: Target stores are open on Halloween

November

Monday, November 11: Target stores are open on Veteran’s Day
Thursday, November 28: Target stores are open on Thanksgiving Day, but for limited hours
Friday, November 29: Target stores are open on Black Friday for extended hours

December

Tuesday, December 24: Target stores are open, and they’re open extended hours on Christmas Eve
Wednesday, December 25: Target stores are closed on Christmas Day
Tuesday, December 31: Target stores are open on New Year’s Eve
Wednesday, January 1: Target is open on New Year’s Day 2020

There are only two days out of the year when Target closes its doors: Easter Sunday and Christmas Day. All of the Target stores are open the other 363 days of the year, although there are days when hours will vary from the typical schedule. For example, Target is open limited hours on Thanksgiving Day and has extended hours on various days during the Christmas holiday shopping season.

2019 Target Store Hours

Target doesn’t have a set store hour schedule which applies to all of its stores. The actual hours of a Target store may vary from location to location. Target does have some 24-hour locations, although most have a closing time each day. Weekday hours and weekend hours may be different depending on the store. The best way to find out the hours of your local Target is to go to their store locator tool. When you find the store nearby, you can check their hours of operation.

That being said, these are the typical Target stores hours:

Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 10:00 pm
Saturday from 8:00 am until 10:00 pm or 11:00 pm
Sunday from 8:00 am until 10:00 pm

Stores in larger cities may have slightly extended hours, while stores in smaller towns may have slightly shortened hours. The above holiday schedule includes Target stores’ planned closures. There can also be incidents which force the closure of a store, such as damage or severe weather. If you have any doubt about whether or not a location will be open, or what their store hours are, it’s best to call to confirm.

Finally, a lot of people enjoy Target because of the savings but often fail to factor in the value of their time in driving to their local Target location. If you need to shop at Target, but don’t need to physically go the store, Target.com is open 24/7 – and they offer free shipping.

For more on Target, check out these articles:

Does Target Have Gift Registries?
Target and Wal-Mart Express Stores Comparison
Target Return Policy