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

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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

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

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open on mother's day

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.

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

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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.

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Target Holiday Schedule 2019 and Store Hours

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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

Is Target Open Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2019?

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Is Target Open Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
Monday, January 21, 2019, is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in the United States. It is the second federal holiday of the year and, as a result, many people get a day off work. Since the federal government recognizes Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by closing their offices, figuring out which businesses are open is a little confusing. If you were hoping to shop at Target on January 21, here’s what you need to know.

Is Target Open Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2019?

Yes, Target will be open on Monday, January 21, 2019. As a major retailer, the chain chooses to remain open on most federal holidays and typically acknowledges the events with big sales.

In fact, Target is open 363 days a year (364 days during leap years), only closing completely for two holidays.

What is Target’s 2019 Holiday Schedule?

Target only completely closes on two days each year. Additionally, there is only one day when they operate on incredibly limited hours.

  • 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
  • Thursday, February 14: Target stores are open on Valentine’s Day
  • Monday, February 18: Target stores are open on Presidents’ Day
  • Sunday, March 17: Target stores are open on St. Patrick’s Day
  • 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
  • Sunday, May 12: Target stores are open on Mother’s Day
  • Monday, May 27: Target stores are open on Memorial Day
  • Sunday, June 16: Target stores are open on Father’s Day
  • Thursday, July 4: Target stores are open on Independence Day
  • Monday, September 2: Target stores are open on Labor Day
  • Monday, October 14: Target stores are open on Columbus Day
  • Thursday, October 31: Target stores are open on Halloween
  • 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
  • Tuesday, December 24: Target stores are open 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 stores are open on New Year’s Day 2020

It’s important to note that most Target stores keep their usual hours on Christmas Eve. However, there are a few 24-hour stores that may close before midnight, with 10:00 pm and 11:00 pm being the most common alternate closing times ahead of the Christmas holiday.

Is There a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Sale at Target?

Unlike federal holidays like Independence Day and Memorial Day, Target does not hold a sale that specifically relates to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. However, there are weekly deals.

Before you head to Target, review the weekly sales flyer for your store. You’ll learn about current deals, giving you a chance to plan ahead before you shop.

Otherwise, as you cruise through the aisles, keep your eyes open for sales-related signage. Nearly all deals are clearly marked on the shelves and displays, so make sure to look around if you want a chance to stumble upon a great deal.

2019 Target Store Hours

Target’s corporate offices do not set a universal opening and closing time. As mentioned above, there are a few 24-hour stores. However, the majority have set opening and closing times each day.

By and large, Target stores maintain very similar schedules. Here is a look at Target stores operating hours:

  • Monday: 7:00 am to 9:00 pm
  • Tuesday through Thursday: 7:00 am to 10:00 pm or 11:00 pm
  • Friday and Saturday: 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, 11:00 pm, or 11:59 pm
  • Sunday: 7:00 am to 9:00 pm, 10:00 pm, or 11:00 pm

There might also be slight variations to the schedules above. If you need to shop at Target early in the morning or late at night, it’s wise to check with your local store to confirm when they are open. You can either contact your local store directly or head online and use the Find a Store feature to view a location’s schedule.

Additionally, it’s important to note that other circumstance may cause a store to close during their normal opening hours. For example, severe weather may impact their ability to operate. Remodels can also affect a store’s hours.

Do you plan to head to Target on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day? Share your plans in the comments below.

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Photo: Flickr: Mike Mozart

Is Target Open on New Years Day 2019?

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is target open on new years day

New Year’s Day is the end of the 2018 holiday season and the first federal holiday of 2019. The holiday season can be confusing for the most organized of us. It’s hard to know when banks, the post office, and retailers will be open. Since retailers do not always close in observance of federal holidays, you might be wondering what will be open or closed on New Years Day. Is Target open on New Years Day 2019? Find out here.

Is Target Open on New Year’s Day?

Target will be open on Tuesday, January 1, 2019. Christmas Day and Easter Sunday are the only holidays Target stores are not open. On most other holidays Target stores are open regular hours. On some federal holidays, like Thanksgiving, Target stores are open for limited hours.

Is Target Open on New Year’s Eve?

Target will be open on Monday, December 31, 2018. Target stores will be open on New Year’s Eve but might close early. On New Year’s Eve, many Target stores close at 9:00 p.m. Check with your local store for their operating hours.

Is Target Having a New Year’s Day Sale?

Unlike other federal holidays such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day, New Year’s Day is not known for sales.Target does not have a sale specific for New Year’s Day, but the store does offer many special deals the week before New Year’s. (Don’t forget you also get 5% off if you use your Target RedCard.) Here are a few of the deals available through January 2nd:

After Christmas Clearance

Select clothing, shoes and accessories are 30-50% off as part of the After Christmas Clearance. Shoppers who use Target Cartwheel will receive an additional savings on clearance items – often 20%-50%. Cartwheel is a mobile app that delivers Target coupons right to your phone. The cashier scans the barcode on your phone to redeem the coupon.

Gift Yourself

Did you want something for Christmas, but not receive it? This is your chance to gift yourself. Target has great deals on video games and consoles, televisions, toys and all the other things you wanted for Christmas but didn’t get. Select toys and board games are often up to 50% off. You can also earn Target gift cards when you trade in electronics like smartphones.

Don’t Sweat It

If getting in shape is one of your New Year’s resolutions, Target has discounts on fitness apparel and equipment to help you get ready. Some purchases qualify for additional discounts or Target gift cards that you can save and use for future purchases.

Check your local Target flyer for more details on sales the week of New Year’s. There is a large selection of items on sale to help you get fit, get organized, and clean up after the holidays. The flyer also has codes to text to Target in return for extra savings coupons.

Gift Card Trade-In

If you received gift cards for Christmas that you won’t use, you can trade them in for Target GiftCards. Visit a Target Mobile Kiosk for more details about the Gift Card Trade-In.

The week after Christmas is one of the busiest shopping weeks of the year, and many people choose to start their new year out shopping. If you would like to do that, Target will be open for all of your needs.

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