3 Signs You Shouldn't Set Foot in Target

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I have friends who look forward to a Target shopping trip like I look forward to a vacation. They just love wandering the aisles and loading up shopping carts full of stuff.

I used to enjoy shopping at Target, but my feelings have changed through the years -- more on that in a bit.

But whether you love Target or could take it or leave it, shopping there may not be doing great things for your budget. With that in mind, here are three reasons to avoid Target from here on out.

1. You've yet to shop there without making an impulse purchase

There's a joke that you go to Target for milk and bread and wind up with a $100 credit card tab at a minimum. I don't happen to find that joke funny.

As of the end of 2023, the average American with credit card debt had a $6,360 balance, according to TransUnion. And while impulse purchases aren't always a cause of debt, they certainly can be.

If you realize that you're unable to shop at Target without making unplanned purchases, then you may want to stop going there -- especially if you're trying to pay off credit card debt or work toward another financial goal. And while you might argue that you mostly go to Target for essential items, like food and paper towels, you can get those at a regular supermarket -- one that doesn't stock home decor, games, and other products you might pick up on a whim.

2. You have access to cheaper groceries elsewhere

Target's grocery prices may be competitive with those of other supermarkets. But they're not necessarily much lower.

In fact, one big misconception about Target in general is that it's a discount store. It's not. It's a big-box store, which means it carries a wide range of products, but not necessarily at the best prices. So even if you're someone who mostly uses Target for groceries, you can probably do better for your budget at stores like Aldi, which is known for its ultra-low grocery prices.

3. It's no longer a pleasant experience

I hinted earlier that shopping at Target has changed for me. Well, a big reason is that my local Target store has become a messy, ransacked nightmare. And I've heard from friends in different parts of the New York-New Jersey area that their experiences have been similar lately.

Now this isn't to say that every Target across the country has declined in quality. But in my neck of the woods, that seems to be the consensus. So for me, shopping at Target no longer means walking through a clean store filled with fun inventory. It means staring at half-empty shelves and not even finding the things you're looking for. If your experience has started to mimic mine, then frankly, your local Target does not deserve your business.

You may have your own long-standing love affair with Target. A lot of people do. But if these signs apply to you, it's time to stop shopping there -- perhaps for good.

We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team. Maurie Backman has positions in Target. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Target. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy .