Skip to Content

Target Vs Walmart: A Detailed Comparison

Target Vs Walmart: A Detailed Comparison

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Let us set the record straight. Walmart and Target are keeping everyone happy because, as Walmart's founder envisioned, he catapulted what now is one of the largest stores in the world, Walmart, with the lowest prices anytime, anywhere, as said by Sam Walton. Walmart stores have focused on a vast range of products at affordable prices.

Meantime, Target shoppers focus on indoor and home furniture and decor, clothing, and a mixture of groceries but less.

Target stores are one of the pioneers in launching a target market which qualifies the company to set standards for low-cost retail stores. Patrons or buyers have already established a solid relationship with this brand for years and years. After all, Target aims to bring joy to people in everyday life, even as mundane as shopping.

Walmart also shows the same relevance to people because Walmart stores allow people to do business and fulfill the supply and demand even in areas where access is still improving. The company also creates opportunities for everyone in retail and relevant zones to promote local manufacturing.

This article aims to compare the two stores but, more essentially, to highlight their importance and what they do for the public, both local suppliers and consumers. And to get to know these two stores better and their services.

We will include a brief history of Walmart and Target, their brand and reputation, current status and growth trajectory, store format, e-Commerce capabilities, branding and marketing, pricing strategies, and more.

Overview of Target

Assorted apparel and accessories

Source: pexels.com

The very first Target store opened, under Target Corporation, a dream which started in 1962 as what they call a discount division of Dayton's department located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After being under a corporation, this somewhat reformatted this American retail company in 1990 under the Target brand.

It officially became Target Corporation in 2000 and freed itself from the last chains of Target stores. After going through some business challenges, it bounced back and upgraded the shopping experience in the major markets in the US.

Products and Services You can Expect from Target

Target Corp. is a wonderland if you are the type of person who likes shopping. They have a general merchandise field and wide spaces to avoid crowded shelves; name it! The stores customize each store's assortment depending on the market and the buyers in the area. The merchandise could be but not limited to:

  • Food & beverages
  • Apparel & accessories for men, women, and kids
  • Baby
  • Household essentials
  • Home Decor
  • Furniture
  • Patio & Garden
  • Kitchen & Dining
  • Toys
  • Electronics
  • Musical instruments
  • Movies, music, video games & books
  • Sports & outdoors
  • Beauty
  • Personal care
  • Pets
  • Luggage
  • School & office supplies
  • Party supplies

Target offers and sells general merchandise in all 50 United States and the District of Columbia states. ​They do pick up and delivery, and there is always a nearby Target everywhere where you can use different payment methods such as major debit and credit cards, Target red cards, and many more.

What Does Target Believe in

The brand tagline of Target is “Expect more. Pay less”. The stores' low pricing strategy is similar to other merchandise companies that aim to alleviate the lives of people by offering a variety of products in one place.

Target is rated third for its competitors' Net Promoter Score (NPS). With Costco and Amazon as first and second place and Walmart store coming in at 4th place.

Target: Current Status and Growth Trajectory

This year, Target Corp. confirmed that around 30 stores would project the aspects of the new design. Another batch of new Target stores will show the redesign in 2024. It has been planned that stores will have more space for online completion.

Walmart: Is it Still Worth the Hype

Woman in purple top and jeans in the Walmart store

Source: pexels.com

What is known to be the world's largest retail company or one of the top five, Walmart opened its first store in 1962 by the visionary man Sam Walton. The Walton family is from Rogers, Arkansas. The company now integrates as Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (including Sam's Club)

Walmart's products and services

Walmart stores offer health and wellness, consumables, technology, office supplies, entertainment items, and home items – all at affordable prices. It also works with warehouse clubs.

Walmart's brand and reputation

Walmart stores focus on the value of maintaining affordable pricing, high-quality products, and convenient shopping, while the primary or brand persona of someone who serves people and is dedicated to alleviating the lives of people.

Walmart's current status and growth trajectory

This year, Walmart predicts consolidated net sales to expand between 2.5% and 3% and for U.S. comp sales to raise net between 2% and 2.5%. Although there is news that Walmart will possibly lay off Walmart staff, eight stores in five states and Washington, DC, will close. We are still hoping this will not push through.

Target Vs Walmart : An In-depth Comparison

Target vs Walmart: Similarities

Walmart and Target offer the following customer convenience: Home delivery, in-store, and curbside pickup. Both have ample return procedures and an upgraded shopping experience.

As far as store format is concerned. Walmart products are mostly grocery stores concentrating on a vast spectrum of low-cost products. On the other hand, Target is a home decor, other household items, store, and clothing store that also stores groceries, but not so much their priority.

E-commerce and Technology

Shopping Cart with Money on Top of a Laptop

Source: pexels.com

In terms of e-Commerce capabilities, Target has shown a competent e-commerce platform inviting online shoppers to pick up orders from the physical store through in-store pickup alternatives. This can save shipping or freight costs approximately 90% from a distribution center.

Walmart also promoted a reliable e-commerce website called the Walmart Business, made to take care of small and medium business consumers.

An example of the ever-growing improvements is the website's will to offer an organized assortment of more than 100,000 items created to streamline business-related purchases.

Differences between Target Vs Walmart

Walmart is the world's largest corporation, delivering millions of customers a mind-boggling number of products and services daily. On the other hand, Target is a much smaller company based solely in the US and presents a design-forward shopping adventure with affordable prices.

Pricing and Discounts

Sale Cards on Beige Background

Source: pexels.com

At Walmart, we are committed to helping people save money so that they can live better. We follow the low pricing strategy similar to the Everyday Low Price strategy to achieve this goal because we know that everyday low prices can help keep customers happy–and happy customers come back.

The company uses an economy pricing method (profit margins), which benefits brands looking to lessen their overhead expenses. Moreover, Target Corporation confirms all aspects of its operations as a single sector. The company has also maintained product prices low good job with its effective supply chain management.

Social Responsibility

Walmart uses its position as an employer, retailer, and community member to inspire respect for human rights.

Target is dedicated to caring for people, the planet, and our communities. It is equally committed to making a difference in the environmental, social, and governance issues that has value to its stakeholders.

Target has Starbucks inside

If you are a but first coffee kind of person, you will completely understand why having a Starbucks inside Target is so great! Grab your favorite beverage, and then shop the entire store! For those big on both Target Circle rewards and Starbucks rewards, you can earn both with every visit. Earn Stars & redeem Rewards for free food and drinks when you make purchases at Starbucks Café in Target.

Target Offers Circle Rewards

We all love a good rewards program, and Target has really hit the bullseye with the Target Circle Rewards. You get points and discounts every time you shop online and in-store. All you need to do is link to your phone number or online account to get credit for each purchase. 

  • 1% earnings
  • Earn 1% 1 when you shop to redeem at Target later or continue saving 5% 2 with RedCard™.
  • Hundreds of deals
  • Get access to deals, plus offers just for you.
  • Happy Birthday gift,
  • Celebrate your big day with 5% off a shopping trip. 3
  • Community support
  • Help direct where Target gives in your community. 3

Walmart or Target: What do people prefer?

As shared on CNBC, Walmart gets a far more significant share of its revenue from groceries than Target stores, assisting it in drawing shoppers searching to save money as stocks squeeze budgets.

As per company filings, shopping carts account for 56% of Walmart’s yearly revenue, compared with just approximately 20% at Target. Walmart is the country’s largest shop by payment.

Comparing shoppers tend to go to Target between the two companies more for “top-up shopping” — grabbing a few food items when making a run for another reason, such as picking up diapers and other items with the lowest possible prices.

Even as shoppers decide not to buy a TV or a new outfit, they have had to keep replenishing the food in their fridges — a factor keeping Walmart’s sales steadier.

FAQs

1. Does Target accept any Buy Now Pay Later Financing apps? 

Yes! Target does accept Affirm Buy Now Pay Later. 

You can also use Zip (formerly Quadpay) at Target to buy in 4 installments over 6 weeks if you first go through the Zip app and choose Target. 

2. Does Target offer Afterpay?

Target does accept Afterpay in select categories. Find out more here

Target accepts Afterpay in Australia only. In the US you will have to use Affirm. 

3. Does Target offer Sezzle?

Yes, but you will have to first sign-up and activate a Sezzle Virtual Card. With the  Sezzle card you can make purchases at Target.com, in-store, and in the Target App.

4. Does Target accept HSA/FSA cards? 

Yes, you can use your HSA/FSA card for qualifying purchases in the Target HSA and FSA shop here.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.