A Texas woman went to her local Target to get a Christmas tree. She thought she was getting a great deal, with Target listing the tree “on sale” for $52.50 from $75. But then, she peeled back a sticker on one of the boxes, revealing the tree was actually originally $50.
In her TikTok, the San Antonio teacher, Maria Gonzalez (@ccmariag), points out that every box containing this style of tree has a “sale” price of $52.50, promising to save shoppers $22.50.
Gonzalez shows that multiple boxes feature the same $50 marking underneath their stickers. “What the heck, dude. That is such a scam!” Gonzalez exclaims.
What’s The Reason?
The tree is the “Pre-Lit LED Alberta Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree” from Target’s Wondershop line. This specific size, 6 feet 5 inches, is currently $75 on Target’s website.
It’s possible it used to be $50, but due to factors like inflation, $75 is the new price.
The shopper’s video calling out Target has amassed 1.2 million views.
Many in the comments section assumed the item was $50 last season but rose in price before it hit shelves this year. Others, however, thought that the “sale” was malicious.
“You have proof [of an issue, so] call up the Better Business Bureau and put in a severe complaint against Target for jacking prices,” one top comment reads.
What Is The Better Business Bureau?
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a free service that acts as a liaison between businesses and consumers. Per its site, it aims to “promote trustworthy business practices, resolve disputes and provide information to assist consumers in making wise buying decisions.”
Through the BBB, consumers can file a complaint, report a scam, or post a review.
One shopper, Robin C., in their review accused Target of “falsely advertising” another Christmas tree. Their review reads, “Target is falsely advertising this Christmas tree for $46.99. [The regular price is] $100.09. [They say the] sale [is] 53% off [for the] 7.5ft Pre-Lit Christmas Tree. When you call customer service they refuse to honor the price. They even tell you ‘oh no we are not doing that.’”
Target currently has a 1.11 rating on the BBB’s website, with reviews regularly coming in regarding issues with returns and pricing mismatches.
So, How Do You Find A Good Deal At Target?
Despite speculation that the company upsells certain items, Target does offer some good deals—you just have to understand its pricing system.
As The Krazy Coupon Lady explains, “All Target inventory goes through a markdown phase that is in set increments: 15%, 30%, 50%, 70% and so on, up to 90%.”
These increments apply to specific items on certain days. For example, baby items and children’s clothing usually go down in price by one increment on Mondays. On Fridays, cosmetics and jewelry are reduced in price in stores.
Two weeks later, those items may go down in price in another increment if the last digit of the item’s price ends with a six or an eight.
If you take advantage of the pricing system and research general prices for items you’re looking for at other corporate retailers, you can ensure you’re getting items that have better or more notable percentage cuts.
We reached out to Target Corporation and @ccmariag for comment.
