It’s that time of year when back-to-school sales abound. If you’re looking for school supplies, it’s time to do some shopping.
Two of America’s favorite stores — Walmart and Target — are competing for your back-to-school dollar. But who’s cheaper?
Back to School supplies: Walmart vs. Target
Since the stores offer many of the same items, I decided to conduct a price comparison to find out which one is friendlier to your wallet.
Team Clark’s price comparison between Walmart and Target looked at more than 50 items, but we narrowed it down to 12 items that were exact matches only.
Take a look at the findings…
Target vs. Walmart Back to School price comparison — July 2019 |
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Item |
Target price |
Walmart price |
| Avery D-Ring Dura-Hinge Binder | $4.69 | $4.74 |
| Elmer’s Glue Re-Stick, 6 Count | $4.99 | $4.48 |
| Elmer’s Giant Sticks – 3 Count | $3.19 | $4.97 |
| Crayola Jumbo Crayons, 8 Count | $2.99 | $5.44 |
| Elmer’s Glue, 1 Gallon | $13.89 | $10.88 |
| Elmer’s Glue, 7.6 Oz. | $0.50 | $1.44 |
| Composition Book, Wide Ruled | $0.50 | $0.50 |
|
Sharpie Black Permanent Marker, 10 Count
|
$7.99 | $5.97 |
| Ticonderoga Pencils, 30 Count | $5.99 | $5.97 |
| Typing Paper, 500 Sheets | $3.99 | $4.47 |
| Crayola Marker, 10 Count | $2.39 | $2.97 |
| Crayola Construction Paper, 240 Sheets | $4.99 | $4.96 |
| Total | $56.10 | $56.79 |
| Price comparison conducted week of July 23, 2019 |
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Key takeaway
One main theme in this price war between the retailers is that they are very keen on offering the same or similar products packaged in totally different ways. For the best deal, you have to read the labels carefully.
For example: Target has a five-pack of Expo markers labeled as “4 + 1” for $4.49. Meanwhile, Walmart offers a 4-count with two extra markers in it for $4.46. That’s six markers labeled as four!
In many other cases, prices between the two stores are just a few pennies different.
Of course, other things that could affect the total price — like rebate apps, coupons and cash back credit cards — were not accounted for in this price comparison.
Want to save money on back-to-school supplies? Make a list of items that you’ll most likely need and do your own price comparison. Don’t hesitate to use Google Shopping and other online tools to help you find great prices.
Do you prefer to shop at Walmart or Target? Let us know why in the comments below!
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- The best time to buy a laptop
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- 22 ways to save money on groceries
