Boasting over 1,900 locations throughout the US, Target provides a hassle-free shopping journey, consolidating groceries, electronic gadgets, homewares, and clothing all in one spot.
However, Target isn’t the only option out there. If you’re looking for a change of pace, stick around!
The Best 40 Stores Like Target
Some of Target’s competitors offer the same one-stop approach, gathering everything a household needs to buy in one location.
Meanwhile, others focus on one aspect only: groceries, home products, or apparel.
1. Walmart
Walmart* is, hands down, the most common substitute for Target. It’s an even larger chain, and its prices are usually lower.
In 2022, Walmart had more than 3,500 supercenters in the US. Smaller versions are also called neighborhood markets and discount stores, but those aren’t as common.
2. Walgreens
Walgreens is more of a pharmacy than a full-scale department store. Yet, it’s often pushed into the same category as Target and Walmart, especially regarding photo-developing services.
3. Costco
The main difference between Target and Costco is that you need a membership to get the full shopping experience at any of Costco’s 840+ warehouses.
Interestingly, more than 120 million people in the US carry Costco cards.
4. Whole Foods
There’s a widely conceived notion that Whole Foods is more “high-end” than stores like Walmart and Target, but it can be pricey.
Plus, it’s only good for groceries, unlike Target’s wide range of departments (electronics, clothes, outdoor furniture, etc.).
5. Best Buy
You can pick up some non-electronic items from Best Buy*, like strollers, outdoor furniture, or storage cabinets.
However, that’s not the main reason people visit Best Buy. Instead, it’s considered a big-box electronics retailer.
6. Kroger
Kroger* might not be as widespread as Target, which has only 1,238 grocery stores, but both chains are still in the same realm.
Remember that Kroger Co. owns multiple companies besides Kroger’s chain itself!
7. Smith’s Food and Drug
Smith’s is one of the supermarket chains in the Kroger Co. Family. However, Smith’s isn’t widespread nationwide but focused only on seven states.
You’ll likely come across one of its 141 stores if you live in Utah, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Wyoming, Idaho, or Montana.
8. Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s (TJ’s), with around 560 stores nationwide, is yet another grocery-only substitute for Target.
The store’s appeal? Going through the inventory is straightforward since TJ’s doesn’t rely on branded products. Instead, the shelves are all full of TJ’s own labels.
9. Dollar Tree
Dollar Tree (DT) isn’t as fashion-focused as Target, but it can be better (and cheaper!) for cleaning products, party supplies, and some stationery items.
All in all, you’ll need to walk every aisle keenly to pick up good deals at DT.
10. Family Dollar
Family Dollar is more of a variety store than a huge department store.
Just like Dollar Tree, only certain products are cheaper at Family Dollar. For instance, you’ll want to grab toilet paper, body wash, canned veggies, and pasta from there.
11. Dollar General
While Target is more suited for middle-class and upper-middle consumers, Dollar General is more of an on-budget option.
Yet, Dollar General’s availability, even in rural areas, makes it a considerable competitor to big-box store chains like Walmart and Target.
12. Aldi
Aldi has 2286 US locations, making it more available than Target.
Some people prefer going to Aldi for fresh produce. However, it doesn’t have a wide product range like your average Target.
13. Save a Lot
Much like Aldi, Save a Lot could be considered more of a specialty grocery store or a discount chain than a big-box retailer like Target.
How does it compare? Well, Save a Lot is known for customizing its selection to suit local demands and its cheap prices!
However, to keep those prices low, the chain has to cut on “fancy” displays and product range.
14. Carrefour
If the US had Carrefour, it surely would have been a strong competitor for Target.
Unfortunately, the French company only opened two stores in the US, one in Philadelphia and one in New Jersey. Both locations closed in 1993.
15. Amazon
Although it’s not a physical department store like the other Target alternatives on the list, Amazon is a fierce competitor.
Why? Well, the product range is larger, there are review sections, and online shopping is becoming more common!
16. Instacart
Speaking of the rise of online grocery shopping, Instacart is also a competitor for Target’s market share.
Instacart isn’t a retailer. Instead, it’s just a delivery service that works with other chains like Costco, Walgreens, and Safeway.
17. Safeway
Safeway is mostly known for its grocery delivery service, but you can also stroll and pick your own produce at any of its 900+ locations nationwide.
Generally speaking, Target is cheaper than Safeway, but the difference is only around 3-4%.
18. Home Depot
Home Depot doesn’t carry groceries or clothing like Target.
However, it has quite the reputation for being a one-stop shop for DIY enthusiasts looking for supplies to tackle small home improvement projects.
19. Lowe’s
As we’re speaking of home improvement, Lowe’s pops into mind.
Lowe’s is like Home Depot in its prices and shopping experience. Yet, Lowe’s isn’t as popular with professionals, which gives Home Depot an edge.
20. IKEA
Both IKEA and Target compete in home products and cheap furniture. However, since IKEA is much more focused on these two segments than Target, it offers a wider selection.
If you’re not a fan of assembling furniture, you can always hire a TaskRabbit.
21. Sam’s Club
While Walmart Inc. owns Sam’s Club, it operates in a different manner. Overall, it’s similar to Costco; you need a membership to shop there.
It’s still possible to walk into Sam’s Club without a membership to do your shopping, but there’ll be a service fee on top of your purchases.
22. CVS
At its core, Consumer Value Stores (CVS) is a specialty pharmacy chain that sells an assortment of beauty, household, and health products.
Still, its product range is limited compared to Target, and most people opt to go there for prescription medication or to use photo services.
Interestingly, CVS bought out Target’s pharmacies. So, now you can actually see CVS operating inside your local Target!
23. Wegmans
Wegmans balances the competitive prices of a Walmart and the shopping experience of a Whole Foods.
Most of Wegmans’ 110 stores are located in the US’s northeastern states and Mid-Atlantic regions.
24. Kmart
Kmart was considered a less upscale but still valid substitute for Target for a while.
Unfortunately, the competition was too tough for Kmart. Now, there are only about 20 stores left in the US.
24. 7-Eleven
7-Eleven isn’t a big-box store chain like Target. However, even as a relatively small convenience store, it still has its appeal.
For one, its location and opening hours attract many locals. Plus, many of its branches sell gas, which opens the door to a new market segment!
26. Macy’s
Macy’s and Target are strong rivals. Overall, it seems that Macy’s needs to follow Target’s approach of releasing more in-demand fashion.
Even in the toys department, Target still does well in comparison to Macy’s
27. Kohl’s
Kohl’s* started as a grocery chain in Wisconsin. However, over the years, it has expanded to a Target-like experience to become more of a one-stop shop, with more than 1,100 stores nationwide.
Today, its product range includes casual clothes, accessories, toys, sportswear, bedding, furniture, and beauty products. The groceries? Those were left behind in the new model.
28. JCPenney
Like Kohl’s, JCPenny is a middle-end department store with catalogs similar to Target’s fashion department.
However, JCPenney struggled during the pandemic to the point where people thought it would close its doors for good. Yet, it looks like it’s making a strong comeback in the retail world!
29. TJ Maxx
Compared to Target, TJ Maxx* (TJX) doesn’t rely all that much on online retailing.
Instead, TJX focuses on frequently refreshing the stock with branded items, creating a sense of missing out if the shopper doesn’t return later to see the new collection.
30. Marshalls
Marshalls’* parent company is TJ Maxx* Inc., so it’s understandable that it has a similar business model and shopping experience. These stores buy surplus merchandise from major brands at bargain prices.
That said, TJX has a stronger reputation for carrying designer items.
31. Nordstrom
While Nordstrom* still competes with stores like Macy’s and Target for market share, it’s considered more of a luxury department store.
So, if you’re shopping for high fashion, you’ll probably prefer Nordstrom’s clothing department to Target’s.
32. Bloomingdale’s
Bloomingdale’s is closer to Nordstrom than Target since it’s also a luxury department store focusing on design and quality rather than bargain prices.
It’s also worth noting that Macy’s Inc. owns Bloomingdale’s.
33. Sears
Sears’ categories are similar to Target’s, but the cherry on top is the repair appliance service.
Unfortunately, Sears seems to really struggle against its competitors. In fact, the company went from around 700 stores to only 15!
34. Ross Dress for Less
Like TJ Maxx and Marshalls, Ross stores offer branded apparel at reduced prices at more than 1,690 locations nationwide.
These stores rely on getting large volumes and setting a fast turnaround time to attract shoppers.
35. Bed Bath & Beyond
Regarding utensils, bedding, curtains, or decor, Bed Bath & Beyond is a strong competitor for Target’s chain.
Plus, BBB is usually an excellent option for wedding registries!
36. Pier1
Pier1 imports furniture, decor, and other home products, making it very similar to Target’s home section and Bed Bath & Beyond.
However, the recent shutdowns in Pier1’s branches gave Target a competitive edge.
37. Price Chopper
Price Chopper (previously known as Central Market) is a supermarket chain with a reputation for its promotions and rewards.
Interestingly, one report found that Kroger and Smith’s actually rank higher than Price Chopper in discounts.
38. Publix
If you live in Florida (or other southeastern states), you’ll know that Publix is a strong competitor to Target. You’ll probably know that the name refers to how the company is employee-owned.
Aside from being a grocer, Publix also runs a full catering service!
39. Southeastern Grocers
Yet another popular substitute for Target’s grocery section in Florida is Southeastern Grocers (Fresco y Más, Winn-Dixie, and Harveys Supermarket).
Although the chain is doing particularly well in Florida, it also has a presence in four other southeastern states: Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
40. H Mart
Compared to Target stores, H Marts have a narrower scope: catering to shoppers looking for premier Asian (particularly Korean) groceries.
That said, H Mart’s price points lean towards the expensive side.
FAQs
What are stores like Walmart and Target called?
Most people refer to stores like Walmart or Target as big-box retailers or discount department stores.
Where to shop instead of Target?
Instead of Target, you can shop at Walmart, Amazon, Costco, Kroger, or local department stores for a similar selection of goods.
How much money has Target lost?
Target’s exact financial losses are not specified, but it has faced challenges, such as the $4.1 billion loss from its Canadian operations.
How many Target stores are there?
There are over 1,900 Target stores across the United States.
Are there Targets in Europe?
No, there are no Target stores in Europe; they are primarily located in the United States.
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