TARGET has come under fire from shoppers who are furious retail chiefs are set to end a long-standing pricing program.
From July 28, the retailer is updating its price match guarantee program.
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Target shoppers could request a price match if they spotted the same item for less on Walmart shelves, or when surfing the web at Amazon.
But, that policy, which was first introduced in 2013, is set to come to an end.
“Since most price matches happen within Target, we’re adjusting our price match policy to exclusively match our in store, app and Target.com pricing, including Target Plus items,” the company said in a memo shared on Reddit.
Bosses said the change will make the shopping experience more seamless.
And, execs have vowed to ensure the retailer continues offering value to its fans.
Scores of shoppers are furious by the change, with some fearing how it could jeopardize the future of Target.
“The beginning of the end for Target,” one shopper quipped.
“Shooting themselves in the foot.”
Shoppers have threatened to boycott the retailer when the change takes effect.
“If they don’t price match, I’ll just go to the store that has the cheaper prices,” a Redditor pointed out.
“And not shop at Target altogether.”
Scores of shoppers have rubbished bosses’ decision, labeling it “terrible” and warned about its future consequences.
“It also affects loyalty. The moment we have to tell them we can’t match something, they’re going to remember that,” another said.
Some speculated that Walmart could even take over Target in the coming years.
“I see Walmart or Amazon buying them out within 5 years,” one Redditor predicted.
“It is now more expensive to shop for clothes at Target than to shop sales at outlet stores like Banana Republic or Ann Taylor.”
Target’s move to end its price match guarantee comes years after Walmart bosses rolled out the measure.
Walmart chiefs have promised to match the prices as advertised on the retailer’s website.
“The Walmart store manager on duty has the final decision on any price match,” the company warned.
Best Buy is also among the retailers that have a price match guarantee.
The brand vows to match the prices of any of its competitors.
Best Buy’s competitors include the likes of Amazon, Sam’s Club, Target, and Walmart.
But, tech bosses have vowed the price match rule doesn’t apply for any items sold on online marketplaces.
How to compare prices to get the best deal
JUST because something is on offer, or is part of a sale, it doesn’t mean it’s always a good deal.
There are plenty of comparison websites out there that’ll check prices for you – so don’t be left paying more than you have to.
Most of them work by comparing the prices across hundreds of retailers.
Here are some ones you can use:
- Google Shopping is a tool that lets users search for and compare prices for products across the web. Simply type in keywords, or a product number, to bring up search results.
- CamelCamelCamel only works on goods being sold on Amazon. To use it, type in the URL of the product you want to check the price of.
- Honey is a price comparison tool that lets you compare prices through your browser. It can also find coupons and codes for saving money on items you’re looking at.
