Why Thursday Is the New Black Friday for Toy Deals at Target

Tired of the frantic energy of Black Friday and the sinking feeling of seeing the perfect toy sold out? If you’re looking to score big on toys without the stress, your new secret weapon is Thursday night. We’ll break down exactly why this strategy works and how you can use it to your advantage.

The Thursday Advantage: Unpacking the Pattern

The core of this strategy lies in understanding the weekly rhythm of a retail giant like Target. While the official weekly ad drops on Sunday, the internal operations of the store, like restocking and price adjustments, follow a different schedule. This creates a sweet spot for savvy shoppers.

See the Weekly Sales Pattern

For many Target stores, Thursday is a key day for markdowns in the toy department. Team members are often working through the week to clear out older inventory and make room for new products arriving for the weekend. This means new clearance tags and price drops frequently appear on shelves by Thursday morning or afternoon.

By shopping on Thursday night, you are among the first to see these new deals before the heavy weekend crowds descend. This isn’t a secret sale, but rather an observable pattern based on store logistics. You get first pick of the newly discounted items, which is a massive advantage for popular brands that sell out quickly.

Why Thursday Equals Less Stress

Shopping on a Thursday evening is a completely different experience than a chaotic Saturday or the pandemonium of Black Friday. The aisles are quieter, the lines are shorter, and the shelves are generally better stocked and more organized. This low-stress environment gives you the time and space to think clearly, compare prices on your phone, and make smart decisions without feeling rushed or pressured. You can browse the clearance endcaps thoroughly and even find items that were returned or misplaced, which are often the first to be marked down.

"Big Toy Drops Sell Fast": How to Catch Them

The ad is right: the best deals don’t last long. High-demand toys from brands like LEGO, Barbie, Hot Wheels, and L.O.L. Surprise! can disappear in hours once they hit a certain discount threshold. Here’s how you can be the first to know and act.

  • Use the Target App: The Target app is your most powerful tool. Before you even head to the store, you can check the price and local store availability of items on your list. Use the app’s scanner in the aisle to double-check prices, as sometimes a clearance price hasn’t been updated on the shelf tag yet.
  • Set In-Stock Alerts: For a specific, must-have toy, find it on Target.com or in the app and sign up for in-stock and sale alerts. You’ll get a notification the moment it’s back on the shelves or its price drops.
  • Check Online First: Often, price changes go live on Target.com late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning before the physical tags are even changed in the store. A quick browse of the toy deals section online before you head out can give you a clear mission for your shopping trip.

Master Target's Price Match Rules for Maximum Savings

Understanding Target’s price match policy is a pro-level move that can save you a significant amount of money. It provides a safety net, allowing you to buy a popular toy on Thursday to secure it, then get money back if the price drops further.

How the Price Match Guarantee Works

Target will match the price of an identical item if you find it for less at Target.com or on the websites of select competitors. You have 14 days from the date of purchase to request a price adjustment.

Key Competitors Target Matches:

  • Amazon.com
  • Walmart.com
  • BestBuy.com
  • Lego.com
  • And several others (you can find the full, current list on Target’s website).

A Practical Strategy

Let’s say you buy a LEGO set for \(50 on a Thursday. The following Tuesday, you see that Amazon or even Target.com has dropped the price to \)40. Simply go to the Guest Services desk with your original receipt and proof of the lower price (have the webpage pulled up on your phone). They will refund you the $10 difference.

This is especially powerful in the weeks leading up to Black Friday. You can buy the toys your kids want early, avoiding the risk of them selling out, and still take advantage of any better deals that pop up closer to the holiday.

Your Thursday Night Toy Shopping Action Plan

Ready to put this all together? Here is a simple, step-by-step plan for your next Thursday shopping trip.

  1. Make Your List: Throughout the week, build a list of the toys you’re looking for.
  2. Do a Quick Online Check: On Thursday morning, browse the toy section on Target.com to spot any new online-only deals or price drops.
  3. Head to the Store: Go in the evening when the store is quiet. Grab a cart and head straight for the toy department.
  4. Scan the Clearance Endcaps: This is where you’ll find the biggest markdowns. Check the red clearance stickers for the percentage off.
  5. Use Your App: As you walk the main aisles, use the Target app scanner on any item that catches your eye. You might discover a hidden markdown that isn’t advertised on the shelf.
  6. Check for Target Circle Offers: Before you check out, open the Target Circle section of the app. There are often category-wide discounts (like “15% off toys”) or specific manufacturer coupons you can apply on top of sale prices.
  7. Keep Your Receipt: Store your receipt in a safe place and set a reminder on your phone to check prices for the next 14 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time on Thursday is best to shop? Generally, late afternoon or early evening is ideal. By this time, most of the day’s markdowns should be reflected on the shelves, but you’re still ahead of the post-work rush and the main weekend crowds.

Does this markdown strategy work for other departments? Yes, it often does. While the specific day can vary by store and department, most stores follow a weekly markdown schedule. Electronics and home goods, for example, might have a different key day. You can sometimes learn the schedule for your local store by politely asking a team member.

Can I price match a Black Friday deal if I buy a toy beforehand? This can be tricky. Target’s policy often excludes prices from the week of Black Friday (Thanksgiving Day through the following Monday). It’s crucial to read the fine print on their website during that specific time, as policies can be adjusted for the holiday season. The 14-day price match is most effective for regular weekly sales leading up to the main event.