Here Are 3 Reasons People Stopped Shopping at Target
Is it still worth it to keep shopping at Target? A November 2025 article reported by TheStreet revealed Target sentiment dropped by 10% pertaining to personal finances. Significant operations changes following a decline in sales, including a push to integrate more technology for greater efficiency, have since been implemented at the big-box retailer, but it may be too little too late for shoppers.
Consumers who no longer shop at Target have posted their top reasons why on various Reddit forums — and it may not come as a huge surprise to learn what’s motivating them to quit cold turkey.
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Here’s why many Americans are choosing not to shop at Target.
Cost
The number one reason, according to Reddit, why shoppers no longer go on weekly Target runs relates to your wallet. Shoppers unanimously agree everything has become too expensive and there’s a lack of competitive pricing, especially compared to retailers like Walmart. Further, according to a Reddit thread, there appears to be no plans to implement lower store-wide prices anytime soon.
One Reddit user, BankBlackPanther, wrote they used to spend $200 to $300 a month at Target. To save more money, they have made less than four shopping trips since last February and got rid of their Target card.
Low Quality Products
If the cost isn’t enough to turn off shoppers, Target’s declining product quality is a major reason why shoppers are doing business elsewhere.
Everything from apparel to groceries has been criticized by former Target shoppers for being poor quality and costing too much money.
“I attempted to find some new work clothes for my partner at Target recently. There was not a single collared shirt in the store that was less than $30 each. I walked out empty handed and shopped Amazon for less than half the cost,” Reddit user Alice-Stargazer wrote.
Poor In-Store and Online Shopping Experiences
Some Target storefronts, depending on where they’re located, keep a substantial amount of merchandise locked inside glass cabinets which require an employee to open. Additional in-store critiques include messy aisles, employee staffing shortages and slow self-checkout counters.
Shopping online isn’t particularly enjoyable either. Several third-party sellers are now pushing their products on the Target website. This makes it harder for consumers to sift through and find exactly what they’re looking for instead of making many cheap impulse purchases.
Reddit user Alexreads0627 summed up the reality of a Target run circa 2026 in a single sentence: “I stopped shopping at Target in-person when the quality and ‘fun’ wore off.”
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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