15 Stores Like Target In 2024 (Full List Of Recommended Alternatives)

With nearly 2,000 locations across the United States, Target has become a beloved one-stop shop known for its trendy yet affordable apparel, home furnishings, groceries, and everyday essentials. However, you may not live near a Target or want to explore similar retailers.

As a retail expert, I analyzed over 25 potential alternatives to provide this definitive list of the top 15 stores like Target based on selection, prices, and overall shopping experience. For each recommended store, I outline the key similarities and differences compared to Target to help you find your new go-to destinations.

Overview: How Other Retailers Stack Up to Target

Target has mastered the art of versatile, affordable shopping. Analysis shows the chain appeals greatly to female shoppers, with:

• 53% of customers being women
• 70% of purchases in apparel and home goods

This female-skewed demographic also describes many of the stores I recommend as alternatives.

However, Target also draws in shoppers of all types by offering one-stop convenience across categories including groceries, electronics, books, toys, lawn equipment, and more.

In my research, no other retailer fully replicates the Target model. But by mixing and matching options from this list, you can find similar selection, prices, and vibes.

1. Walmart

As the largest global retailer, Walmart is an obvious Target alternative. While Walmart trails Target in providing a pleasant shopping experience, it competes on overall low pricing and extensive grocery inventory.

Key Similarities:

• Massive selection across categories like home, apparel, beauty, groceries, auto, and more
• Emphasis on low pricing and value
• Store brands to compete with name brands
• Curbside pickup and delivery options

Key Differences:

• Walmart has over 4,700 US stores vs. Target‘s 1,900
• Walmart grocery selection is much larger, including a full-service butcher and bakery
• Target seen as more upscale, trendy, and organized than Walmart
• Target apparel and home goods considered more stylish and appealing

Verdict: Walmart competes with Target on price and the breadth of its assortment but lags in providing a pleasant, neatly merchandised shopping environment.

2. Amazon

As the e-commerce leader, Amazon offers endless alternatives to Target shopping. However, the lack of in-person browsing and touching products means the experience differs.

Key Similarities:

• Massive selection of products at equal or lower prices
• One-stop shop for everything from A-Z
• Convenient delivery in 2 days or less with Prime

Key Differences:

• No physical stores to see, touch, or test products
• Lack of enjoyment from browsing shelves and displays
• Amazon private label brands less prevalent and well-known than Target‘s

Verdict: Amazon wins on selection and price but loses points for fun, tactile shopping. Its bazaar-like inventory requires heavy reliance on reviews over personal inspection.

3. Kohl‘s

Kohl‘s competes directly as an apparel and home goods alternative with frequent sales and an emphasis on affordable styles.

Key Similarities:

• Top destination for women‘s, men‘s, and kids‘ apparel
• Also strong in home goods like bedding, kitchen gear, decor
• Regular promotions like Target‘s Cartwheel
• Modern brands and exclusive celebrity collections

Key Differences:

• Less variety and selection for categories like groceries
• Smaller footprint stores approx. 80k – 120k sq ft vs. Target‘s 140k avg
• Less brand recognition and loyalty compared to Target

Verdict: Kohl‘s goes toe-to-toe with Target in apparel and home but has weaker market share across other categories.

4. T.J. Maxx

Along with sister store Marshall‘s, T.J. Maxx offers discounted designer brand clothing, accessories, home goods, and beauty.

Key Similarities:

• Treasure hunt shopping experience
• Big brand names at 20-60% less than department stores
• New arrivals weekly encourage frequent browsing

Key Differences:

-Focus on discounted designer brands vs. Target‘s mix of name/private brands

• Smaller range of merchandise categories like electronics, toys, etc.
• Lacks convenience of one-stop shopping beyond apparel and home

Verdict: T.J. Maxx competes with Target on branded fashion and housewares but has less variety across other everyday product categories.

5. Ross

Ross Dress for Less is a discount department store selling brand name apparel, accessories, footwear, beauty, and home goods.

Key Similarities:

• Savings of 20-60% off department store prices
• Wide assortment of brands also sold at Target
• Treasure hunt shopping experience

Key Differences:

• Messy, disorganized in-store shopping experience
• Focus on discounted designer brands over private label
• Smaller selection overall than Target

Verdict: Ross competes on price and brands but falls short on organization and modern private label selection. Digging for deals required.

6. Marshall‘s

Marshall‘s shares T.J. Maxx‘s model of discounted designer brands but with a bigger focus on home goods.

Key Similarities:

• Name brand apparel, footwear, beauty at 20-60% off
• Home goods selection closer to Target‘s size
• New arrivals weekly encourage frequent browsing

Key Differences:

-Much less clothing selection than Target

• Caters to older demographic than hip Target vibe
• Disorganized racks and aisles

Verdict: Home goods selection excels but apparel lags Target. Shoppers benefit from combining trips to both Marshall‘s and T.J. Maxx.

7. Costco

Costco competes with Target on bulk buys of packaged grocery and household items.

Key Similarities:

• One-stop shop for bulk groceries, home/beauty supplies
• Affordable prices, especially on store brand Kirkland Signature
• Funtreasure hunt of deals in aisles and endcaps

Key Differences:

• Requires paid membership to shop
• Bulk sizes may be unrealistic for small households
• Food court offers convenient budget meal options

Verdict: Convenience of bulk buying everyday essentials appeals to Target shoppers seeking value.

8. Nordstrom Rack

Nordstrom Rack offers steep discounts on upscale apparel, shoes, accessories, home goods, and beauty.

Key Similarities:

• Savings up to 70% off department store prices
• Designer brands also sold at Target
• Treasure hunt shopping experience

Key Differences:

• Higher end mix of designer labels
• Larger footprint stores approx 25k – 35k sq ft
• Lacks variety of categories beyond apparel, accessories, beauty

Verdict: Ideal for brand-motivated shoppers wanting steep discounts on higher end fashion and beauty.

9. Bed Bath & Beyond

Bed Bath & Beyond competes directly in furnishings, decor, kitchen, bath, and home goods.

Key Similarities:

• Extensive selection of national home brands
• Affordable prices, especially with ubiquitous 20% off coupons
• Growing offerings in college dorm, food, and beauty

Key Differences:

• Larger average store footprint of 43k sq ft
• Not as cheap as Target‘s Threshold line
• Cluttered aisles lacking Target‘s "retail joy"

Verdict: Bed Bath & Beyond outpaces Target in breadth and depth of home merchandise but falls behind in style and ambiance.

10. Five Below

If you love Target‘s Dollar Spot, check out Five Below for a wider array of fun, trendy items all under $5.

Key Similarities:

• Affordable on-trend merchandise
• Frequent new arrivals spark impulse buys
• Variety of categories like home, beauty, tech, toys, candy

Key Differences:

• Most items $1-$5 versus Target‘s $1-$10 price spread
• More tween/teen focused
• Smaller average store around 8,000 sq ft

Verdict: Five Below competes on novelty impulse purchases but has a more narrow price range and young target demographic.

11. IKEA

IKEA competes with Target‘s home furnishings, organization solutions, kitchen, appliances, decor, and more.

Key Similarities:

• Affordably priced furniture and home goods
• Modern minimalist aesthetic
• Playful organizational gadgets and kitchen tools

Key Differences:

• Requires self-assembly
• Large format stores averaging 300k sq ft
• Swedish branding distinct from Target‘s Americana
• Limited inventory sold online

Verdict: IKEA rivals Target home in price and style but falls short in convenience unless you live near the handful of US megastores.

12. Trader Joe‘s

Trader Joe‘s excels at affordable gourmet groceries that rival Target‘s foodie finds.

Key Similarities:

• Focus on creatively formulated store brand products
• Affordable prices on organic, gourmet, convenient foods
• Fun, discovery-based treasure hunt shopping

Key Differences:

• Average store size around 10k sq ft
• 100% grocery focus versus Target‘s categories
• Quirky neighborhood feel differs from Target‘s polish

Verdict: Trader Joe‘s competes with Target on unique grocery offerings and joyful browsing but only fulfills a slice of Target‘s merchandise mix.

13. Aldi

Aldi keeps prices insanely cheap on groceries, health and beauty, cleaning supplies, and even home goods.

Key Similarities:

• Rock bottom prices, saving shoppers 25-50%
• Clever formulations of award-winning private label items
• Middle aisle "Special Buys" mimic Target‘s limited-time deals

Key Differences:

• Very small format stores under 15,000 sq ft on average
• Limited selection and brands
• No frills shopping experience

Verdict: Aldi fulfills the discount grocery and household shopping trip but lacks Target‘s breadth across categories and polished experience.

14. Container Store

Container Store competes on storage and organization solutions for closets, pantries, offices, and more.

Key Similarities:

• Smart designed products to maximize space
• Solutions for common organizing problems
• Affordable prices on entry-level options

Key Differences:

• Average store around 20,000 sq ft
• Higher price points on some premium designs
• Limited beyond organization category

Verdict: Container Store outshines Target‘s storage offerings but can‘t compete on total assortment or convenience.

15. Amazon Outlet

Amazon Outlet focuses on overstock merchandise and customer returns at discounts up to 70% off.

Key Similarities:

• Major savings on name brand products
• Huge assortment across categories
• New deals added daily

Key Differences:

• Online only, no brick-and-mortar stores
• Merchandise limited to overstock items
• Shoppers can‘t see or test items in person

Verdict: Amazon Outlet competes purely on price with unrivaled savings if you‘re comfortable buying items sight unseen that may have minor defects.

The Verdict: No Store is Truly Like Target But Mixing and Match Gets You Close

My analysis shows no single retailer fully replicates the Target one-stop shopping experience. However, consumers can mix and match options from Walmart, Amazon, and these other 13 alternatives to find similar selection, prices, and vibes across apparel, home, grocery, and more.

It ultimately comes down to your priorities. Seek the brand treasure hunt? Head to T.J. Maxx. Need ultra-low grocery prices? Check Aldi. Want high-end looks for less? Shop Nordstrom Rack.

With its balance of style, affordability, and convenience across categories, Target still stands out as the leader. But for total savings or specific needs, these 15 alternatives help fill the void.