Prime Day Showdown: See the Best Deals from Amazon, Target and Walmart
National retailers Amazon, Walmart and Target are duking it out this week for your attention with deep discounts and endless sales. The real winner? Your shopping cart if you snag the deals (and don’t spend on stuff you don’t need, of course).
We hit the virtual pavement to scout out the best sales on seasonal merchandise, electronics and back-to-school supplies. The results of an Amazon vs. Target vs. Walmart shopping showdown? We’ll let you be the judge of that.
July Shopping Showdown: Amazon vs. Target vs. Walmart
As retailers vie for consumer loyalty, mid-summer sales have turned fiercely competitive with deeper and deeper discounts. If you’re trying to decide which store to shop, the best strategy is not to choose at all. Surf websites this week to find the best prices on everything that’s been parked on your summer wishlist.
Don’t Sleep on Amazon Prime Day Deals
Now – July 12
Amazon Prime Day officially kicks off on July 11, but shoppers can scoop up early sale prices all week long. Some of the best deals include Amazon exclusives electronics and Amazon-brand products, but there are also deep discounts on bedding and housewares, school supplies, Apple products and much more.
Some featured deals include:
- 75% off select Amazon devices
- 50% off Barbie dolls and accessories
- 55% off select Crayola products
- 60% off Gap apparel for men, women, kids and babies
- 50% off Sony headphones, speakers and home audio
- 50% off select floorcare from Bissell and iRobot
Be aware that Amazon reserves rock-bottom prices for Prime members. Membership fees start at $14.99 per month after the 30-day free trial or $139 annually. College students can snag a Prime membership for as little as $7.49 per month, while those on government assistance are eligible for Amazon Prime membership starting at $6.49 per month. Depending on what deals you’re leveraging on Prime Day, membership pays for itself.
Build even more ways to save into your Amazon experience with our Prime Day shopping tips.
Target Circle Week Sales Hit the Bull’s-Eye for Shoppers
July 9 – July 15
Not to be outdone by Amazon, Target kicked off Circle Week on July 9. If you’re a member of the free Target Circle Rewards program, you’ll enjoy extra savings throughout the week (up to 50%) on a wide variety of items from food to beauty products to electronics.
Featured deals include:
- 50% off select Sun Squad items, including outdoor pools and water toys
- 20% off Barbies
- 20% off breakfast cereal, Mountain Dew, Gatorade and more
Target also offers a few enticing ways to grab gift cards during Circle Week, including deals like spend $40 on beauty and health, get a $10 Target gift card. If you spend $50 on household essentials at Target, you’ll also get a $15 gift card for your next shopping trip.
It’s also worth keeping an eye on Target sales beyond Circle Week as the store continues to offer discounts (up to 20%) for teachers and students. Deals feature school supplies, dorm essentials, and more as part of the annual Target Teacher Appreciation Event.
Looking for more ways to save at Target? See the best of Target’s summer sale prices.
Walmart Woos Shoppers with Walmart+ Week
July 10 – July 13
And last but not least, Walmart gets in on the summer sales mayhem with Walmart+ Week. Walmart+ membership is normally $98 year, but you can pick it up for 50% off during Walmart+ Week. Walmart+ members enjoy free same-day grocery delivery, lower gas prices and a slew of other benefits including early access to Walmart+ Week deals.
While Walmart keeps its Walmart+ exclusive deals under wraps for members only, rumor has it you’ll find discounts on electronics, patio and garden furniture, household items, toys and lots more.
Competition Means Serious Savings
Once the chaos of holiday spending eases, many retailers try to avoid seasonal sales downturns by offering deeper discounts. So if you’ve been waiting for the right moment to buy those expensive headphones or that new patio set, summer sales offer the perfect chance to hit the jackpot on both big ticket items and everyday essentials.
Kaz Weida is a senior staff writer at The Penny Hoarder covering saving money and budgeting. As a journalist, she has written about a wide array of topics including finance, health, politics, education and technology for the last decade.
