Target Return, Exchange, and Pricing Policy are inconsistent and unfair to the consumer

In case you didn't notice, ALL retailers do this. You could go to an A&P or a Fashion Bug and see the same stuff. Items are placed on clearence based on sales and the current market conditions. ALL TARGETS are not the same - at all. Your bedding sheet set may have been clearence at your Target, but just because it is at one doesn't mean it HAS TO BE at another.

I worked for A&P for 5 years, 2 of those in the Pricing Department. In my store - Cliffwood - would put, for example, Wishbone Russian Dressing at 50% off (aka Clearence). The next closest store, Holmdel, wouldn't have it on clearence at all. This is because the demand for it was greater there than my store. Now, sometimes certain things may go clearence because it was discontinued. It happens at Target just as much as it would at A&P. Since you didn't tell us why the item was on clearence, well, for now, assume it was because demand wasn't high.

Prices would also be different if you bought the item in the New Jersey Target and then tried returning it or exchanging it in the California Target. You must never have worked in retail, but this is pretty obvious stuff.

Target does not hold clearence or seasonal items for any reason, so don't go complaining about that either.

I understand your dilemma. I have seen this before since I work at Target. As far as the rebuttal, the reason that the item was not held is because it was clearance. Our stores cannot put holds on any clearance or seasonal merchandise.

Also, the problem may be that the sizes were different. At Target, the clearance process isn't always done like most people believe. At times, different colors and things will get clearance prices at different times. It sounds like the managers may have handled the situation rather poorly, and I really am sorry about that.

If I would have been in the situation, I would have called the other store and confirmed the price in their system and would have changed it to that just to be fair to a guest that had already been inconvenienced. Sorry that you had such a bad experience, and hopefully most of the Target stores aren't that way.

First and foremost, stop and think "what would be the most logical action I could take to resolve this?"

Obviously, you usually shop at a specific Target store where perhaps the employees &/or management know you, at least by sight, as they were willing to call another Target store to locate the item you were looking for. It was the second Target location that you had a problem with...they were both unwilling to "hold" the item & match the price of the King-size comforter. Try to direct your venom accordingly, instead of condemning the entire chain.

Also, keep in mind that the buying office of large retail chains are where the markdown decisions are made, usually marking down SIZES & COLORS that are not selling at the same rate as others. Queen-size beds are the most common size and perhaps they did not receive a markdown on that size, because it was selling well at full price. So, the buying office is the department you need to reach and berate, not the minimum wage customer service associate.

The simplest solution to your way too long & overdramatized tale would have been to purchase the queen comforter at Target #2, return to Target #1 and ask to speak to the store manager on duty. Explain your earth-shattering dilemma in a calm tone and ask that person to help you resolve the problem. Then, after they match the price, you can write a letter to the CEO about how wonderful the Manager at Target #1 is and how the entire staff,(particularly the Customer Service personnel at Target #2)are in serious need of retraining, since it is not the level of service to which you are normally accustommed to receiving at "your" Target store.

Act like an adult & you will be treated like one.

First and foremost, stop and think "what would be the most logical action I could take to resolve this?"

Obviously, you usually shop at a specific Target store where perhaps the employees &/or management know you, at least by sight, as they were willing to call another Target store to locate the item you were looking for. It was the second Target location that you had a problem with...they were both unwilling to "hold" the item & match the price of the King-size comforter. Try to direct your venom accordingly, instead of condemning the entire chain.

Also, keep in mind that the buying office of large retail chains are where the markdown decisions are made, usually marking down SIZES & COLORS that are not selling at the same rate as others. Queen-size beds are the most common size and perhaps they did not receive a markdown on that size, because it was selling well at full price. So, the buying office is the department you need to reach and berate, not the minimum wage customer service associate.

The simplest solution to your way too long & overdramatized tale would have been to purchase the queen comforter at Target #2, return to Target #1 and ask to speak to the store manager on duty. Explain your earth-shattering dilemma in a calm tone and ask that person to help you resolve the problem. Then, after they match the price, you can write a letter to the CEO about how wonderful the Manager at Target #1 is and how the entire staff,(particularly the Customer Service personnel at Target #2)are in serious need of retraining, since it is not the level of service to which you are normally accustommed to receiving at "your" Target store.

Act like an adult & you will be treated like one.