WestHollywoodPatch conducted a recent survey of 3 Los Angeles area stores, and found prices at the West Hollywood location up to 20 percent higher on some items, compared to the prices at the next two closest Target stores.
On Nov. 20th, Patch surveyed 50 items in all departments (grocery, healthy/beauty, clothing, baby supplies, pet supplies, housewares, electronics and toys) at three Targets — the 7100 Santa Monica Blvd. location in West Hollywood, the North Hollywood store at 11051 Victory Blvd. and the Culver City location at 3535 La Cienega Blvd. Patch looked at a range of products, from high-ticket items like video games and small appliances to everyday items like pet food and dish detergent. This non-scientific study found that the West Hollywood store had the highest prices of the three stores.
A Radio Flyer plastic wagon was $12 higher in Weho. A box of Pampers disposable diapers was $3.50 higher. A bottle of Advil ibuprofen was $3.40 higher. Tide Ultra laundry detergent was $2.10 higher, Purina dog food was $1.50 higher, Kellogg’s Raisin Bran cereal was $.55 higher, and Chips Ahoy cookies were $.50 higher than the other two stores.
When contacted by Weho Patch, the Target corporate office in Pasadena acknowledged they do have different prices in different stores. A corporate spokesperson released this statement:
Target strives to offer the best selection at the best price and our goal is to be competitively priced in each trade area. Target accepts price-match on items in the same store where the item was purchased. Competitive pricing is based on the retail environment for each individual community and can vary between Target stores. This is a common practice among retailers.