Pam-- Some great info on "working" the clearance deals at Target. Here is a little more information on how there clearance works and good pointers I have discovered (from a past "Team Member").
Initial Markdowns are 15% off for Consumables (i.e. Food/Candy, Health/Beauty, Cleaning Supplies, etc.) and Electronics. 30% off for Softlines and the remaining Hardlines (i.e. Home Decor, Textiles, Toys) and (of course) 50% off for Holiday merchandise. (Which starts the morning after the holiday.) They (most of the time) will discount an item quicker if they are sitting on a heavy inventory of a paticuliar SKU in the distrobution center .
If you ever have an opportunity to head to an older Target to check out their clearance-- I have two words for you-- DO IT! Especially, if the merchandise does not appeal to the demographic and if the store has not go through the company's most recent remodel from the year 2000. You will finds some their best product at the lowest prices. Plus, in these stores, after the markdown process (i.e. 15/30, 50, 75) they will also "price kill" their remaining non-Holiday clearance to 85% off to sell the merchandise and help the store with its goal. Be advise, "price killing" normally happens every 8 weeks, so be patient, and remember, you will not (normally) find these deals at a popular/heavily shopped Target/SuperTarget.
Also, you will notice very little (if any) clearance around November 1st-- due to the "Out of Sight, Out of Mind" theory. Just wait patiently for BF, then 12/26!
Hope these tips help--
Looking for the Best--M