Target has introduced a new coupon savings program called Cartwheel that lets you save on everything from food to fashion, then share the deals with your friends on Facebook. You'll need a Facebook account to sign up and you can access Cartwheel at cartwheel.target.com on your computer, tablet, or mobile device.
Basically, you just browse the deals - which are organized into timely collections like "Memorial Day," "Grad Party Picks" and "Swim Shop" - then save the ones you like to your account. When you're ready to use your coupons, you can either print your Cartwheel barcode from home, or use your mobile device in store to access your barcode using your mobile browser.
I discovered Cartwheel while using my Target iPhone app but unfortunately right now the two are not integrated, meaning you'll have to use Cartwheel using a browser such as Safari. I hope Target merges Cartwheel with the Target app rather than creating a separate app, which would just complicate the process.
I haven't redeemed any of my Cartwheel deals just yet but I've got some good ones lined up, like 10% off Merona crossbody handbags, 15% off Nate Berkus home items and 20% off Gardenburgers. There are a lot of 5% off coupons which seem like a waste but you might be able to stack these with the 5% off you save if you use your Target Red Card, thereby saving 10% on purchases.
I think it's a fun concept and we'll see if I actually use it. The trick with coupons is to resist buying things you don't need just because you have a coupon, IMO. But if you can save on items you would have purchased anyways, it's a win-win!
Have you used Cartwheel yet? What do you think?
Erin B.
www.BrainsOfTheOutfit.com