The Container Store vsTarget Organizing Products
Today I’m comparing 10 similar organizing products from Target and the Container Store to determine…. IS EXPENSIVE REALLY BETTER? Does spending more money really get you a better organizing product?
My initial theory is that while Target is likely a little bit cheaper, the ability to touch and see all the items at the Container Store and get everything at the same store combined with higher quality at TCS, will prove that TCS is a better overall value. Lets find out!
To me, overall value for organizing products is three things: Price + Quality + Functionality. So for each product we will compare price, quality and function and I will bold the winner under the picture. At the end we’ll see the winner for overall value and I’ll share the price breakdown (the results SHOCKED me!).
Shop Target (left) || Shop TCS (right)
Target: $15, Same functionality, Better Quality
TCS: $27, Same functionality, Lesser Quality
Shop Target (left) || Shop TCS (right)
Target: 10 for $8 (0.80 each, Same quality, Same function
TCS: 10 for $9.99 ($1 each), Same quality, Same function
My favorite hangers are actually made my Amazon Basics and come in a variety of bulk quantities depending on your needs.
Wouldn’t Recommend Target (left) || Shop TCS (right)
Target: $17, Fabric on a sister item has dimpling, Functionality same although overall size is smaller
TCS: $21.99, High quality, Same Functionality in a larger size
Wouldn’t Recommend Target || Shop TCS (right)
Target: $28, Poor quality - dimpling in fabric and scratched front, same functionality
TCS: $34.99, High quality, Same functionality (magnetic drop front)
At this point we are tied 2 for Target and 2 for The Container Store with 100% of the TCS items being super high quality while two of the Target products were poor quality. Who do you think is going to win out as best overall value? Keep reading to find out, and if you are digging this but would rather watch the full breakdown - go here.
Shop Target (left) || Shop TCS (right)
Target: $22, Same quality and function (varying sizes available)
TCS: $27.99, Same quality and function (varying sizes available)
Shop Target (left) || Shop TCS (right)
Target: $12, Handles are not as great of quality as they are stitched in, same functionality
TCS: $15.99, Handles have grommets and are higher quality provided better functionality for moving around
Shop Target (left) || Shop TCS (right)
Target: 2 for $26, Prefer the bumper and springform on the TCS product, Same function
TCS: 2 for $21.99, Better non-slip bumper and tighter springform to hold in place, same function
PSST - Don’t buy either of these! Amazon has the best deal and similar quality for bamboo dividers. Shop those here.
Shop Target (left) || TCS (right)
Target: $12, Same quality, Same function
TCS: $37.99, Same quality, same function
Shop Target (left) || Shop TCS (right)
Target: $14, Same quality, Serves intended purpose
TCS: $21.99, Same quality, overall functions better and the availibility of configurations within this set of products is unmatched (This is one thing I believe is worth the splurge!!!)
Shop Target (left) || Shop TCS (right)
Target:$15, a little smaller but made of durable plastic, divided turntable function
TCS: $29.99, More aesthetically pleasing, Both made of durable plastic, Clearer plastic and thicker, Has further containment options but I don’t think these provide enough incremental value for double the price
Psst, my favorite version of this (and best value) is this one here.
The final breakdown
This is where the gloves come off and stuff starts to get really interesting. Although 5 of the Target products were a better overall value, and 5 of the Container Store products won for better overall value, I think price weighs in more than we are giving it credit for. I will mention that while 8 of 10 of the Target products were good quality, 100% of the Container Store products were good quality and overall their quality is just better.
Here is the math - I did not include sales, my trade discount, RedCard, or tax in these calculations to keep it apples to apples.
TARGET TOTAL: $169
TCS TOTAL: $250.90
Difference: $81.90
Conclusion: It cost 32% MORE to shop the Container Store.
Is the juice worth the squeeze? Other considerations:
100% of the Container Store products were good quality and overall their quality is just better.
We only looked at a subset of 10 products (but from experience I know they are generally more expensive)
TCS has more in-store shopping options and sizing configurations; overall better in-store experience
For a pro organizer with the trade discount, it still cost 25% more to shop the Container Store
Target has a large selection organizing products online (in-store is spotty) at better prices,
Be mindful of quality when buying some of the organizing products at Target
WHICH DO YOU THINK IS A BETTER OVERALL VALUE? Comment below.
I’ll be looking at other popular places to shop in upcoming posts including Amazon, as well as sharing what I absolutely would not buy at The Container Store and what I think is worth the splurge. All coming soon. Thanks for reading!
Shop Target:
Shop TCS: