Target Toy Clearance January 2012: My Store Marked Down Early!!!!

So, I'm checking on the Christmas clearance at the Ward Parkway store here in KC and was annoyed that it was just 70% off.  But as I was trying to scan something I noticed that there was one markdown person working in the toys. I checked some of the toys she had marked and they were 70% off!  WHAT?!  I asked her casually if a lot of toys were getting marked down and she said, "Yeah...all 70% off."  Woo!  She went on break so I had to wait in suspense, but sure enough she came back and brought the whole markdown team with her.  They proceeded to mark down every clearance toy to 70% off (with a couple of exceptions, but 95% of everything got marked down).  I almost died!  I would have totally missed it if I hadn't been walking by that aisle at that time b/c I never even thought to check this week. 

I called a friend of mine who came down but really there weren't many people at all shopping so it was a nice leisurely shopping experience!  Sadly the selection wasn't the best at this store to begin with.  There were NO Legos...not a single set.  But I found a few Disney Princess things that I wanted and a couple of great Matchbox sets, too.  I'm not complaining...we had our pick of the whole section!  Here is what I got:

Squinkies: $1.57

Tinkerbell Doll: $4.48
Orbeez Mood Lamp: $4.48
Matchbox Ship/Shark: $11.68
Matchbox Squid Set: $5.98
Motorbike: $2.83
Tiny Dino: $.74
Disney Princess big set: $9.98
Disney Princess Baby in a Bath Set: $5.98
Strawberry Shortcake Set: $5.98

Also, the camping goods and sporting goods were marked down to 70% off, too! I picked up a portable table for $20.98. Saw tents, sleeping bags, inflatable mattresses, and more. The sporting goods were also 70% off...motorized vehicles for kids, scooters, various balls and sporting equipment, and a few sets of golf clubs for $40. SO much stuff.


 Seriously...I was having to force myself not to load up 3 carts.  I was good, though!  :) 

NOTE:  I am almost positive that this store is only marking down early because it is going through a remodel.  I doubt that many stores around the country will be marking down today.  So don't rush out to check your store unless you are going anyway.  :)  My friend checked another store in our area and it was marking down only to 50% off.  So, I think that this is just a case of me getting really really lucky because of this remodel.  But what this tells me is that it is looking really good for all stores to go to 70% off next week.  (And, sadly, it tells me that the days of 75% off are gone).  But when it comes to Target Toy Clearance there are always surprises each year...this was a really awesome one!!  :)