Charles Dharapak/AP Photo

First Lady Michelle Obama was spotted this afternoon on a recession-friendly shopping trip at the Target in Alexandria, Va. A casually dressed Mrs. Obama was snapped by Associated Press photographers wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses pushing her cart and carrying shopping bags.

While the White House does not provide details about the First Lady’s personal activities, “It is not uncommon for the First Lady to slip out to run an errand, eat at a local restaurant or otherwise enjoy the city outside the White House gates,” her Communications Director Kristina Schake said.

According to the Associated Press, plain clothes Secret Service agents arrived at the store about half and hour before Mrs. Obama, who then spent roughly 30 minutes shopping. The only person to recognize the First Lady was the cashier who rang up her purchases.

In the 2008 campaign Michelle Obama proudly admitted she shopped at Target – “ I’m more of a Target shopper” - and held it up as an example of how she relates to voters. She has also been known to be a fan of the discount store’s clothing. While on vacation in 2009, she was seen wearing a dress from Target .

While the First Lady clearly has an affinity for Target, she also has a professional relationship with its chief rival Walmart. In January Mrs. Obama’s Let’s Move! campaign partnered with Walmart when the company announced plans to make healthier food choices more affordable and to lower salts, fats and sugars in thousands of its product. Target has announced no such plans.