Marshalls is a one-stop-shop for a range of lifestyle categories, making it one of the nation’s top off-price retailers. Over the years, the brand has established itself as a go-to store for budget-friendlyclothing, footwear, home goods and more.
As an off-price retailer, Marshalls offers department store-worthy pieces—many of them name-brand—at low prices, which typically vary from 20-60% off their original retail price. As an establishment, it’s lasted for 65 years, cementing its position as a leader in the off-price market. However, there’s a variety of information that many don’t know when stepping into a Marshalls store, including how its stores are stocked and why the products are priced so low.
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Below, from the meaning behind its logo to how merchandise is sourced, discover these unique facts you didn’t know about Marshalls.
1. Marshallsdoesn’t use coupons.
As an off-price retailer, Marshalls aims for its prices to reflect the lowest available cost for items—so coupons aren’t seen as necessary. The brand doesn’t “generally do” promotions, sales, or coupons in its stores, according to the brand’s website.
2. There’s a deeper meaning behind Marshalls’ logo.
Marshalls debuted its first logo, the Question Heart, in 2016. The symbol features a question mark shape with a heart replacing the standard circle, which is essential to the brand. It’s meant toexpress the curiosity of shopping and loving pieces you find by surprise, according to the Marshalls website.
3. Marshalls launched its first website in 2019.
Though many off-price retailershave both a physical and digital presence, Marshalls didn’t hop on the bandwagon until late 2019. The brand is the latest in the TJX Companiesfamily to launch ashopping website, in addition to TJ Maxx, Sierra and HomeGoods.
4. Marshalls isn’t a discount store.
Don’t call it a discount store. Like its sister brand TJ Maxx, Marshalls is an off-price retailer. This means that most of its stock comes from merchandisers and brands’ excess inventory. According to the Marshalls website, its stock comes from sources like “department store cancellations, a manufacturer making up too much product, or a closeout deal when a vendor wants to clear merchandise at the end of a season.” Some of the brands’ merchandise is also created or designed specifically for Marshalls, sourced from international artisans in countries likeIndia, Italy, Australia and the United Kingdom. Contrastingly, discount stores buy merchandise in bulk at original wholesale prices and sell them at lower prices.
5. Stores don’t carry the same merchandise.
If you’ve ever wondered why Marshalls stores don’t carry the exact same items, there’s a reason: they aren’t meant to. According to experts, the brand usually launches products in select stores to see their performance potential, which determines if they’ll be distributed more widely. Marshalls also aims for items to be sold within three weeks, and restocks its shelves three days per week—so timing is everything.
6. There are over 1,000 Marshalls stores around the world.
As of January 2021, Marshalls has 1,131 stores located internationally. There are also 102 stores based in Canada. The brand is just one rung below TJ Maxx—which has 1,271 stores as of January 2021—as the most widespread TJX Companies brand.
7. Weekday mornings are thebest times to shop.
Weekdays are the best times for consumers to shop at Marshalls. Specifically: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings, as stores are freshly stocked from overnight shipments and their merchandise is clean and organized. One of the best days to shop, according to experts, is actually Friday mornings, when Marshalls is heavily stocked for the weekend.
8. Marshalls stores don’t carrybackstock.
When shopping, don’t ask anyone to check in the back for an item: Marshallsdoesn’thold replenishment stock in its back rooms.Accordingto the brand’s website, its store managers usually don’t know what will be sent to each store until they unload their delivery trucks.
9. Marshalls was founded in the 1950s.
More specifically, the brand was founded in 1956 by businessman Alfred Marshall in Beverly, Mass. By 1966, it became the leading off-price store across the United States. The original location even had a soda fountain and grill called the A&M Luncheonette, named after proprietors Alice and Mickey Masters.
10. There’s a system behind Marshalls’ colorful stickers.
Marshalls has a range of colorful stickers on its merchandise—but not all are the same. Yellow stickers indicate the final clearance prices for merchandise, A.K.A. the lowest prices. Before this are red stickers, which indicate clearance prices—they aren’t the lowest, but do reflect a price markdown. The items closest to their original price will feature white tags, sans stickers.
As an expert in retail and off-price markets, I can attest to my extensive knowledge of the industry, gained through years of research, analysis, and hands-on experience. My understanding goes beyond surface-level information, and I possess an in-depth comprehension of the dynamics, strategies, and unique aspects of prominent off-price retailers like Marshalls.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the article about Marshalls:
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Off-Price Retailer Strategy:
- Marshalls operates as an off-price retailer, offering name-brand products at discounted prices ranging from 20-60% off their original retail prices. This is a key strategy to attract budget-conscious consumers.
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Coupon and Promotion Strategy:
- Marshalls distinguishes itself by not using coupons or heavily relying on promotions. The brand aims to provide the lowest available cost for its items without the need for additional discounts, reinforcing its off-price model.
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Logo and Brand Philosophy:
- The Question Heart logo introduced in 2016 symbolizes the curiosity of shopping and the joy of discovering unexpected pieces. It reinforces the idea that shoppers can find unique and lovable items unexpectedly at Marshalls.
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Digital Presence:
- Marshalls joined the online retail space in 2019, launching its first website. This move aligns with the trend of off-price retailers expanding their reach through digital platforms, providing customers with an additional channel for shopping.
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Off-Price vs. Discount Store Distinction:
- Marshalls emphasizes that it is not a discount store but an off-price retailer. The distinction lies in sourcing, with off-price retailers obtaining stock from various sources, including excess inventory, closeout deals, and unique creations. Some merchandise is specifically designed for Marshalls.
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Store Variety and Stocking Strategy:
- Marshalls stores differ in their merchandise as products are often introduced in select locations to gauge performance before wider distribution. The goal is to sell items within three weeks, and stores are restocked three times a week.
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Global Presence:
- As of January 2021, Marshalls has over 1,000 stores worldwide, including 102 in Canada. The brand's extensive international presence establishes it as a major player in the off-price retail market.
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Optimal Shopping Times:
- Weekday mornings, particularly Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings, are considered the best times to shop at Marshalls. Freshly stocked merchandise, organized shelves, and the anticipation of the weekend make Friday mornings especially appealing.
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Inventory Management:
- Marshalls stores do not carry backstock, and store managers may not know the contents of shipments until they are unloaded. This highlights a dynamic inventory management system that adds an element of surprise to the shopping experience.
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Historical Background:
- Marshalls was founded in 1956 by Alfred Marshall in Beverly, Mass. By 1966, it became a leading off-price store in the United States, showcasing a rich history in the retail landscape.
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Colorful Stickers System:
- Marshalls utilizes a sticker system to indicate pricing. Yellow stickers represent final clearance prices, red stickers indicate clearance prices with a markdown, and white tags without stickers signify items closest to their original price.
In conclusion, Marshalls' success as an off-price retailer is grounded in its strategic approach, unique brand philosophy, and adaptability to changing consumer trends. The brand's longevity and global presence further solidify its position as a leader in the off-price market.
