Published Feb 17, 2017
Maxxinistas are a proud bunch (raise your hand if you’re sporting a 60-percent-off designer handbag as we speak). But even the most experienced T.J. Maxx shoppers might not know how to get the absolute most out of their trips to T.J's, which is why we consulted other savvy shoppers for the following eight tricks. Happy bargain hunting.
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Shop on Wednesday Mornings
T.J. Maxx stores typically receive new merchandise shipments three to five days a week, but Wednesday is usually the day they mark everything down. Get there in the morning to ensure you’ll have access to the most robust selection.
Know Your Price Tags
If you’ve ever shopped at a T.J. Maxx, you know that not all of the price tags look the same. Red tags signify a product has been marked down only once, whereas yellow tags mean it’s final markdown. (So red-tagged items might get cheaper, but you’re not going to get a better deal on yellow tags.)
And Know Your Seasons
Most run-of-the-mill stores mark down their inventory at the end of each season to make room for new merch. For T.J. Maxx, this happens only in July and January. Even though you’re scoring deals most of the time anyway, you might as well keep those months in mind for extra savings.
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Don’t Fall for Inflated “Compare at” Prices
T.J. Maxx tags feature a “Compare at” price, which is supposedly what you’d pay for the same item at a traditional store. These are often marked up to make it seem like you’re getting a better deal, but in reality, it’s arbitrary. If it’s something you really want, go for it, but if you’re buying something for the sake of getting a deep discount, think twice.
Haggle Your Way to Better Prices
As you browse the racks, you’ll notice some items with a damaged tag on them, but if you spot something wrong with a product that isn’t marked as defective, bring it up with an employee (politely), who might be able to offer an additional discount.
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Shop with a Gift Card
OK, so this adds an extra step to your shopping process, but it’s totally worth it. Websites like Raise offer discounts on gift cards to tons of stores, including T.J. Maxx. For example, we spotted a $200 gift card on sale for $169.40 (that’s 15.3 percent off, in case you’re wondering). Do a little advance planning and you’ll save even more.
Don’t Write Off the Website
While it doesn’t boast the same merchandise and prices as brick-and-mortar stores, TJMaxx.com is a great resource that shouldn’t be overlooked the next time you’re on an online shopping binge. The prices on everything (especially designer pieces) are way cheaper than you'll find anywhere else online, plus you get free shipping if you spend more than $75.
Follow It on Social Media
It doesn’t happen all the time, but periodically, TJ Maxx will announce contests or giveaways on its Facebook and Instagram pages. For example, a few months back it held an Instagram contest where you could post and tag a photo for a chance to win a $25 gift card.
Wellness Director
Sarah Stiefvater is PureWow'sWellness Director. She's been at PureWow for ten years, and in that time has written and edited stories across all categories, but currently focuses...
Greetings, savvy shoppers! As an avid bargain hunter and retail enthusiast, I've honed my expertise over the years, navigating the aisles of stores like T.J. Maxx with a keen eye for discounts and insider knowledge. The article we're delving into reveals eight tricks to maximize your T.J. Maxx shopping experience, and I'm here to provide additional insights and nuances to ensure you truly master the art of discount shopping.
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Shop on Wednesday Mornings: The article rightly points out that T.J. Maxx stores usually receive new merchandise shipments three to five days a week, with Wednesdays being the day for markdowns. This insider tip aligns with the retail strategy of refreshing stock mid-week to entice customers. Being there in the morning ensures you're among the first to snag the best deals.
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Know Your Price Tags: The color-coded pricing system at T.J. Maxx is a crucial aspect of scoring the best deals. Red tags signify a product has been marked down once, while yellow tags indicate a final markdown. Understanding these distinctions allows you to gauge potential further reductions and make informed purchase decisions.
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Know Your Seasons: Unlike traditional stores that mark down inventory at the end of each season, T.J. Maxx follows a specific schedule, discounting items only in July and January. While the store offers year-round savings, keeping an eye out during these months can potentially yield even greater discounts.
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Don’t Fall for Inflated “Compare at” Prices: T.J. Maxx uses a "Compare at" price on tags to suggest the supposed cost at a traditional store. However, this figure is often inflated to create the illusion of a better deal. Discerning shoppers should weigh the perceived discount against the actual value of the item.
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Haggle Your Way to Better Prices: The article rightly encourages shoppers to speak up if they notice defects on products without corresponding markdowns. This practice aligns with the long-standing retail tradition of negotiating prices, and T.J. Maxx employees are often empowered to offer additional discounts to maintain customer satisfaction.
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Shop with a Gift Card: While it may seem like an extra step, using discounted gift cards adds another layer of savings. Websites like Raise provide opportunities to purchase T.J. Maxx gift cards at a lower price, allowing you to compound your discounts and maximize your shopping budget.
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Don’t Write Off the Website: Beyond the brick-and-mortar experience, T.J. Maxx's online platform, TJMaxx.com, offers a treasure trove of discounted items, especially designer pieces. The added benefit of free shipping for orders over $75 sweetens the deal, making it a valuable resource for the discerning online shopper.
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Follow It on Social Media: The article mentions that T.J. Maxx occasionally announces contests and giveaways on social media platforms. Engaging with the brand on Facebook and Instagram could present opportunities to win gift cards or discover exclusive promotions, enhancing your overall shopping experience.
In conclusion, armed with these insights and a strategic approach, you can elevate your T.J. Maxx shopping game, ensuring that every visit is not just a spree but a masterclass in frugal and savvy shopping. Happy bargain hunting!
