Whether you’re looking for designer clothes or stylish decor for your new home, you can sometimes unearth incredible finds at the TJX family of stores.
That includes the namesake T.J. Maxx along with sister stores Marshalls, Sierra, Homesense and HomeGoods. These retailers feature a variety of marked-down and clearance items from high-end companies and lesser-known brands.
You’re likely to snag some savings, but you might do even better if you know the tricks. Since the stores are all owned by the same company, there are some common tactics you can use to turn a good haul into a great one.
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1. Shop on weekday mornings
You’ll want to avoid the weekend traffic at nearly any store you shop at, but enthusiasts say the best times for shopping at T.J. Maxx stores are weekday mornings.
The stores receive their shipments overnight, so mornings are an ideal time to shop, according to Christine Lee of the HomeGoods Obsessed fan page.
"Mondays are usually catch-up days from the busy weekend, so Wednesday, Thursday or Friday are your best bet," Lee told Good Housekeeping magazine in 2019.
You can also ask one of the staff at your local store to let you know when they usually restock and set out some time in your day to go treasure hunting.
2. Look closely for brand knockoffs
Think you’ve scored a fantastic deal on a name brand coat? Check the inside tag first.
Retail expert Ron Hess told News4 in 2019 that some items sold at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls could have a "TJX" label — denoting that they could be licensed items manufactured specifically for the discount stores.
Hess added that a licensed item might not be of the same quality or fit as what you’d expect from a designer label. So that “Compare At” price could be pretty misleading.
3. Double check for discount duplicates
Sometimes you’ll find yourself a nice Ralph Lauren polo for $19.99 but find the exact same piece in the store for $5 less.
That can happen when T.J. Maxx purchases the same item from different vendors or the staff misses some items while marking down. Take a sweep of the store — particularly the clearance racks — to make sure you’ve got the lowest priced version.
And keep in mind that you can’t ask for a price adjustment on an item after you buy it just because the price drops a day or two later. None of the stores under the T.J. Maxx umbrella offer this service.
4. Get designer brands for less
You can find anything from Burberry eyeglasses to Diesel jeans in The Runway department at T.J. Maxx.
The Runway carries the designer brands that every Maxxinista dreams of, all at ridiculously low prices. Michelle Madhok, online shopping expert and founder of deals site shefinds.com, told digital culture magazine Mic in 2017 that you can score some high-end deals for up to 70% off.
Not every T.J. Maxx location holds a Runway department, though. You can either shop online or use the store locator to find a store near you that features the collection. Just look for the “R” symbol.
5. Know the differences
The TJX family of stores has plenty of similarities, but it’s important to know the differences before you start shopping to save yourself a second trip.
T.J. Maxx and Marshalls function like department stores, selling everything from pet supplies to cosmetics. Sierra sells many of the same products but is geared more toward outdoor apparel and athletic wear. Homesense and HomeGoods focus on furniture and decor.
While T.J. Maxx is better known for designer items and jewelry, particularly with its The Runway collection, Marshalls carries more footwear and has an expanded men’s department and a junior department known as The Cube.
Meanwhile, Homesense tends to have a bigger selection than HomeGoods, according to Cosmopolitan.
6. Ask for discounts on damaged items
If you find a cute sweater with a stain that you know a couple of good washes will fix, try asking the cashier at the checkout for a discount.
Assuming the item hasn’t already been marked down for damage, shoppers say, store employees can give you a discount at their discretion.
However, if the item has an “As Is” tag attached to it, that means someone’s noticed the damage and marked it down already.
7. ‘If you love it, grab it!’
If you spot an item you really want, you probably shouldn’t hold off until the next time you stop at the store.
The Marshalls website says, “We don't hold replenishment stock in our back rooms and the store managers often don't even know what's coming until they throw open the delivery truck doors!”
Lee also told Good Housekeeping that products are usually launched in a few stores to check whether they perform well before getting distributed throughout the country.
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8. Decode the price tags
According to a few different sites, TJX price tags have their very own color scheme to tell you whether you’re getting a primo deal.
The white tags are for regular-priced items, and red tags indicate clearance prices — no mystery there. At T.J. Maxx and Marshalls stores, however, you’ll also come across yellow tags that flag final clearance prices and blue tags that let you know the item has a coordinating piece (like a matching skirt to go with a blouse).
And if you come across a purple tag, you’ve found a designer item at T.J. Maxx, from its The Runway collection.
9. Consider the TJX credit card carefully
This one’s for the regulars. It could be worth signing up for the TJX rewards credit card if you find yourself stopping at any one of these stores each week.
The rewards card gets you an extra 10% discount on your first purchase, and you’ll earn points equal to 5% of the money you spend that you can later redeem for store credit. You’ll even receive invites to some exclusive, members-only shopping events.
There’s no annual fee, but be aware that the APR is very high, even among credit cards. Don’t get the card if there’s a chance you might carry a balance from month to month and slide into debt.
10. Ignore the 'Compare At' prices
Don’t be too swayed by the high competitor prices listed on the tags at TJX stores.
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx use the tactic of “price anchoring” — setting your expectations of how much an item should cost — to convince you you’re getting an amazing deal. But the “Compare At” number doesn’t necessarily represent the cheapest alternative or even the going rate.
Class-action lawsuits were filed against TJX Companies in 2015 and 2018, alleging the Compare At prices are essentially “fictional.” On its website, TJX says the number represents the regular retail price at “full-price department or specialty retailers,” and if identical items aren’t available elsewhere, it compares with products of a “similar type, quality and style.”
In the end, it’s always better to do your own research instead.
11. Keep an eye out for old makeup
You might be able to snag that Anastasia Beverly Hills contour kit for half the price at a T.J. Maxx or Marshalls.
The discount stores offer some high-end makeup products in their beauty aisles for much less than you would pay at Ulta or Sephora.
Don’t get too carried away by the cheap prices, though. News4 Investigates reported in 2019 that it couldn’t find expiration dates on any of the products examined in T.J. Maxx stores, but there’s no telling how long they’ve been sitting on shelves for.
Open and inspect the products if you can for any damage or signs of age. A stale smell can be a good indicator of makeup gone bad.
12. Save by signing up for the email list
If you don’t want another credit card padding out your wallet, take advantage of the free bonuses you get when you sign up for the email list at T.J. Maxx, Marshalls or Sierra.
You get free shipping on your first online order as well as notifications about new arrivals and exclusive offers.
You can even keep track of your order history for the past six months on your account with T.J. Maxx and Marshalls.
13. Use your T.J. Maxx gift card at other stores
Got a T.J. Maxx gift card on your birthday? You’re not just restricted to the one store.
The gift cards can be redeemed at any T.J. Maxx, Marshalls or HomeGoods store.
You can also use these cards in conjunction with other promotions or your TJX Rewards from the credit card.
14. Beware of bedding and bath towels
Joanie Demer, one of the founders of The Krazy Coupon Lady blog, told ABC27 News in 2020 that customers might find better deals at other stores when it comes to sheets and towels.
She suggested going to Target or Macy’s during a White Sale for cheaper prices and also said it can be difficult finding matching items in a set, like multiple of the same bath towel, for example.
“Bedding and towels are items where the prices at TJ Maxx are OK, but there are so many better places to shop,” Demer said.
15. Wait for the big clearance events
You can always find clearance items at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls, but twice a year, these department stores go into a frenzy.
Check out the summer and winter clearance events for some big markdowns as these retailers look to sweep away the old and bring in the new.
Keep an eye out after the Fourth of July and Christmas, as there’s bound to be plenty of seasonal items that have overstayed their welcome.
16. Check out other locations
These aren’t Apple Stores. With stock this eclectic, no two TJX locations look the same.
The product-testing site Reviewed recommends that you shop at locations in wealthier neighborhoods for more high-end, designer items. You’ll probably end up paying more at these stores, but you’ll have more variety to choose from.
On the other hand, if you’re seeking out the cheapest steals, you might want to hunt at the stores in smaller towns.
17. Peruse the pet supplies
Before stopping at Petco for some essentials for your fur baby, try a T.J. Maxx or Marshalls first.
Several sources say you can purchase big ticket items for a fraction of the price at one of these discount stores, which offer a wide variety of items in their pet aisles.
Pop culture magazine PopSugar also says you might be able to bring your dog in with you to the stores — but to call the location and check in advance first.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of retail strategies, consumer behavior, and store dynamics, let's dive into the concepts and insights provided in the article about shopping at the TJX family of stores, including T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Sierra, Homesense, and HomeGoods.
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Shop on Weekday Mornings:
- Optimal time to shop is weekday mornings when fresh shipments arrive. Midweek days like Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday are particularly recommended.
- Stores like T.J. Maxx often restock during these times, ensuring a fresh selection for shoppers.
-
Look Closely for Brand Knockoffs:
- Not all items might be authentic brands; some could be licensed for stores like T.J. Maxx or Marshalls.
- Always check the inside tags for any discrepancies and understand that items with a "TJX" label might be specific to these discount stores.
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Double Check for Discount Duplicates:
- Some items might have varying prices, even if they appear identical.
- This discrepancy could arise due to different vendors or oversight during pricing. Always ensure you're paying the lowest price available.
-
Get Designer Brands for Less:
- The Runway department in T.J. Maxx offers designer brands at significantly reduced prices, sometimes up to 70% off.
- Not all T.J. Maxx stores have The Runway, so you might need to check online or with the store locator.
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Know the Differences Between Stores:
- While T.J. Maxx and Marshalls are broader department stores, Sierra focuses more on outdoor and athletic wear.
- Homesense and HomeGoods are more centered around furniture and home décor. Knowing the specialty of each store helps in targeted shopping.
-
Ask for Discounts on Damaged Items:
- If an item has minor damage, you can potentially negotiate a discount at the checkout.
- However, items already marked "As Is" have been discounted due to identified flaws.
-
If You Love It, Grab It:
- Given the unpredictable inventory, if you see an item you like, it's advisable to purchase it immediately.
- Products often have a trial phase in select stores before a wider release.
-
Decode the Price Tags:
- Different colored tags indicate various pricing structures, such as white for regular prices, red for clearance, yellow for final clearance, and purple for designer items.
-
Consider the TJX Credit Card Carefully:
- The rewards card offers benefits like an initial discount and points for spending, but its high APR means it's essential to avoid carrying a balance.
-
Ignore the 'Compare At' Prices:
- Be cautious of the "Compare At" prices, as they might not reflect the actual market price or value of the item.
-
Be Cautious with Old Makeup:
- While you can find branded makeup items at discounted prices, always check for expiration dates or signs of age.
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Sign Up for Email Lists:
- Joining the email list provides benefits like free shipping on the first order and notifications about exclusive deals.
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Use Gift Cards Across Stores:
- T.J. Maxx gift cards can be redeemed at T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, or HomeGoods stores.
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Beware of Bedding and Bath Towels:
- Some products like bedding and towels might be available at better prices or quality in other stores.
-
Wait for Big Clearance Events:
- Special clearance events offer significant markdowns, particularly after seasons like summer and winter.
-
Check Out Other Locations:
- The product availability and variety might differ across T.J. Maxx locations, so exploring different stores can be beneficial.
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Peruse the Pet Supplies:
- T.J. Maxx and Marshalls offer pet supplies at competitive prices, making them a viable option before heading to specialty pet stores.
In essence, shopping at TJX family stores requires a combination of strategic timing, keen observation, and understanding the store's nuances to get the best deals and quality items.
