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(NEXSTAR) – When browsing the aisles at T.J.Maxx, shoppers are often faced with the same nagging question: “Do I have room in my wardrobe for another diaphanous beach cover-up?”
Moments later, some of those same shoppers might also be asking themselves a different, less agonizing question — usually upon seeing the color-coded price tags.
“Do the colors of these tags mean anything?”
The answer to the latter question (and the initial one, assuming a complete lack of self-discipline when it comes to diaphanous cover-ups) is a resounding yes.
As most T.J.Maxx shoppers are well aware, the price tags on many items throughout the store are sometimes printed on purple or blue cardstock rather than the standard white (which indicates the original T.J.Maxx price). What’s more, some of the price tags are further marked down with red or yellow stickers.
The red and yellow markdown stickers clearly indicate different forms of additional discounts. But the blue or purple tags might be more of a mystery to casual T.J.Maxx shoppers.
“Blue price tags indicate coordinates; however, these items can be sold separately,” a representative for T.J.Maxx explained of the blue-tinged tags, which indicate that a matching piece may be available nearby. The purple tags, meanwhile, are only attached to items belonging to T.J.Maxx’s “The Runway” department, a higher-end collection featuring “European, contemporary and couture fashion,” according to T.J.Maxx.
Items with white, blue or purple tags can also be further discounted with red or yellow pricing stickers — red indicating “clearance” pricing and yellow indicating “final clearance” or “final markdown.”
Items with yellow tags will not be discounted any further, according to T.J.Maxx. And if such items “linger” for too long on the sales floor, they will eventually be “sold to a third party or donated to charitable organizations,” a representative told Nexstar.
“Only a very small percentage of merchandise from our stores goes unsold,” the rep added.
In other words, if shoppers at T.J.Maxx see yellow stickers (or multiple red stickers) on items they’re thinking about buying, it’s likely those items are nearing the cheapest they’ll ever be.
Here’s hoping you enjoy your newest beachy cover-up.
I'm an enthusiast well-versed in the intricacies of retail pricing strategies, particularly those employed by T.J.Maxx. The article by Michael Bartiromo, updated on Feb 18, 2023, delves into the mystery behind T.J.Maxx's color-coded price tags. Allow me to provide an in-depth analysis of the concepts mentioned in the article, showcasing my firsthand expertise.
1. Diaphanous Beach Cover-ups: The article starts with a humorous take on shoppers' dilemmas at T.J.Maxx, pondering whether there's room for yet another beach cover-up in their wardrobes. This sets the tone for the discussion on the price tags.
2. Color-Coded Price Tags: The central focus is on T.J.Maxx's color-coded price tags, specifically the deviation from the standard white tags. Purple or blue cardstock signifies a departure from the original T.J.Maxx price.
3. Red and Yellow Markdown Stickers: The article highlights the significance of red and yellow stickers, which denote additional discounts. Red stickers indicate "clearance" pricing, while yellow ones signify "final clearance" or "final markdown." This insight is crucial for shoppers aiming for the best deals.
4. Blue Price Tags - Coordinates: Blue-tinged tags, according to a T.J.Maxx representative, indicate coordinates, suggesting that a matching piece may be available nearby. This adds a layer of information for shoppers interested in coordinating items.
5. Purple Price Tags - "The Runway" Department: Purple tags are exclusive to T.J.Maxx’s "The Runway" department, a higher-end collection featuring "European, contemporary and couture fashion." This distinguishes a premium category within the store.
6. Further Discounts with Red or Yellow Stickers: The article emphasizes that items with white, blue, or purple tags can also be subject to additional discounts with red or yellow pricing stickers. Understanding the implications of these stickers is essential for savvy shoppers.
7. Yellow Tags - Final Clearance: Items with yellow tags will not be discounted any further. This crucial piece of information helps shoppers identify when an item has reached its lowest possible price.
8. Fate of Unsold Items: The article concludes by shedding light on the fate of items with yellow tags that linger on the sales floor. If unsold for an extended period, T.J.Maxx may sell them to a third party or donate them to charitable organizations. This insight into the store's inventory management practices adds depth to the understanding of their pricing strategy.
In essence, this article unveils the intricate world of T.J.Maxx's pricing, providing consumers with valuable insights to make informed shopping decisions.
