What is the truth about TJ Maxx and Marshalls? How are they able to offer lower prices on retail items and are you actually saving money by shopping there? Back in November, I was invited to a blogger event hosted at the TJ Maxx Marshalls headquarters in Boston. While there, I learned some valuable truths about how TJ Maxx and Marshalls are able to offer such amazing deals on their items, and I’m here to share it all with you!
What Is the Difference Between TJ Maxx and Marshalls?
TJ Maxx bought out their largest competitor Marshalls back in 1996. Although the buyers for TJ Maxx and Marshalls are the same, the stores are set-up differently and carry different merchandise. At Marshalls you will notice that they have a mini-shoe department with the display shoe on the top and varying sizes underneath.
If you need shoes for the entire family, Marshalls is your place! Marshalls also has something called “The Cube” which is where the trendiest items can be found.
 |
| credit |
TJ Maxx has something new and exciting in some of their stores called “The Runway”. Here you will find the hottest designers fresh from the runway. Be sure to search around the store for clearance racks from the Runway because some amazing deals can be found!
Do Lower Prices Mean Lower Quality? Are These Clothes “Seconds”?
I was surprised to learn that less than 5% of the clothing sold at TJ Maxx / Marshalls is a “second” rate item. If the item has any kind of defect, the item will be clearly labeled as such. However, for the most part, the quality of the products compares to the quality you find in department stores. TJ Maxx and Marshalls sell things “off-price” meaning at a great discount to you all the time. Here are some of the ways that prices are able to be a consistent 30-50% off of retail:
- Open store floor plan cuts cost of merchandising.
- Buyers buy constantly, not in advance, and not with a prescribed brand in mind.
- Stores do not advertise for name-brands and therefore do not have to pay for these advertising costs.
- Buyers take advantage of misorders. For example, a manufacturer accidentally placed bronze buttons on a designer’s coat instead of the requested silver. The coat is still a designer coat and nothing is wrong with it’s workmanship or quality. It was just not made to the exact specifications of the designer.
- Buyers are able to buy items last minute and restock each store with 10,000 new pieces of merchandise a week! Many department stores order 5-6 months in advance. TJ Maxx and Marshalls’ buyers can swoop in a month before a new season and make a deal.
How much do you really save?
You can shop at TJ Maxx ONLINE now!
OOOHHHH thanks for all the info!! You got yourself some great deals! Yes….I too procrastinate!
Lovin' your videos!! You are just adorable! ;0)
Can't wait to see the kitchen all done! I really wish I had your energy! Whew!
Smiles,
Tanya
Love all those stores, I only have a TJMaxx here. If you use their credit card and spend $100.00, they send you a check for $10.00 to spend in the store. I use it for every purchase there.
I don't judge you, I end up purchasing many things for myself because of all the great bargains!
Hey Beth! I haven't been blogging (reading or writing) much in recent months, but I'm finally getting a chance again. Looks like you've got some great posts and projects up!
TJ Maxx (Home Goods too) is great–hands-down, my favorite place to buy sheets and towels.
Happy Holidays 🙂
Amy
Love this 🙂 can't wait to watch the video you Maxxinista you.
YOU are the MOST fun!! I adore TJ Maxx with all my heart and can while away hours in the store! I love it. We don't have a local Marshalls, but I think I need to check one out soon. I knew I liked you. 🙂
Hi Beth,
You've totally inspired me to hit up TJMaxx for some stocking stuffers. My family loves chocolate….so do I!
Merry christmas and Happy Holidays to you and your family!
You are adorable, thanks for the video!! Love TJMaxx and Marshalls!
How funny to come across this post today, Beth. I was searching {for a few hours last night} for my Christmas tablecloth and I can't find it! I must have packed it up with a lot of stuff when we thought we'd be moving and it's probably still packed up – somewhere. Tonight, I am going to have to hit Marshalls, as it's the closest to me, and get a new tablecloth! And, maybe napkins. I won't even look at the other stuff. Okay, maybe I'll just look. : )
I love, love, love TJs! And I'm totally coveting your new coat…don't bring it to Blissdom, k? I truly don't want to be a thief. Ha! JUST kidding! 🙂
xo
A little bit of TJMaxx, a dash of Marshalls, with a side of Homegoods…Its my happy place!
Great information! Thanks.
Loved your video as well.
Happy Holidays!!
~Jenna, SAS Interiors
http://www.sasinteriors.blogspot.com
You little nephew was sitting on my lap watching your video when I had to suddenly shut it off! LOL! He yells, "MOMMY! I wanna see what Aunt Bef got me!" I'll have to watch the video later, privately! 🙂 Great write up btw.!
Well thanks to you I'll be going there tomorrow for last minute fillers:) Merry Christmas!
I shop in both stores but always wondered whether they carried seconds or leftovers. Thanks for the great post!
We don't have a TJ Maxx anywhere around :*(Tear. But I LOVE Marshalls! You were one lucky little duck to get to experience it first hand! Great post 🙂
Great article! and you did them right with your write up! Our youngest loves TJ Maxx. I like browsing their homewares 🙂
Beth, you don't have to convince me…I love Marshall's!!! But we don't have TJ Maxx anywhere around us… 🙁
So great to know the ways we all benefit from the geat buys they make at Marshalls and Tj Maxx!
Come and enter my Giveaway from My Sparrow, you will love it!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena