[Win a $250 giftcard] What are the best buys at bargain stores like Marshalls?

[AquaAmber]

I go for shoes, bras, and stuff. I always wander the aisles and often find something clothes-related (coats are sometimes a good bet) but I find it's very hit-and-miss. Normally the thing I want is too expensive for me, even at the TJ Maxx (I'm a real cheapskate).

But the large mixing bowl with the rubber bottom in my kitchen was some of the best $6 I ever spent.

[scootamom]

Shoes and housewares. Great finds and buys.

[purplefdu]

I am always buying kitchenware at Marshalls and TJ Maxx. My glasses, pot holders, cutting board, kettle, tablecloth/placemats area all from Marshalls/TJ Maxx.

Housewares are also a big purchase, sheets to blankets and rugs. For the quality and price you just can't beat it normally.

Last we normally pick up toys/books and other gifts for friends and family. They have a nice selection of toys (since Toys-r-us is in the other direction from where we normally shop and live) and the prices are decent as well. We pick up clearance stuff ahead of our niece's ages all the time. And the fancy items and gourmet foodstuffs are all reasonable for gift baskets.

[The Writer]

The first thing I do is go to the clearance section! This is where I find the best stuff for the best price. Marshalls and TJ Max often get some high-end top designer clothing. (I.E. last summer they had some Prada skirts and D&G trousers/skirts and tops). They even had this great pair of D&G snakeskin satellites! The original price they tag these clothes with start between $50 to $250. Well, the average Marshalls shopper is not looking to send top $ for clothing. Therefore, those clothes continue to hang on the hangers until employees start marking down the prices and throw them in the clearance section... and people sometimes neglect the clearance section (maybe thinking those were the returned items and so forth) so those clothes continue to hang and go down in price. This is where I have bought this great Italian skirt- I get complements on it all the time-great material, great quality... for $5! That is just one of many great things I have found at Marshalls for dirt-cheap! Go figure...

[thriftchica]

I too go straight to the Clearance racks before looking down the regular aisles. There are so many great deals on the Marshall's racks that are often marked down to $5 or 7. My little brain reels at the possibilities..

[spiffes]

I agree with thebeskscr beding so sooo cheap there

[kaf7878]

I think the best buys at Marshalls-type stores are fun dresses. You can usually find them marked down under $20!

[khorrell]

At Marshalls, I usually check out the entire store except for the furniture and boys' clothing. From toys to housewares, from men's to lingeries, I shop it all.

[PatM]

As far as stocking up on any particular items, I don't tend to stock up on anything but socks, underwear and undershirts at these places.

[poetess9]

Marshall's & T.J. Maxx have great boxed cards, thank you notes & journals, too. I use the blank cards for all occasions like birthdays, get well wishes, congratulations & even condolences. Recently a friend told me she paid almost $30 for the same box of Henri Matisse cards from a museum store. Marshall's price - a mere $5.99! Gotta love that. The selection totally rocks. I also get wonderful top of the line soaps & lotions.