TJ Maxx Giving Away $500 in Gift Cards to Wise Bread Readers

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Editor's note: Contest ended!

Blog Giveaway Winners:

  • Powered by Tofu: $150
  • Judy Palumbo: $50
  • Heather C: $50

Twitter Giveaway Winners

  • @sweepstakesgirl: $150
  • @Lunachique: $50
  • @simplyandreah: $50

We reserve the right to pick new lucky winners if you don't return our emails/Tweets by Friday, 10/2!

T.J. Maxx is giving away $500 worth of gift cards to our Wise Bread readers!  

In addition to the giveaway, we also have lots insider tips about how to maximize savings at T.J. Maxx, the best frugal fall fashions for kids, and how to convince your kids to shop at off-price retailers.  But first, the contest!

Blog Giveaway: $250

Prizes

  • 1 winner: $150 gift certificate.
  • 2 winners: $50 gift certificate.

How To Enter:

Simply leave a short comment below answering any one of these questions:

  • Name the favorite tip/fact you learned about TJ Maxx in this interview.
  • Name a product you've purchased at an off-price retailer like TJ Maxx or Marshalls.
  • Share your favorite back-to-school shopping tip.

Twitter Giveaway: $250

Prizes:

  • 1 winner: $150 gift certificate.
  • 2 winners: $50 gift certificate.

How to enter

Simply tweet one of these messages: 

You can enter both contests.  For both giveaways:  Contest ends on 9/27/09.  We'll randomly select the winners and announce them here on 9/28.  US residents only, must be 18 or over, void where prohibited.

Q&A WIth T.J. Maxx

Sonya Cosentini, a spokesperson for TJ Maxx, was kind enough to answer my questions about back-to-school shopping and her company.

What do you say to a kid who thinks she's too cool to shop at T.J. Maxx?

Shopping at off-price retailers is a win-win for both mom and kid—they can find the trends and mall-store names they are looking for and you as a parent can stay within your budget.  The best way to explain to your kids is to show them.  Ask them to go through a magazine or online and point out the looks they want to create for their back to school wardrobe.

Have them make a list, and then take them to T.J. Maxx first. They’ll be surprised that they will find all of those trends right there!  T.J. Maxx even has those same mall-store brands that kids crave, and once they see those in the rack, and parents explain how much more they can get by purchasing them there instead of the mall, they will be on board!

How much money can a typical family save at T.J. Maxx for back to school shopping?

Families can save hundreds of dollars on a back to school wardrobe by shopping off-price.  For example, a hoodie you might find at a mall-store will be up to 60% less at T.J. Maxx.  With the purchase of that piece alone, now you have more room in your budget for the other things your child needs to go back to school in style—like a new backpack or pair of sneakers!
 
What are the hottest fashion trends for girls this year?
 
There are so many amazing looks out there this season for girls! For the little girl, try colored skinny leg jeans with sparkly belts paired with a buffalo plaid tunic or graphic printed t-shirts.  Little girls express themselves with t-shirts with peace signs, butterflies and hearts on sublimation and watercolor patterns.  Printed scarves that feature the same patterns or tie-dye will be the must-have accessory for back to school.  

For teen girls, it’s all about recreating their favorite teen tv celebrity look! For that upper east side style try skinny jeans with a plaid ruffled blouse and cropped jacket. Detailed ballet flats and brooches complete any preppy look. For the rocker teen, you’ll see them rocking leggings with cuts, rips, tears or lace trim, heeled booties and a tunic under a leather motorcycle jacket.  With plaid all the rage this year, the ‘grunge’ look is easy to achieve: pair torn and worn jeans with a buffalo plaid tunic and chunky heels.

What are the hottest fashion trends for boys this year?

It’s really all about the basics and how to layer those basics to create must-have looks for both boys and girls this back to school season! For boys, you’ll see madras plaid in shorts, paired with collared shirts and striped sweaters. For a more casual, rocker look, boys will don printed t-shirts with skulls and vintage rock band logos with worn jeans and a funky hooded sweatshirt.
 
 

 

How is T.J. Maxx able to provide designer labels at such cheap prices?  Are these items damaged in some way?

 There are many ways that we are able to offer amazing value on designer merchandise, a few:

  • Buying closer to need: Our buyers travel 40+ weeks per year to negotiate with more than 10,000 vendors in over 60 countries (vs. department stores who buy seasonally). This allows more opportunity to score great deals.
  • Flexible “no walls” concept: Because not all stores carry the same merchandise, the buyers are able to buy either a large quantity to carry in all stores or only a few pieces to carry in select stores.  For example, if a vendor has enough fabric to produce 600,000 blouses, but a department store only ordered 500,000, off-price buyers will purchase the extra 100,000 blouses – at a significant discount – and carry them in part of the chain.
  • Company owned distribution centers: T.J. Maxx and Marshalls’ nationwide distribution system allows for faster processing of goods to stores.  Therefore, buyers can purchase merchandise up until the last minute of any given season – not only allowing them to respond to trends much more quickly than other retailers (who buy several seasons in advance), but also allowing them to “swoop in” and negotiate a better deal by waiting until a vendor is highly motivated to sell.
  • We buy it, we own it: Unlike department and specialty store buyers, off-price buyers never return merchandise to their vendors. This motivates vendors to provide a better price up-front.
  • No sales ever: Off-price stores offer low prices every day, so the customer never has to wait for a sale.  Periodically, at the end of a season, any unsold merchandise will go on clearance, providing even further customer savings.
  • Don’t pay for the display:  Another way the stores can keep prices low is by keeping their operating costs low. Rather than invest in expensive fixtures and fancy displays, off-price retailers focus on giving customers the best merchandise at a great price.

Besides price, are there any other differences between shopping at T.J. Maxx vs. department stores?

T.J.Maxx buys differently that department stores, which is the main way we are able to offer amazing values on the same merchandise to consumers. We also don’t pay for the expensive fixtures and fancy displays---so we can focus on keeping costs down for the consumer.  Our merchandise is also organized differently, by size and department as opposed to designer.  

More Insider Tips From Fat Wallet

Brian, who works for T.J. Maxx as a service coordinator, shared some great insider tips on how to maximize savings at T.J. Maxx.  Here are some of his best tips:

Yellow stickers are final clearance, so don't expect more markdowns if you see an item with yellow stickers.

Look at the upper right of a T.J. Maxx price ticket. There is a 2 digit number. This number is the month the item came into the store and this number goes up to 24. The current month is 14. If an item is more than 2 months old but doesn't have a yellow or red sticker then kindly ask an associate to check for a markdown for you. Most likely the item was missed and you could save a lot of money. Also, if it’s more than 4 months before with one red sticker the associate can ask the manager to check the computer in the office for additional markdown but this is less likely to happen.

If an Item has damage and no markdown or one. you could get an additional markdown, just ask. 

If you see an item you want. sometimes it would be best if you wait a bit and come back when its marked down. Markdowns are 33%, which is a good savings Read all 10 tips at Fat Wallet

Good luck with the contest everyone.  I look forward to reading your comments!

Tagged: Giveaways, Shopping

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Guest's picture
Tim Hughes

I bought a Milwaukee Brewers majestic jersey at TJ Maxx for $40 and the next week I attended a game at Miller Park and the same exact jersey was $200 there. Now thats a great deal I got at TJ Maxx!
titletowntreasures(AT)yahoo(DOT)com

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Kate

At TJ Maxx the other day I got a NICE winter coat for a grand total of $25. Good call!!

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gloria

I didn't know this: They have a flexible “no walls” concept: Because not all stores carry the same merchandise, the buyers are able to buy either a large quantity to carry in all stores or only a few pieces to carry in select stores.

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Debbie T

Yellow stickers are final clearance, so don't expect more markdowns if you see an item with yellow stickers.

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R Hicks

I recently bought a new pair of blue jeans on sale there.

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Veronica Garrett

If your kids don't want to shop at a discount store like TJ Maxx,let them go through a catalog and pick out their favorite items. Then bring to T J Maxx. they will find the same items even well known brands.

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Nicole Elliott

I recently purchased some amazing Bermuda shorts from TJ Maxx, they were fabulous and so cheap!!!

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Guest

my best purchase from TJ Maxx was Nine west hand bag for 12.99, retail 45.99

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Amber

My favorite thing to buy at TJ Maxx is jewelry! I have gotten pieces for a fraction of what I would pay in a jewelry or department store.

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Joanne Schultz

I have gotten great deals on towels at Marshalls,

Thanks for the giveaway!

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Limited too clothing!! Gotta love it!

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Renee Rocha

Hi,
I'm a long time shopper of TJ Max and Marshalls, both are my favorite stores for all my home needs, clothes, shoes and even sports stuff, you never know what you will find. I almost forgot pjs as well as toys. My kids love the different toys they find there. I enjoyed reading the interview and finding out how to read the tickets, I will pay more attention to those when I go shopping. Thank you and keep up the great products and deals.

Renee

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Courtney

I buy my vanilla extract there. Vanilla Bean Crush. It's only 12.99 but elsewhere it's $20 and up!

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Bren

I have shopped Marshalls and TJMaxx for years. I have been able to buy school clothes for my kids that are high quality and have low prices. Now they are grown up and shop there for themselves. I have been able to buy designer brands for everything I wear. I especially like the shoes and handbags. (I am now the proud owner of a beautiful red leather Michael Kors bag!)For my professional life I can find business wear blouses and suits. I always shop for the end of the Holiday sales to get great satin, velvet and embellished items. I keep them for the following year's holiday events.
The household goods are always unique and top quality. We found a fantastic wool area rug for our house there. I look for my small appliances, great sheets, towels, glassware, pans, bakeware, and kitchen gadgets there. For months I would go to the kitchen section to find high quality German steel kitchen knives. We have quite a collection now. My husband is very particular about our knives and keeping them sharp.The housewares make great presents.
Another one of my favorite sections is the fantastic infant clothing and accessories department. I used to buy my kids clothes there; now I head there as soon as I am buying a baby shower item.
The dated tag hint is definitely one I will check on. TJ is the place to find fantastic buys in coats too. Why wear only one or two styles when you can get them so economically from TJ or Marshalls?
Many times I have made note of designer styles in the mall and found them within weeks at TJs or Marshalls. When we want to travel in style, it's the first place to go for great quality luggage. I just saw a great laptop carry case for flying. My husband will use it on his business trips. I dress him in clothes from TJ. He looks great in Perry Ellis shirts, gorgeous ties, and great slacks.
What else can I say? We get everything but the kitchen sink there.

Guest's picture

From my Ralph Lauren Polo's to my Wacoal bras, I've bought just about everything I own (to wear) at TJ Maxx. Oh & my sheets, towels, etc. came from there as well.

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Patricia Smith

Never knew about the yellow sticker price, will keep that in mind next time I'm shopping

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Katherine

I purchased a pair of Diesel maryjanes years ago at TJMaxx/Marshalls. I still wear them to this day and get many compliments on them!

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Brenda Pittman

I always start school shopping in June. Lay things away...a great way to get items before they are gone, and pay monthly on the items.

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DanV

One product I got was a discounted pair of jeans

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Marie Noguerole

T.J. Maxx and Marshalls offer amazing bargains for families who are trying to save. They offer quality merchandise for so much less than other department stores. I purchased a pair of much needed New Balance shoes for less than $35. I've purchased several purses over the years from them that I still have and use. In fact, when I need an item I make a point of visiting my local T.J. Maxx first to see if they have it because I know I'll be saving money I can put towards something else...like a great vacation. I'll be vacationing in Paris next spring courtesy of Fleurop and guess what I'll be wearing...clothes I bought at T.J. Maxx or Marshalls.

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Jill Miller

I purchased an orange purse at Marshall's several years ago, and it's still awesome-looking and one of my very favorites!

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Cheryl

I recently purchased a pair of Hydrolic junior jeans. They fit me better than any jeans I have ever owned. They were 10 bucks! I wish I would've bought more!

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Anne G

I purchased a beautiful Liz Claiborne jacket at TJ Maxx last year.

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Isaac A.

Nike basketball shoes for only $22 on clearance, at the mall the same pair was about $100!!!

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sal

TJ MAXX gives you the best fashion bang for your buck. Their fashions and esopecially their shoes and purses are cutting edge Hot!
I've shopped TJ MAXX for years but I never knew about their merchandise dating system; you can bet I'll check dates and ask for discounts from now on!

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Teresa McDaniel

Favorite fact...No sales ever: Off-price stores offer low prices every day, so the customer never has to wait for a sale. Periodically, at the end of a season, any unsold merchandise will go on clearance, providing even further customer savings.

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Laura

I love TJMaxx!!! I purchase birthday gifts, clothing for myself, my son, housewares, luggage, purses, you name it!

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Sand

I recently purchased a pair of Taos shoes for $10 at Marshalls.

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Rajee

I learned that a yellow sticker means the price is as low as it will go!

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Rajee

tweeted @momsfocus

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Roxann

I have bought Calphalon cookware at TJ Maxx in the psst at great prices.

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Heather C

I just love shopping at TJ Maxx. I do, however, have to give myself at least two hours if I'm doing the clothes thing.

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Heather C

I learned this: Off-price stores offer low prices every day, so the customer never has to wait for a sale.

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Heather C

I bought the coolest butterfly ring at TJ Maxx for $15! I love it, and many people want to know where I got it!

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Heather C

Best back to school shopping tip: Go with a list of items you need (pants to match a certain shirt, a certain style of shoes, etc) AND a wish list. Shop the needs list first, then the wish list. If you shop at TJ Maxx, you might be able to get it all!

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Nancy S.

I got a great deal on a B. Makowsky purse at TJ Maxx. They have great deals on designer purses.

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lilshuga2001

I bought my BABY PHAT purse at TJ's :) only $39.... SUHWEET!!!

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Donna K

My tip is to shop the sales.

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I bought mt Emeril Stockpan at a TJ Maxx.

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Heather

I've bought I Roxy sweater from TJ Maxx and a pair of Tommy Hilfigger Jeans for way cheaper than the original price just a few weeks ago!

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Lin J

I love searching for bargains at TJM! Lately it has been throw-pillows.

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Sarah L.

My best tip is to go to thrift stores. Because kids will often out-grow clothes before they get very worn, you can find very good clothes in thrift stores. Thanks for the contest.

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Daleene

Go through last years school supplies. Make sure that you don't double up on items like scissors or colored pencils. Trust me, I learned my lesson this year. My son has more colored pencils and markers than he knows what to do with!

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Lily Kwan

I learned from the interview that another way the stores can keep prices low is by keeping their operating costs low.

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kathleen yohanna

Unlike department and specialty store buyers, off-price buyers never return merchandise to their vendors. This motivates vendors to provide a better price up-front.

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Lily Kwan

I tweeted the first message at http://twitter.com/likwan/status/4436873106.

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Betty C

I didn't know about the yellow stickers being the lowest price. That's a great hint.
I've bought so many children's clothes. They are always a great buy

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johnna19

Numerous times, I have purchased "Spanx-like" camisoles and underwear. You cannot find these items cheaper anywhere else. I purposely go to the store just for this item and while I am there, I peruse the housewares and childrens apparel and womens apparel. I can be there for over an hour.

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Guest

I love the BYO lunch bags that I found at TJ Maxx. They are great at packing lunches!

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Elissar

Just yesterday, I bought a wetsuit for my fiance and some really delicious unfiltered olive oil.

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hillarie

I love to shop for workout tops and shorts at TJ Maxx. I can usually find a bargain on shirts for work as well.

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Jenn Peters

I learned that a yellow sticker means the price is as low as it will go! and thats the price i want!!

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Guest

I like to buy expensive face cream and shampoo there. I regularly find $10 deals on Korres natural shampoo and bodywash and Alterna conditioner.

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Jan O

Wait until a few weeks after school starts to know exactly what the other kids are wearing (because it will matter to your kid) and get even better prices as the season winds down.

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ClaireC

ALL of my friends seem to be having babies so I'm having to buy lots of baby gifts. I have found that TJ Maxx always has the perfect thing - whether you're looking for little outfits, books, or toys for a baby, you'll find really cute things (some they may even have registered for at other stores) and really great prices that won't bust your budget.

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Marissa Ramos

Where do I even begin? I buy everything here, but my favorite purchases have been Marc Jacobs flats for $50 and Paige Premium Denim for $15!!

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carol lambert

I picks up goodies at TJ Maxxs and when ever one of my grandchildren reaches a special goal or a noteworthy accomplishment I pull out a gift for them. They love it and I love doing it.