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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!
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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.
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:
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.
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!
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My favorite things to purchase at TJ Maxx/Marshalls are last-minute gifts. A friend bought me some amazing, high-end pedicure supplies from Nordstrom Rack (she left the tags on ;). The stuff she bought was high quality, and was perfect for me since I'm a dancer. I'd rather buy bath and body products for gifts at TJ Maxx, as everyone is tired of Bath and Body Works.
I learned that a yellow sticker means the price is as low as it will go!
I have purchased my Son lot's of Polo Shirts at TJ Maxx for less than half what I would pay at Dillards or somewhere else. Love them!
I've bought multiple things at TJ Maxx - mostly clothes, but also some household items as well. It's always amazing to see the name brand, high-end things, at much lower prices that you would have found in the original store.
Thanks for the tips as well!
Great Tip Here: If you are in to outdoor sports like hunting, backpacking, hiking, cycling, or even just running, T.J. Maxx and Marshalls are the absolute best place to buy excellent quality non-cotton layers for cold weather clothing.
You may have heard of a cold weather layering system, where you want to keep light weight wicking polyester / lycra / polypropelyene etc. next to your skin, a middle layer of insulating bulk, and an outer layer of wind and waterproof shell.
I have found outstanding clothes for each layer at T.J. Maxx. Items that would certainly cost 30-40 bucks in the catalogs and sports stores can be had for $10 or less at the Maxx. Some are even name brand like Under Armor, and even high tech materials like silver embeded fabrics to keep you from stinking : ). They were such good deals that I had to force myself to stop buying these when I realized I had more than enough (and I hate clothes shopping).
I got my New Balance running shoes at TJ Maxx for less than $40. Running is a great, inexpensive hobby, and they helped make it even less expensive!
My TJ Maxx purchase was a pair of Converse Chuck Taylors for only $15. They were blue with fish. I never saw another pair like them.
I found the ways TJ Maxx is able to offer low prices interesting. I didn't realize that when they bought the merchandise, they owned it.
the last thing I bought was the twilight series books. Love TJ Maxx and marshalls.
I recently purchased a bag full of educational toys and games for $15 at my local TJ Maxx. All were in great condition and had I purchased them elsewhere I would have paid over $50.
I purchase nearly all of my home and kitchen goods at TJ Maxx and Marshalls. Towels, bedding, pillows, pots and pans, you name it. But I have also found great deals there on clothing. I live in California but I was headed back to Ohio for Christmas and I needed a good winter coat. I got one at TJ Maxx for only $30. I've had it for the past few years. It was a great purchase.
I have purchased so many items from TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods! I buy a lot of toys and books for my daughter there - they are the same toys that cost a bundle in the stores, at a fraction of the price! I also ALWAYS buy my jeans there, and usually pay no more than $25 a pair - for jeans that actually fit. :)
For over a year, I searched for the perfect pair of brown stilettos. I found them at TJ Maxx! They are fabric and the point at the end is brown patent leather. They are Guess and I got them for 40 BUCKS!! I have had them for 3+ years and I get the most compliments on them. I love TJ Maxx, when I want high end things without the price tag I know EXACTLY where to go!
My most memorable TJ Maxx purchase was one very special rug that I saw in a TJ Maxx. I was shopping for furniture and decorating for my first apartment. I saw this rug and loved it instantly, but it was a little over my budget (even at discounted prices) and me being frugal, I hemmed and hawed and decided to go home and sleep on it. It was an oriental rug in a really unique shade of blue and green. Overnight, of course, reason prevailed and I decided I MUST HAVE the rug and went back the next day.
But it was already sold! A helpful employee suggested maybe another TJ Maxx would have it. Thus began my 3 month quest to find the rug. I went from store to store all around the region or whenever I passed one I had to check in. My friends called me a woman obsessed. I'm sure I actually started forgetting what the rug looked like by a certain point.
Finally, after months, I saw the rug again. I didn't pass it up a second time and this time I got it right away! It is still my favorite home purchase ever, and one with the best story.
Something I've bought? Ties. Lots of ties. And TJ Maxx is a fantastic place to get sharp looking ties for cheap! Dress shirts are also a steal at TJ Maxx.
Cheers,
Brian
Actually, I always hit the isle with candles and such. I've purchased more great candles and candle holders there.
Both at Marshall's and TJ Maxx. I highly recommend going there for gifts and goodies for yourself as well.
I buy almost everything at TJ Maxx and Marshalls! I recently got a great pair of white Calvin Klein jeans for $19.99 at TJ Maxx and they've quickly become my summer staple!
I love shopping for homegoods at TJ Maxx and HOmegoods stores - cute seasonal decorations and home decor. For back to school, I love to shop online and look for sale prices on items with free shipping offers from retailers. I loved learning about how TJ Maxx shoppers get such great prices!
1) the "60,000 vs 50,000 vs. 10,000@discount" struck me as encouraging instead of "we by shoddy materials so we can undercut quality competitors"
2) the Fat Wallet tips were good -- especially decoding things like the month-numbers and the "004" code.
3) Based on the pictures of models, nobody every has a bad day, everybody is young & beautiful, only 30% of the population is male, and about 10% of the population is non-Caucasian. :)
-gumnos
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.
This is why T.J Maxx is awesome.
The 2 digit number trick is something I'll start looking for. Nothing beats 3 dollars for a new pair of shoes.
...assorted pots and pans by Cuisinart. TJ Maxx might not have the complete sets but sometimes I am looking for a non-conventional sized frying pan or pot. I like being able to buy individual pieces. Picked up a Cuisinart griddle for $20 and a couple of sturdy stainless steel pans for less than $30. Great store!
What *don't* I buy at TJ Maxx? :) I think I've bought from every department, but I am particularly weak against the shoes and handbag section!
I have found several items for my home at T J Maxx, including linens, decorative items, towels.
I also find their coffee selections great gift ideas. I generally purchase several of these every Christmas
It's great to learn that tie-dyed scarves will be in this year. They'll go great with our school shirts that are tie-dyed.
I love TJ Maxx for everything from the top of my head the the soles of my feet. My absolute favorite jacket of all time is from TJ Maxx, I buy many of the gifts I give to friends and loved ones there, and I found a $500 Burberry purse marked down with the yellow tag (as low as the price will go!) for an outrageously good price!
I love TJ Maxx, and as a Graduate Student AND a teacher, it certainly is a life saver!
I love TJ Maxx. I go a lot on my lunch hour and am always finding great buys and unique items. The most recent thing I bought were some great boots. So comfortable.
I usually find interesting home decor or kitchen stuff @ stores like TJ Maxx. My favorite purchase was red ramekins (for creme brulee)!
I bought my entire new wardrobe after a lost a bunch of weight!
My favorite back to school shopping tip is to buy clothes that can be coordinated into many different outifts. get basics such as jeans, leggings, t shirts, and hoodies, and then make tons of combinations!
I have purchased name brand purses at T.J. Maxx
While I haven't been in school for a long time, my mother always gave me a set amount of money for new clothes & school supplies to spend at will. I would just wait until October when all those back-to-school clothes and school supplies that I didn't need right away were on mega-clearance. Sure I didn't get to go on the first day with my brand new stuff, but most of it was for cooler weather anyway.
Hearing from other commenters about what they've gotten there. Didn't know about the home goods - thought it was just clothing. I've gotten two very cool-looking purses for excellent prices. I might start checking out the home stuff as well.
The tip that I really like and didn't know before is that the yellow stickers are final clearance, so don't expect more markdowns if you see an item with yellow stickers. I didn't know that before and I shop at TJ Maxx.
Thanks so much.
I recently got a great deal on a Copco Teapot from TJ Maxx. I've also purchased back to school clothing for my sons. Thanks
I just bought a nice purse at TJMaxx at a great price. I can always find stuff there.
My best back to school shopping tip is to bring each of your kids seperately if they need to try on clothing. I find it so much easier to shop for one of our kids at a time. I make it a fun time and usually take that child out for a one on one lunch after shopping. Thanks.
Shoes!!! Shoes!!! Shoes!!!
Good to know about the yellow stickers. I'll know not to wait on these!
I didn't know about that 2-digit number in the corner thing. I'll have to start looking for that!
I usually buy clothes at TJ Maxx. Most recently I bought a cute, flowy skirt with a cool, indie-ish pattern on it. And at Marshalls... I buys lots of purses and bags.
Both stores are a great place to find gifts - from friends to grandmas. :)
I love to look for purses and shoes at TJ Maxx. You can really score some great deals there!
Hmm, I didn't consider all the savings from the displays and interior of the store! It's good to know that T.J. Maxx "shops" the same way as good consumers- shopping around and being flexible!
I learned that because of their distribution system, TJ Maxx buyers can purchase at the last minute and keep up with the trends quicker.
I like to buy gifts at TJ Maxx. Specifically, I just bought something last week for my son's birthday.
Buy scarves in multiple patterns that match one shirt. You can wear the same top/bottom with each different scarf and it looks like a different outfit!
Before you go shopping, go through your closet and rearrange your clothing. Then figure out what you really need. Just as rearranging furniture can make a room feel new, rearranging your clothing can make you realize you may have more outfits on hand than you thought. When you've taken a good look at what you have, you can shop more intelligently. And that will mean you will be more comfortable considering making a purchase.
One interesting tidbit I picked up from the interview was that TJ Maxx marks its price tickets with a two digit number indicating the month an article came into the store and that if the number if greater than two, shoppers are advised to ask for an additional markdown. That's a great piece of insider info for even more savings!
I buy almost all my clothes at stores like TJ Maxx and Marshalls. But I also find deals on amazon.com
The last things I bought at T.J. Maxx were a couple of ties, shirts and a belt for my son who was starting his first job. I love to shop at T.J. Maxx and have especially bought many gifts there.
I've bought a lot of things at TJ Maxx. My favorites are rainbow scarves to decorate my room and work clothes.
I just bought new shoes and a purse at TJ Maxx last weekend!
Oh where do I start. Shoes, shoes and shoes..always a good place for shoes. My favorite current purchase is a Chinese Laundry sweater, it was a steal at $19.99...ohhhh and I found a great ivory Marc Jacobs sweater for $29.99. The Moraga, California TJ Maxx is my favorite place to shop, they have a fabulous designer section!
Pair of Enzo Angliolini Dress Shoes for $40
Pair of Enzo Angliolini Dress Shoes for $40
I love TJ Maxx. My son goes to a local college, and all the stuff with logos is expensive! TJ Maxx has lots of oddball stuff (Christmas cards!! University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Christmas cards!). Last year I got him Christmas ornaments in the shape of candy canes that were his school colors... and maybe the name was on it, too. TJ Maxx is also good at having cheaper priced t-shirts with the college logos.
I just bought the most beautiful purple berry blouse at TJ Maxx. It fits me like a glove, and works with black, grey, or my pinstripe trousers. I wore it on Wednesday and I got so many compliments! I even got asked out at the grocery store! This was the best $20 I have ever spent- I felt like a princess for a day. I never knew work clothes could feel that great!
I have a gorgeous Liz Claiborne bag that I got at T.J. Maxx. Every time I carry it, I get asked where it's from.
I just bought my husband a pair of Girbaud jeans for $10 on clearance. At the mall, the same jeans would have easily cost $80!
Is a skirt I wear weekly, simply because you can't wear the same skirt more than once a week. The problem with TJ Maxx (and it can't be held against them) is that if you buy an item and you love it, you can't go back in a month and get another one because everything is pretty much single-run! I love this skirt with all I've got and it's falling apart and I can't replace it... sad sad.
I've bought multiple things at TJ Maxx - mostly clothes, but also some household items as we
I was able to find little girl's pagamas for county employees charity project. Safe Nest. I had difficulty choosing there were so may cute pairs & night gowns.
We have bought all kinds of things at TJ Maxx. We buy clothing, toys for Christmas, shoes, and housewares. It's a great place to find things you didn't realize that you couldn't live without. :)
I love that I know that I wear a specific size in Paris Blues stretch jeans, and I can just walk in and pull them off the rack. Because of this, I've hardly paid more than $10 for a pair of jeans in 6 years. The really good deal means a top or a sweater jumps off the rack into my hand. Oh, darn! :)
I love to shop but I hate to spend money so I hit up TJ Maxx all the time for cute dresses, pants, even shoes and purses. I love it because I never know what I'll find. There's one near my office and I go on my lunch break all the time... dangerous.
I bought a top for $8 that I am wearing TO DEATH at the moment. I've always been a bargain hunter (got that from my mother!) and I love to find nicely priced clothes. :)
A couple months ago I found a Kenneth Cole laptop case at TJMaxx on yellow clearance for $25, normally a $100+ case. My wife loves TJ Maxx too!
I didn't know that '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'
I get great deals on bedding and houseware accesories at Marshalls (I go there more often because it's closer to me) and bedding was the last thing I purchased at Marshalls. A set of glassware is the last thing I purchased at TJ Maxx, and everyone always compliments me on them at dinner parties.
Thanks so much for the great giveaway!
I like to buy socks at TJ Maxx
One of my favorite finds at TJ Maxx was a Mauve Suede coat I found for $38. It was originally $129. Steal!!!
The only thing worse than clothes shopping is forking over a paycheck for the "pleasure" - clothes at a bargain are the only way to go. When I was within walking distance of a TJ's and I'd pop in for a quick look...and something would usually catch my eye. I don't pay attention to brands but I'm sure I got a great deal. ;-)
The best buy I ever made at TJ Maxx was a pair of Frye boots. They were imperfect, but imperceptibly, so they were a fourth of the price I would have had to pay elsewhere!
Shoes! Shoes and dresses
I have found lots of great clearance at TJ Maxx-- one time I found a ton of tops on clearance for $5-- some really cute ones-- it was great!
What don't I get at TJ Maxx! I think I've seriously purchased from every department. I love finding great, designer, discounted bedding. Shoes! Dresses! and of course let's not forget handbags!
I learned how to read the tag -- when the product came in and how to ask for a markdown! Cool!
We always buys socks, underwear, and shoes at TJ Maxx or Marshall's. We do back to school shopping there, too!
Favorite back-to-school tip: Get the TJX Credit card and save your certificates for school shopping. It's nice to be able to go in with so much merchandise credit!
We are dedicated TJ Maxx shoppers and I always check there when I need clothes, linens or wedding gifts. Still I never knew about the date/numbering system on the sticker. My daughter loves clothes by Free People- they are "very" pricey but she can find them at TJ Maxx for a fraction of the mall prices.
I love going to TJ Maxx- Every time my husband and I go for clothes we end up spending $100 for things that would have normally totaled at least $200. Last time we were in, he got two Lucky brand jeans at a deep discount, not to mention a "penguin" brand shirt that cost maybe $15. We went home to look up the brand and found out that shirt was normally selling online for $95. I told a friend about our deals and she found some great stuff for her husband too.
Yellow stickers are final clearance, so don't expect more markdowns if you see an item with yellow stickers.
I find so many great designer and nice mall store items at TJ Maxx and Marshalls that it is actually painful for me to shop at a regular retailer. Shopping there is almost like going on a treasure hunt--from the $400 trousers that I found for $70 to the Sevens jeans I found for $25, I never know what I'm going to find but I always walk out feeling like I got a really great price on the items that I need. I've saved so much money over the years at Marshalls and TJs, and have managed to build a great wardrobe of classic staples that I never would have been able to afford otherwise.
I love going to TJ Maxx- Every time my husband and I go for clothes we end up spending $100 for things that would have normally totaled at least $200. Last time we were in, he got two Lucky brand jeans at a deep discount, not to mention a "penguin" brand shirt that cost maybe $15. We went home to look up the brand and found out that shirt was normally selling online for $95. I told a friend about our deals and she found some great stuff for her husband too.
favorite tip is know the sizes all the time and shop the clearance year round for the following seasons, and double think things- is it a great deal or will it be worn once- can it be layered or worn as a top or changed around as they grow.
the best thing I have gotten is a baseball jersey for 8 dollars for husband- it was regularrly 125 and marked down to 8
Everything in my wardrobe from the jeans I'm wearing today, so the dress clothes i wear every sunday come from TJ Maxx. My Mom and I have a tradition to do our shopping together there every year.
Cookware! TJMaxx and Marshalls has excellent quality cookware at ridiculously good prices! I discovered this when I was looking for a wine bottle opener after having broken the fifth cheapie one. Quality cookware is really worth it as it lasts forever. I've bought skillets, cookie trays etc... from TJ Maxx and it's my go-to place for that stuff now.
Don't buy everything before school starts. If you need to buy the kids a few new shirts and jeans or a favorite new style that might not get restocked, then go ahead. My local TJ Maxx and Marshall's always seem to mark down items after the official school start dates and also get even more new and neat clothing items after school starts.
Look for the yellow stickers! (-:
I've been shopping at TJ Maxx forever, and I didn't know about the 2-digit code on the pricetag. Now I'm going to have to try to figure that one out!
My go-to purchase at TJ Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods is good tea - much better tasting tea than supermarket brands, and much more in the way of loose teas.
I got a pair of gorgeous metallic strappy Nine West heels for $30 at T.J. Maxx!
Never knew that the yellow sticker was the final markdown. Now I do!
I bought a pair of sunglasses for $8 at Marshalls.
I always find great things at TJ Maxx and Marshalls. The last 2 super buys were $19.99 Roxy Hoodie which sells for $60 and $25 Bjorn sandals I saw the same week at a department store for over $40.
The best back to school shopping tip I have is to stock up on basics when they are rock-bottom right before school starts!!
Off priced retailers have great areas choke full of stuff that when sorted through and chosen wisely can make great wedding gift and graduation gifts - all for a third of the price of a full priced retailer. We especially love the hot sauce selection and specialty food items. Also, did you know you get electronic accessories like name brand (Belkin for instance) iPod cases and charges for half the price of anywhere. That even beats big box stores like Walmart!
I buy lots of stuff for the home and kitchen at TJ Maxx, including my french press! I love getting good deals on kitchen utensils and supplies :)
Last month I bought a Manchester United t-shirt (those things can go for an arm and a leg), a French Press and a reversible belt.
I do my Christmas and birthday shopping year round at TJ because I know I'll always find something unique and affordable. The article mentioned the yellow sticker markdowns, but I'd advise that if you see that perfect something for someone, snap it up. It may not be there next time. I love their coconut soap - and it's hard to find, even there. But I always head first for the stationery section, where I can almost always find something I love that my penpals will also adore.
If I know anything about Marshalls or TJ Maxx, its that they have low prices all year round! Its kind of like a treasure hunt to find the lowest prices. You just have to come back and keep looking. That's where the fun is.
I've gotten some amazing buys at T.J. Maxx. All of my bathroom towels and most of my linens were purchased there. I will not buy anything that is badly designed and I have found really well designed items at my local store in Kalamazoo Michigan.
Hmmm . . . let's see . . . within the past two weeks I purchased from TJMaxx: blueberry cherry preserves, workout clothes, 2 necklaces
I bought a very cute black and white Roxy tote bag. It's not too big to carry as an everyday bag, but it can also serve well to use as a beach bag.
You can look at the tag and see when/if the item should be marked down.