6. Walk the Runway
To rev up its high-end designer business, T.J. Maxx added a “Runway” to 80 of its stores. Those looking for labels will really appreciate the convenience of having them all in once place. It really pays to be a savvy shopper because prices are not always marked down as much as you’d expect. We’ve seen Miu Miu items several seasons old for more than $300. Recently, we’ve browsed a Catherine Malandrino crochet dress for $149.99 (originally $375), a Theory hot pink asymmetrical cocktail dress for $129.99 (originally $415), and premium denim from Joe’s to JBrand for $59.99 to $79.99. The best deals are found on clearance such as a navy Moschino jersey dress for $79.99, which could instigate a hanger battle with another shopper. Don’t get too fixated on the designer department because we’ve seen boutique-y labels like Velvet on the main floor.
7. Eye for accessories
The handbags, arranged by color, offer a candy-store like experience. There are multiples of many styles including options from Jessica Simpson for $49.99 (originally $98) and Tommy Hilfiger logo totes for $29.99. Tucked into those, you might come across rare find – we saw a Marc Jacobs satin bag for $119.99 (originally $395), which wasn’t practical, but it was pretty. While the shoe selection is generally better at Marshalls, there are usually size runs in mainstream brands such as Nine West boots for $79.99 (originally $120). Look for expanded fine jewelry offerings, including 14 karat gold, sterling silver and semi-precious stones.
Find a TJ Maxx near you
Disclosure: I’ve worked with TJ Maxx as a spokesperson (and I also worked for Marshalls when in High School to support my addiction to Gibraud Jeans)
Founded in 2003, TBF is a fashion blog dedicated to helping you live your best for less. We give you the 411 on the latest fashion trends & tips and sample sales. 
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I love shopping at stores like T.J. Maxx, Marshall’s, Ross, and Filene’s Basement, but I have to be in the right frame of mind (read: patient) when I shop there. The racks can be overwhelming, especially at the end of the day when they’ve been ransacked by other customers. I’ve gotten quite a few great deals there this past year, including $10 Aerosole espadrilles and a $29 Ralph Lauren denim schoolboy blazer that originally retailed for over $100.
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Tj Maxx is great! In my area, TJ Maxx has better handbags and Marshalls has better shoes.
I have stopped shopping at Ross…more miss than hit.
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You are right on the “irregular” tag. I knew someone who worked for a major manufacturer, and he once said that if they actually produced that many “irregulars”, that they would be out of business. He was referring more to their outlet location, but the concept is the same.
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While I typically don’t have the patience to shop for clothes, it’s a great place to find purses, house wares and bath stuff.
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Patience! A full meal and a bottle of water helps, too! And definitely shop often as product moves quickly! BTW, Ross has massive markdowns in January!
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TJ Maxx is amazing for housewares, along with Ross & Marshalls. You have to be willing to dig amongst broken picture frames and opened boxes with missing items, but when you do find things in good condition, it is well worth the price. TJ Maxx is a great place for gifts since once you remove those impossible price stickers, it’s all good.
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I feel like everything I find at TJ Maxx always ends up having an issue – one that isn’t obvious until you use the item. A cookbook with recipes that don’t turn out right, sandals that have a poor design and slip off when you walk, kitchen containers that are hard to snap, second quality/old perfume and beauty products etc. I should start writing down the issues I’ve had. I barely shop there anymore. I’m VERY cautious about what I buy when I do go there.
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Bargains at TJMaxx and Marshalls are there but one has to be careful to really find them. Most of what they carry with Name Brands is made for them and the quality is not the same as that Name Brand regular line. The make of the garment is inferior and the size specs are usually skimpy. Their ad campaign is clever but deceiving esp. the new one with the Maxxanista Accessory Buyer attending fashion shows. What brand would ever allow a TJ Maxx buyer to their fashion show when they are trying to sell better stores their line. Fashion show entrance is limited to certain customers and not a ” bottom dweller” like TJMaxx.
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Actually Sharon, TJMaxx and Marshall’s do buy the exact same namebrand items you’d see in any other store — they purchase overstock, etc. so that’s how they can sell it at a discount … it’s a way for the manufacturers to recoup some cash on stuff they can’t sell at other retail outlets. Sure, they’re not first-look items and it can be difficult to shop TJMaxx or Marshall’s with a specific item in mind, but we maintain they’re one of our FAVORITE places for a brand-name bargain, if you’re willing to take the time to look.
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Yes, the brands are there but as I said, the way those branded manufacturers make the product for them is not with the same standards as they make on their regular line that they sell dept and spec. stores. Very little are true “overstocks” as you say. Manufacturers can’t afford to take risks with over stocks in this economy and would be out of business if they over produced. I am not saying that manufacturers are not selling overstocks to TJMaxx but I do feel that most of what is offered are not true bargains and beware.
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Sorry but I have seen the exact same stuff in the department stores as I have bought in Marshall’s and TJ Maxx with no difference in quality or manufacturing methods whatsoever. Same designer name brand, same everything. There’s no gimmick there, trust me, I know from fabric and quality! The market is so volatile and unpredictable in this economy that it’s creating MORE overstocks, not LESS. The department stores are cutting back more and more on their inventory and the manufacturers can’t keep up with the changes.
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And by “same exact stuff”, I mean the same exact item, down to the color, fabric and design. I have found them on the designer websites for much more. They are current designs, too!
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Sharon, I have a VERY hard time believing that anyone manufactures things specifically for T.J. Maxx. What you say is certainly true for other stores like Kohl’s and Target, but T.J. Maxx is all last-season and overstock. I have not worked at T.J. Maxx but I have worked at HomeGoods, which is owned by the same company and run under the same business model–they make a profit BECAUSE they don’t have things specifically made for them.
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Kenar, carolee etc are all private label lines owned and made by TJX, Tj maxx and marshalls; parent companies
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Hi TBF, My friend works for TJMaxx and told me that so much of what they carry is made for them to make it look like is is a bargain but the brand name that is on the label ise definitely legitimate but the quality is just not the same – skimpy and not made in the same factories. I have bought Calvin Klein briefs for my husband and the elastic stretched out after a few washings and I also bought the same brand in Macy’s during one of their sales and the price was pretty much the same as TJMaxx. The same briefs are still laundering beautiful so that tells me their is a difference in how they are made. I do shop Marshalls too and notice Kenar in there which I really like and the quality look pretty decent but I don’t recall seeing that brand in any of the department stores so you are probably correct is saying it is one of their own labels
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I don’t know anyone who’s shopped at TJ and has had issues. I’ve bought Michael Kors, DKNY (wearing my cute purple watch now) and more from there. Sharon, they might have some things made for them but most designer labels that I’ve seen/bought are from last season…like I care!! Yes, you have to look, just like anything else, but I’ve yet to run into some of the issues that some of the other posters have had. I go to TJ and Marshalls before I go to a dept store. If you don’t like shopping through racks, then those stores aren’t for you. If you’re a clothes snob who has to buy it at full price…not for you. If you’re patient and willing to wait for an item…that’s the go to place. I like Ross, and they’re finally going to open 2 stores next year in St. Louis!!
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Oh and Carolee is a REAL brand as well as Kenar ladies…carolee has been making jewelry for quite some time and Kenar clothing isn’t as easy to find as it used to be. You can find carolee jewelry at Macy’s. And Kenar is carried at Nordy’s, aka Nordstrom’s. Google both names and you’ll see for yourself.
Like I said, TJ isn’t for everyone. If you like salespeople following you around, TJ isn’t the place for you. As Kathryn said, you need to be self sufficient.
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@Sharon & TBF – Thank you! I love insider information. I think TJmaxx and Marshall’s need to lower their prices on children’s clothing. The two stores in my town were dumps, but they have really improved the look and the shopping experience is “cleaner”. These are now my go to spots for add-on wardrobe, wardrobe refreshing, inspiration for things I’d like to make as well as last minute birthday gifts or housewarming. I will say when they start doing clearance I find it hard to tear myself away. Love the tips,
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TJmaxx has great deals! I love shopping there especially for hang bags, shoes, and accessories. Thanks for the shopping tips!
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Love TJ Maxx and I love Marshalls especially the handbags! I live in the Bay Area and some of the same Michael Kors handbags thatI have seen in Macy’s, I have purchased at Marshalls or at TJ Maxx as recently as this summer. In any event I am always happy with my purchases!
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Personally, I love TJ Maxx! I went shopping for some school clothing today, not much, but it was a start. I think It’s a fantastic place for a teenager to shop, as well as an adult because not only do they have great deals, but it’s so much more peaceful to shop there. Not having to deal with annoying sales atendents bugging you all the time! It has some great trendy styles and classic peices that are great for any wardrobe for cheap, esspecially being a teen that only makes about $30+ a week.
It has an array of cute clothes, along with very hit or miss ones. I’ve seen very poor quality and fantastic quality on their racks, you really just have to pay attention, like thrift store shopping. Hidden treasures everywhere!
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TJ Maxx is awesome- at least 75% of my wardrobe is from there, and is mostly designer. Lots of interesting things, just pay attention and be willing to scour all the sale racks.
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I LOVE Marshalls and TJ Maxx! I bought a Cynthia Rowley Bag at Marshalls for 70 bucks and normally it could run at Marshalls for over $100… Retail price is usually $300 or more! I enjoy the hunt
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I’m a lover of TJ Maxx also. One thing Kathryn didn’t say in the part about the LBD is: if you really like something, even if there is a shadow of a doubt in your mind, BUY IT. It will probably not be there if you leave it and come back. You can return it if you have buyer’s remorse, but the reverse is not true.
Related to that idea is my philosophy when I shop at TJM: if you find something you love, don’t worry about it not being current season. If you love it today, you will probably still love it when it is time to wear it And you will know that you got a great deal.
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Beware NOT the real handbag. I purchased a Michael Kors handbag and then took it to Michael Kors and it was NOT the same. At first look it appears to be real but when u look for detail not even close. Not same liner and pockets different. No metal studs on bottom of purse and definitely will not stand up by its self. I returned the handbag and now will never believe they carry the rest designer anything. I paid 129.00 and the real MK was was 218.00 not much savings for buying a fake MK. TJ max and Ross just watch what u are buying ( maybe not such a deal)
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