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Shop Marshalls Like A Deal-finding Diva

Since 1956, Marshalls has been trying to perfect the formula of off-priced shopping. The store has been a go-to-place for deals since the days of pegged leg Guess jeans (which Marshalls had on sale for 60% off department store prices).

Marshalls carries current season overstock from other department stores — sometimes the exact same item. That’s why Marshalls ads and commercials can be so mysterious. They’re not allowed to advertise the labels they carry, for fear you’d shop there instead of getting the full-priced piece at Macy’s.

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Admittedly, Marshalls is less sophisticated than its sibling, TJ Maxx. But there is a place for Marshalls in any budget fashionista’s toolkit. Here’s how to shop Marshalls like a pro.

Marshalls storefront

How to Shop Marshalls

1. Marshalls is hit or miss

Looking for an awesome pair of Jimmy Choos for 70% off? Well, Marshalls probably isn’t going to deliver — try Poshmark or the local consignment shops instead.

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Recognized labels in general are in short supply at Marshalls. You might find Calvin Klein separates and Adidas running shorts, but that’s about the extent of it. The rest of the women’s apparel is mostly unknown brand names, including the catch-all Famous Maker brand.

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That means your best bet is to decide the type of piece you need before you step into Marshalls. If you’re going in looking for a brand-name deal, you might be disappointed. But if you need a dress to wear to brunch and you don’t care what name is on the label, you might be in luck.

Marshalls Racks

2. The shoes are awesome

Shoe-aholics will agree: The most consistent department in Marshalls is the footwear. New styles arrive several times each week, and there are plenty of brands you’ll know — including Puma, Guess, Franco Sarto, Jessica Simpson, Nine West, BCBG Generation, Kenneth Cole, and Steve Madden. Pumps range from about $40 and up, while boots could be $120 or more.

3. You’re on your own

Marshalls is not a high-touch store. That’s a shopping scene this budget fashionista loves — the freedom to wander and ponder without distraction from a sales associate — but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.

Just remember to take two sizes of each piece to the dressing room. Because the attendant is not going to be your runner.

Marshalls storefront

4. Try shopping online

Marshalls’ online shopping experience is much like the in-store experience. You’ll find some cute stuff if you have patience. I’d recommend shopping accessories that don’t require a precise fit — sunglasses, bags, beauty products, and the like.

5. Marshalls coupons aren’t really a thing

One thing Marshalls doesn’t do regularly is share coupons or discounts, for the store or the website. You might come across Marshalls coupons on sites like RetailMeNot, but they’re often for readily available offers that don’t require a coupon. Example: Free shipping when you spend $89 or more.

This is a good thing, though. The price on the store tag is the price and you don’t have to waste energy trying hunt down a coupon.

6. Sometimes the other departments rock

While the women’s fashion departments is, umm, not as great as we would like it to be, we are big fans of the home department. Several Marshalls have HomeGoods stores located within the store. If you haven’t been to HomeGoods, then you’re seriously missing out on one of the joys of life. HomeGoods is sort of like TJ Maxx for home, with amazing home accessories, furniture, pots and pans, etc., for great prices.

Also the men’s department is worth a look if you’re gift shopping or letting the hubby pick up some essentials. You might find some Ralph Lauren slacks or dress shirts, and you’re likely to find seasonal layers like sweaters and blazers.

7. The return policy is just OK

We have an entire post dedicated to Marshalls return policy. But suffice it to say here, the policy is not that great. Know before you buy that store managers can be difficult about allowing returns for any reason.

Sharla

Monday 15th of December 2014

Do you know what the Marchall's in-house brands are for kids apparel?

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