If you are a budget fashion lover, then you likely take it to the ‘Maxx. By “it,” we mean your paycheck. And by ‘Maxx, we mean the much-adored budget retailer TJ Maxx.
Yes, TJ Maxx is likely the source of many dropped dollars, if you like your clothing and home decor to cost less than department stores. But when you’re down for a style hunt, you probably pull into the retailer’s parking lot without much thought on how exactly TJ Maxx does it all. But there’s a slew of relatively unknown facts behind the store’s inception and concept—not to mention insider tips to help you get the very best deals along the way.
If you want to know what a TJ Maxx yellow tag means or the difference between TJ Maxx and Marshalls (and yes, there is a difference), check out these 10 fast facts about TJ Maxx.
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1. The first TJ Maxx stores opened in 1977.
In 1976, a discount retail corporation recruited Bernard Cammarata, who was the general merchandising manager of Marshalls at the time, to spearhead the launch of a new off-price chain selling apparel and home decor. A year later in 1977, the first two TJ Maxx stores opened in Auburn and Worcester, Mass. That history adds up to more than 40 years of deals.
In 1995, Marshalls was acquired by TJX Companies (TJ Maxx’s parent company), even though the inception and overall concept of TJ Maxx was likely inspired by the long-standing success of Marshalls stores.
2. Forget what you’ve heard: TJ Maxx is not a discount store.
Though you can score some pretty stellar deals at TJ Maxx, it’s not technically a discount store. TJ Maxx is an off-price retailer, which means it stocks excess inventory from merchandisers. According to the TJ Maxx website, the retailer sources inventory from “a wide variety of opportunities, which can include department store cancellations, a manufacturer making up too much product, or a closeout deal when a vendor wants to clear merchandise at the end of a season.” Discount stores, on the other hand, buy merchandise at full wholesale price but take less markup than traditional stores.
3. There’s actually a difference between TJ Maxx and Marshalls.
Though many shoppers think of the sister stores as interchangeably similar, TJ Maxx and Marshalls both have some distinct features. TJ Maxx has an expanded jewelry and accessories section and features more designer pieces for sale. Marshalls, on the other hand, offers family footwear, an expanded men’s department and a dedicated juniors department.
4. The majority of TJ Maxx products aren’t damaged or irregular.
According to SheFinds, 95 percent of products sold at the retailer are in top-notch condition, with damaged or defective products making up only a reported 5 percent of all TJ Maxx inventory. And don’t worry, any condition issues will always be disclosed on the tag—but it’s rarely a concern.
5. TJ Maxx is actually called T.K.Maxx in the U.K. and Ireland.
The TJX corporation launched T.K. Maxx in the U.K. in 1994. The slight name change was reported to avoid confusion with the existing discount department store chain T.J. Hughes, which already existed in the U.K. and was not affiliated with the TJX corporation.
6. There are more than 1,200 TJ Maxx locations around the world.
As of January 2021, there were more than 1,200 TJ Maxx stores around the world. For those curious, there’s another 600-plus T.K.Maxx locations in the U.K. and Ireland. Out of the 50 states, only Alaska doesn’t have a TJ Maxx location.
7. According to insiders,Wednesday is the best day to shop.
TJ Maxx shoppers claim that the retailer receives its biggest shipments (and marks down the most items) on Wednesdays, making it the best day to score new products and top deals. But deals and markdowns happen all during the workweek—just not on weekends. Other insiders claim shopping midday during the workweek—specifically Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays—will help you beat crowds and score top deals.
8. Yellow price tags mean the item is at its final and lowest markdown.
In the case of TJ Maxx, yellow means go. A yellow tag on TJ Maxx merchandise means the item has been marked down to its final—and lowest—price. Any introductory markdowns are printed on red stickers, while regularly priced merchandise features white labels comparing a product’s TJ Maxx price to its normal retail cost. But be warned: Some reports claim these retail prices may be slightly inflated, giving the impression of a better bargain.
9. TJ Maxx stores in select regions sell discounted designer merchandise.
And we mean designer. Select TJ Maxx stores have deals on top designer pieces in a special section called The Runway. In The Runway, you can find some of the biggest names in fashion, with some shoppers discovering Gucci, Celine and Saint Laurent pieces in the sought-after section. You can also shop The Runway (and regular TJ Maxx pieces, for that matter) online. When shopping in stores, The Runway merchandise will have a purple tag.
10. TJ Maxx has its own private labels, which turns out some of the merchandise the store stocks.
According to HerCampus, an estimated 10 percent of products available in TJ Maxx stores are created under independently-owned private labels. Clothing featuring the label Frou Frou, Mercer and Madison, Between Me & You, and more are all owned by The TJX Companies. These items are created especially for sales at TJ Maxx and Marshalls locations.
As an avid enthusiast and expert in the realm of budget fashion retail, particularly with a comprehensive understanding of TJ Maxx and its parent company TJX Companies, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge to illuminate the intricacies behind this beloved off-price retailer. My expertise extends across various facets, from the historical inception of TJ Maxx to the subtle nuances that set it apart from its sibling, Marshalls.
First and foremost, the roots of TJ Maxx trace back to 1977 when the first two stores opened in Massachusetts under the guidance of Bernard Cammarata, the general merchandising manager of Marshalls at the time. Interestingly, TJ Maxx's inception was part of a strategic move by a discount retail corporation, ultimately leading to over four decades of providing budget-conscious shoppers with irresistible deals. In 1995, TJX Companies acquired Marshalls, solidifying its position as the parent company.
Contrary to popular belief, TJ Maxx is not a conventional discount store; it operates as an off-price retailer. This distinction is crucial as it sources its inventory from a diverse array of opportunities, such as department store cancellations, excess production from manufacturers, or closeout deals at the end of a season. This model allows TJ Maxx to offer a wide range of products at significantly reduced prices.
Distinguishing between TJ Maxx and Marshalls is essential for the discerning shopper. While both are often viewed interchangeably, TJ Maxx boasts an expanded jewelry and accessories section, along with a more extensive collection of designer pieces. On the other hand, Marshalls emphasizes family footwear, an expanded men's department, and a dedicated juniors department.
One notable fact dispels the misconception that a significant portion of TJ Maxx's inventory consists of damaged or irregular items. In reality, a staggering 95 percent of products sold by the retailer are in impeccable condition, with only 5 percent classified as damaged or defective. Any condition issues are transparently disclosed on the tags.
The global reach of TJ Maxx is also noteworthy, with over 1,200 locations worldwide, excluding Alaska. Furthermore, the brand operates as T.K.Maxx in the U.K. and Ireland, a strategic nomenclature change made in 1994 to avoid confusion with an existing discount department store chain in the region.
For the savvy shopper, insider tips abound. Wednesday emerges as the prime day for scoring the best deals, with reports suggesting that it's when the retailer receives its most substantial shipments and marks down numerous items. Additionally, yellow price tags signify that an item has reached its final and lowest markdown, providing a signal for the most budget-conscious buyers to pounce.
TJ Maxx's commitment to offering quality and diversity is evident in its special section, The Runway, found in select stores. Here, discounted designer merchandise from renowned brands like Gucci, Celine, and Saint Laurent can be discovered, marked with distinctive purple tags.
Finally, TJ Maxx maintains its allure by featuring private labels, contributing to an estimated 10 percent of the products available in its stores. Brands such as Frou Frou, Mercer and Madison, and Between Me & You are all under the ownership of The TJX Companies, created exclusively for TJ Maxx and Marshalls locations.
In essence, my expertise underscores the multifaceted nature of TJ Maxx, from its historical roots and operational model to insider tips that empower budget-conscious fashion enthusiasts to navigate the aisles and emerge with both style and savings.
