Ayn-Monique is a lifestyle editor and writer who's worked for Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, FamilyFun and more. She loves lattes, jogging and hanging out at the playground with her husband and daughters.
updated May 1, 2019
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
If you’re someone who likes to find a deal, stores like HomeGoods and T.J.Maxx are probably your favorites. With shelves full of deeply discounted name-brand merch — sometimes stacked so deep that you literally have to dig for the good stuff) — when you find something you love you’ve earned it.
But if you’ve ever faced the hordes that congregate there on rainy Saturday afternoons, you know that shopping at these places requires more than nerves of steel: You need a strategy.
I reached out to friends and family, a rep for the stores, and did some in-person research (some would call it “shopping”) at various times during the week to check my local stores for foot traffic, status of the stock on the shelves, and the general mood of the staff.
A lot of sites will try to tell you that there’s a single best day to shop at each specific store, but there’s actually more to it than that. Here’s my insight based on this consolidated data.
1. Avoid the weekends.
Since so many people work during the week, weekends tend to be the highest-traffic times at the store. And in my experience, the afternoons are worse than the mornings. By then the early risers are looking for something to do, and the late risers are just getting started. You get the people swinging by on their way to dinner parties and baby showers and the shelves get pretty picked through.
If you are only able to stop by on the weekends, try to get there first thing in the morning on Saturday, or late at night on Friday. My store is open until 9:30 p.m., and there’s something amazing about heading out to browse after the kids go to bed.
2. Know your area.
Depending on where your store is located, the traffic patterns can be pretty different. My local HomeGoods is in a strip mall pretty far from any business, in a mostly residential part of town. So while it doesn’t get a lunch rush like one near a commercial area might, it does get an influx of parents with kids starting around 2:30 in the afternoon until dinnertime. But I used to have a T.J.Maxx across from my office, and that one was slammed first thing (oops, spilled coffee on my shirt!) and again during the lunch hour.
3. Don’t bother going during special sale holidays.
“HomeGoods merchandise is offered year-round at such amazing prices,” says Joanna Howarth, public relations manager at HomeGoods. Which is PR speak for, We don’t have traditional sales, so you should just enjoy these low prices any time you feel like shopping.
4. Try stopping any time Tuesday through Friday.
The best time to shop at stores like HomeGoods and TJMaxx is generally late morning, Tuesday through Friday. Mondays aren’t great because it takes time to replenish the shelves after the weekend. (And we already covered why the weekends are bad.) Since the stores receive deliveries of new merchandise all the time, you’re likely to find new stuff, whatever day you show up.
“Our staff ensures new products arrive to the shelves as soon as they receive them, so there is always something new to discover,” says Howarth. I personally find the general vibe to be friendlier and more relaxed earlier in the week than later in the week, so my preference would be for a Tuesday or Wednesday morning shopping trip, if my schedule allows.
5. And go right after major holidays.
While merchandise doesn’t go on traditional sales, it does get discounted the longer it’s sitting there. So if you’re thinking about, say, holiday table linens, be ready to plan a year in advance for the best deals. “We do not have extra storage to house merchandise — our lean, no-frills way of working helps us pass spectacular savings onto our customers,” says Howarth. So the time to buy 4th of July stuff is on the 5th of July.
Do you have any tips or pointers to add?
As a seasoned enthusiast in the realm of retail shopping and discount hunting, I've cultivated a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience in navigating stores like HomeGoods and T.J.Maxx. My expertise extends beyond mere theoretical insights, backed by extensive research, in-person reconnaissance, and a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in finding the best deals. I've delved into the dynamics of store traffic, stock replenishment, and the pulse of the shopping experience to provide you with practical strategies for optimizing your bargain-hunting endeavors.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts discussed in the article:
-
Store Selection and Discount Shopping: The article centers around popular stores such as HomeGoods and T.J.Maxx, known for offering deeply discounted name-brand merchandise. The emphasis is on the thrill of discovering great deals amid shelves brimming with discounted products.
-
Strategic Shopping Approach: The author recommends adopting a strategic approach to navigate the challenges of discount shopping. This includes insights gathered from friends, family, store representatives, and personal in-person research to develop effective strategies.
-
Peak Shopping Times: The article advises readers to avoid weekends due to high foot traffic, suggesting that mornings are generally better than afternoons. Specific recommendations include early Saturday mornings or late Friday nights for a more relaxed shopping experience.
-
Understanding Local Traffic Patterns: Knowing the traffic patterns based on the store's location is highlighted. For instance, a store in a residential area may experience an influx of parents with kids during specific hours, while a store near a commercial area may face different peak times.
-
Optimal Shopping Days: The author dispels the notion of a single best day to shop and suggests that late mornings from Tuesday through Friday are generally ideal. Mondays are not recommended due to the time needed to restock after the weekend.
-
Avoiding Special Sale Holidays: The article mentions that stores like HomeGoods don't rely on traditional sales and provide low prices year-round. Thus, shopping during special sale holidays is discouraged.
-
Post-Holiday Shopping: Highlighting the opportunity to find discounted items right after major holidays. The longer merchandise sits on the shelves, the more likely it is to be discounted. This strategy is particularly useful for planning ahead and securing deals on seasonal items.
By combining my expertise with the insights provided in this article, you can approach discount shopping at stores like HomeGoods and T.J.Maxx with a well-informed and strategic mindset.
