Treasure hunters, rejoice! The TJX family of stores, which include TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods and Sierra, is a discount shopper’s dream.
The retailers have grown in popularity and now nearly rival Macy’s and other legacy big-box stores. According to the company’s site, their irresistible inventory comes from “order cancellations, manufacturer overruns, closeouts and special production direct from brands and factories.”
With more than 900 buyers, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, and Sierra are able to find and sell products with ease and speed unmatched by other retailers, becoming a formidable force in recent years. Their prices are already low, but with these tools under your belt, you too can become a force to be reckoned with!
Here’s how to save money at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods and Sierra:
You can ask for a discount on damaged items
If you’re perusing the aisles and come across an item with nicks, scratches or other damage, look for an “as-is” tag. If you don’t see one, ask an employee for a 10-20% discount.
Remember: Discounts are offered at the employee and supervisor’s discretion, so always be polite!
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Go for clearance
TJ Maxx has clearance racks in stores, and there’s a clearance section on the TJ Maxx website, too.
Fun fact: While shopping online has its perks, the unique inventories at brick-and-mortar stores are more likely to include exclusive markdowns and the chance to save on slightly irregular merchandise by talking with a real sales associate – not to mention you’ll avoid shipping charges, which start at a steep $8.99!
Select TJ Maxx locations also have a store-within-a-store concept called The Runway, where bargain shoppers can find designer merchandise at discounts as deep as 60 percent off retail. In The Runway, you might find Rag & Bone clothing, Gucci sunglasses, and La Prairie skincare. If your local TJ Maxx doesn’t happen to have The Runway, the good news is that you can search “Runway” on TJMaxx.com and purchase discounted designer duds online.
Try the HomeGoods app
The Home Goods app will give you a sneak peek of what’s coming to your local store. Since HomeGoods has great deals to begin with, this can increase your chances of snagging something wonderful.
Plus, you can upload any gift cards or TJX Rewards certificates to the app so you can easily pull them up on your phone when you’re in the store.
There’s a reward credit card
If you’re a regular TJX Company shopper, you might consider applying for a TJX Rewards credit card. When you shop with this Mastercard at TJX stores, you’ll earn 5 percent back. One percent can be earned everywhere else.
TJX Rewards cardholders qualify for 10% off their first purchase in addition to exclusive access to shopping events and other perks. You can use their handy rewards program hub to track your points and access your rewards certificates.
Sign up online or at the register for a chance to win gift cards, store news, and in-store event invites.
Note that I only recommend signing up for this card if you can pay the card off in full each month. That 27.4 percent APR is no joke!
Check the tags
Yellow tags you see in TJ Maxx and Marshalls stores aren’t happenstance. Yellow is the most recognizable color to the human eye, so it’s no wonder that all TJX family brand items with yellow tags are the most marked-down items in store.
Yellow price tags signify “final clearance” items – aka the best deals at TJX stores. Snap up these deals before they’re gone because they’ll never be priced any lower!
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While you’re at it, here’s how to decode TJ Maxx and Marshalls stickers:
- White Tags (no sticker): Regular price
- Purple Tag: Items from The Runway collection
- Red Tag: Initial clearance price
- Blue Tag: Items with a coordinating piece
- Yellow Tag: Final clearance price (most often found in January and July when past-season items get marked down)
So…what’s Sierra?
Formerly Sierra Trading Post, Sierra is now a part of the TJX family. At their stores and on their website, you’ll find off-price camping and outdoor goods galore at their stores and on their website.
Sierra sometimes offers promotions for signing up for their emails. At the time of this writing, when you sign up to receive their emails, you’ll be entered to win one of 10 $500 gift cards.
Use online tools
If you plan to shop online, check coupons sites, like Slickdeals and CouponCabin for TJX store coupons. You might just find a promo code that can be applied to your order.
Request a markdown check
Say you’ve just tried on an armful of clothes and are trying to decide which to keep, and you see a sales associate marking clearance items with a price gun.
Use this opportunity to ask them for a “markdown check,” which means that they can see how long the item has been in-store.
If it’s been in-store for more than one month, the item will qualify for a markdown, and you’ll get the best price!
Off-season at TJ Maxx and Marshalls
Just because TJ Maxx and Marshalls have hugely discounted items all the time doesn’t mean they don’t need to make room for more inventory.
Like any retailer, you can score big during the off-season. According to The Krazy Koupon Lady, your best bet is to swing by in January and July. In January, the stores need to clear up space for spring clothes, so it’s a great time to check for winter wear. The same goes for July when it’s time to start clearing out summer clothes to make room for warmer gear!
Bring your appetite
Don’t be shy about checking out the food section at TJ Maxx. It’s easy to find eclectic snacks — anything from juices to spreads to cookies — and some heartier staples, too. You can sometimes even find Williams-Sonoma foods for half price!
The buyers at TJ Maxx keep the selection rotating, too, so chances are you’ll find something new and tasty every time.
Save at checkout
If you’re in-store, check out sale items near the cash registers. You can find high-quality grooming products, hand soaps, and even tasty snacks at discount prices.
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