15 AWESOME Ways to Save at T.J.Maxx
If you’ve ever shopped at T.J.Maxx before, you likely know that they can offer fantastic deals on discounted clothing, home decor, furniture and more. BUT, if you’re looking to save even more when shopping at their store, check out these savings secrets that you may not know about…
1.) Sign Up for their FREE Loyalty Program
Whenever you sign up for TJX Rewards Access (it’s free!), you’ll be the first to know about new arrivals, store openings, private parties (which means first dibs on designer finds!), free giveaways and more. You’ll also receive a sweepstakes entry every time you shop at T.J.Maxx, Marshalls or HomeGoods stores. To sign up, you can pick up a plastic card in-store or sign up for a digital card online.
And, did you know that T.J.Maxx also owns Marshalls, HomeGoods and even Sierra Trading Post? By signing up, you’ll also get free standard shipping on one purchase at TJMaxx.com (no expiration!) AND free shipping on one purchase at SierraTradingPost.com (valid for one year after signing up). The one-time use shipping codes will be delivered to your email within a few minutes of signing up.
Plus, whenever you complete your online profile, you’ll be entered for a chance to win a designer handbag! Note that in order to be eligible for all the Program benefits (such as access to the next private event), you will need to use your TJX Rewards Access Card at least 3 times within a 12-month period. Also, qualifying purchases must be made at 3 separate stores and/or on 3 separate days.
Hip Tip: Sierra Trading Post rarely offers free shipping codes, so be sure to sign up NOW and save your promo code as it is valid for 1 year and is sure to come in handy around the holidays!
2.) Find Out Your Stores Markdown Schedule
T.J.Maxx stores receive thousands of new items every week, so there is always new merchandise coming in. At my local T.J.Maxx, a manager told me that their merchandise is only marked down every 30 days BUT at a different T.J.Maxx, I was told that markdowns happen on a rotating schedule by department (home & shoes one week, men’s & women’s the next week, etc) and will vary by day.
Since there is no set “markdown day” across all national stores, be sure to contact your local store and ask what their markdown schedule is and make plans to shop that day or the next day.
3.) Know What the Tag Colors Represent
According to T.J.Maxx, the prices you’ll find while shopping are generally 20-60% below the regular prices at department or specialty stores. But what should you look for? Before shopping, here is a rundown of the different colored tags you might find throughout the store and what they mean…
- White Tags (no sticker): Regular price
- Purple Tag: Items from The Runway collection
- Red Tag: Clearance price
- Blue Tag: Items with coordinating piece
- Yellow Tag: Final clearance price (found only in January & July – see #4)
Select T.J.Maxx stores also have a department called “The Runway” that’s filled with high-end designer styles without the high price tag (think European, contemporary and couture fashion). These items have a Purple Tag and if you happen to find a Purple tagged item with a Red clearance sticker on the racks, that means you’re scoring HUGE savings on a name-brand or designer item!
I happened to find a Tommy Bahama Swim Coverup at my local T.J.Maxx in Austin, TX (which does not have a designated “The Runway” department) with a Purple Tag that was also marked on clearance due to being past season. I did have to do a little digging to find it, but what a great score!
Also, you may find clearance items that have double or triple red tags, which means that item has been marked down multiple times and is likely the lowest price it will be marked down to.
4.) Shop Yellow Tags in January and July
Because many items are already deeply discounted, T.J.Maxx does not offer storewide sales or coupons. However, at the end of popular seasons, stores need to clear out their seasonal inventory.
The manager at my local T.J.Maxx told me that these storewide clearance events happen twice a year – in January and July (after Christmas and 4th of July) where items are marked with Yellow Tags. She mentioned that this is the ONLY time you should find these Yellow tagged items throughout the store. BUT, if you happen to find a Yellow tagged item during any other time of the year, she said it is not supposed to be there (I would say you are one lucky duck… snag it before anyone else does!).
5.) Know That Almost Everything is NOT Irregular
One common misconception with T.J.Maxx is that almost everything sold in-store is “irregular” or possibly defective. Not true. Actually, over 95% of the items you’ll find at T.J.Maxx are top-quality while the other 5% are considered “irregular” – and they are clearly marked on the price tag.
I walked down every aisle at my local T.J.Maxx and rummaged through the racks looking for an item with an “irregular” or “as-is” tag and could not find a single one. Case in Point.
6.) Don’t Be Shy to Ask for a Discount
When shopping for furniture, luggage, home decor and even food items, be sure to look for any dents, scratches, damaged packaging or other minor flaws. If you find an item with these imperfections, you can politely ask an employee if they will take an additional 15% or 20% off the price.
The manager at my local T.J.Maxx said they would be more than willing to offer a discount on items that have imperfections, in addition to the 10% discount that cardholders get with their card (see #14).
7.) Use the Amazon App to Check Prices
A handy way to make sure you are getting a good deal is to quickly compare the prices at T.J.Maxx with Amazon before heading to the checkout lane. Just scan the T.J.Maxx barcode in-store by clicking on the little camera icon within Amazon’s App to see their current selling price.
As just one idea, I found this OXO Good Grips 10-Piece Everyday Kitchen Tool Set on clearance for only $18 (compare to $60). I quickly scanned the barcode using the Amazon App to check the price while I was in the store and found that it sells for a over $50 on Amazon and has amazing reviews. Score!
8.) Purchase In-Season Designer Handbags
You may be able to find the same designer brands in T.J.Maxx that you would see at your local Macy’s, Dillard’s or Nordstrom for a fraction of the price. How so? T.J.Maxx buys items from many vendors, taking advantage of department store cancellations, a manufacturer that makes up too much product, or a closeout deal when a vendor wants to clear merchandise at the end of a season.
I found quite a few Michael Kors handbags on clearance, such as the Michael Kors Jet Set Item Tote pictured above for $64 (MSRP $178) or the Michael Kors Jet Set Item Grab Bag for $80 (MSRP $248).
I then ran over to my local Macy’s to see if I could find the exact same purses on the shelves (with no luck) but I found very similar Michael Kors logo handbags (pictured below) selling for almost $350!
9.) Buy Gourmet Food Items (They Are NOT Expired!)
Another misconception about T.J.Maxx is that their food items are expired or close to expiring. On the contrary, T.J. Maxx actually carries a variety of gourmet food items that are purchased in large quantities from popular stores (i.e. Williams Sonoma & Whole Foods) and then offers them to you at a huge discount… and they are not expired or usually close to expiring!
If you have time to look, you can actually find some great deals on the food aisle (including bargains on teas, pasta sauces, jams, baking items and more) – so don’t be hesitant to do some browsing!
10.) Save BIG on Name-Brand Home & Kitchen Items
If you’re in the market for a name-brand vacuum cleaner, be sure to check your local T.J.Maxx before paying retail prices. I spotted this Dyson V6 Fluffy Cordless Vacuum Cleaner on clearance for just $199 (compare at $400) which sells for over $375 on Amazon and retails for $499.99 on Dyson.com!
I also spotted a variety of name-brand kitchen items, including Calphalon pots and pans, Cuisinart gadgets and tools, Mikasa Dinnerware, Oneida Flatware and much more. If you’re needing a last-minute wedding or housewarming gift, this would be a great place to check out first.
11.) Score Great Deals on Pet Items
If you’re shopping for a furry friend, be sure to check out the items in the pet department, namely the pet beds! For instance, I spotted a HALO Signature Collection Large Rectangular Cuddler Pet Bed (size 24″ x 34″) that was priced at just $39.99 that retails for $79.99 at stores like Petco and Kohl’s! Wow!
Hip Tip – Did you know that T.J.Maxx is also pet-friendly? You can bring your furry friends with you while shopping as pets are allowed in the store, preferably in the shopping cart or on a leash.
12.) Enter to Win $1,000 Gift Card Every Month
Every month, T.J.Maxx gives away a $1,000 gift card to one lucky winner just for sharing your T.J.Maxx loot! To enter the contest, just post your T.J.Maxx finds on social media with the following tags #maxxinista and #contest, telling them how you use your finds to “maxx life.”
Check out what our Recipe and DIY Sidekick, Lina, told me…
“I have won a $500 gift card and $50 gift card through their social media contests using a hashtag on my Instagram. One was of my comforter for example – just for sharing my finds! I also bought the fun gray chairs in my front room from T.J.Maxx and I paid only $300 each.”
Also, consider following T.J.Maxx on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter as they my have other contests or giveaways throughout the year, like this previous free tote bag giveaway mentioned on Facebook.
13.) Buy Discounted Gift Cards Before Shopping
Another way to save on your T.J.Maxx purchases is to buy a discounted T.J.Maxx gift card on Raise.com. Not familiar with Raise? Every Raise purchase is protected by a 1-year Money-Back Guarantee that covers gift cards that are inactive, have an inaccurate balance, or are not received for up to 1-year from the date of purchase. For more information, visit their return policy page.
14.) Get the Credit Card *IF* You’re Making a Big Purchase
If T.J.Maxx is your favorite store and you shop there often OR if you’re wanting to make a big purchase, you may consider getting the TJX Rewards Credit Card. By signing up, you’ll receive a 10% off coupon on your first purchase and then a $10 rewards certificates for every 1,000 points you earn.
You’ll also earn 5 points for every $1 spent at T.J.Maxx, Marshalls, Homegoods & Sierra Trading Post (in-store & online) and 1 point per $1 spent at other participating merchants who accept MasterCard.
Keep in mind that if you apply and are approved for the TJX Rewards Credit Card online, the 10% off coupon must be used toward an online purchase. If you apply and are approved through a mobile device or in-store, the 10% off coupon will be sent with your new credit card to use on an in-store purchase, valid for 30 days. You also must use your TJX Rewards Credit Card to use the offer.
15.) Know That Every Store Carries Different Merchandise
According to their website, T.J.Maxx shoppers will never see the same selection twice as the average T.J.Maxx store receives several deliveries per week, with each delivery containing thousands of items.
With employees stocking new items daily, you could shop there every single day and see something different each time. If you have a couple T.J.Maxx stores nearby and are looking for a particular item, consider checking them both out to see if one might have what the other store didn’t.
Written by Mary for Hip2Save. Mary is a proud mom to 3 kids in Austin, TX, who thrives off running long distance, bargain shopping, warm weather, a yummy latte…and a little Candy Crush from time to time. She loves quality time with family & friends and sharing great deals with others.
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