Maxxinistas are a proud bunch (raise your hand if you’re sporting a 60-percent-off designer handbag as we speak). But even the most experienced T.J. Maxx shoppers might not know how to get the absolute most out of their trips to T.J's, which is why we consulted other savvy shoppers for the following eight tricks. Happy bargain hunting.
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Shop on Wednesday Mornings
T.J. Maxx stores typically receive new merchandise shipments three to five days a week, but Wednesday is usually the day they mark everything down. Get there in the morning to ensure you’ll have access to the most robust selection.
Know Your Price Tags
If you’ve ever shopped at a T.J. Maxx, you know that not all of the price tags look the same. Red tags signify a product has been marked down only once, whereas yellow tags mean it’s final markdown. (So red-tagged items might get cheaper, but you’re not going to get a better deal on yellow tags.)
And Know Your Seasons
Most run-of-the-mill stores mark down their inventory at the end of each season to make room for new merch. For T.J. Maxx, this happens only in July and January. Even though you’re scoring deals most of the time anyway, you might as well keep those months in mind for extra savings.
Don’t Fall for Inflated “Compare at” Prices
T.J. Maxx tags feature a “Compare at” price, which is supposedly what you’d pay for the same item at a traditional store. These are often marked up to make it seem like you’re getting a better deal, but in reality, it’s arbitrary. If it’s something you really want, go for it, but if you’re buying something for the sake of getting a deep discount, think twice.
Haggle Your Way to Better Prices
As you browse the racks, you’ll notice some items with a damaged tag on them, but if you spot something wrong with a product that isn’t marked as defective, bring it up with an employee (politely), who might be able to offer an additional discount.
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Shop with a Gift Card
OK, so this adds an extra step to your shopping process, but it’s totally worth it. Websites like Raise offer discounts on gift cards to tons of stores, including T.J. Maxx. For example, we spotted a $200 gift card on sale for $169.40 (that’s 15.3 percent off, in case you’re wondering). Do a little advance planning and you’ll save even more.
Don’t Write Off the Website
While it doesn’t boast the same merchandise and prices as brick-and-mortar stores, TJMaxx.com is a great resource that shouldn’t be overlooked the next time you’re on an online shopping binge. The prices on everything (especially designer pieces) are way cheaper than you'll find anywhere else online, plus you get free shipping if you spend more than $75.
Follow It on Social Media
It doesn’t happen all the time, but periodically, TJ Maxx will announce contests or giveaways on its Facebook and Instagram pages. For example, a few months back it held an Instagram contest where you could post and tag a photo for a chance to win a $25 gift card.
