15 Savings Hacks at T.J. Maxx

Dedicated Maxxinistas may already have a few tricks up their sleeves when shopping in the discount chain’s aisles.

But if shopping on a budget is a priority, it helps to have a bit more guidance than simply heading for the clearance aisle.

Here are 15 simple hacks to optimize your savings at T.J. Maxx.

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Shop on weekday mornings

Shopping on the weekends can be a stressful experience at any store, but there’s another savings-related reason to shop at T.J. Maxx on weekday mornings if possible.

Staff likely restocks the shelves at night or early in the morning, so if you can make it there close to opening time during the week, you’ll be the first to nab the best deals.

Shop in January and July

January and July are retailers' in-between seasons. At the beginning of the year, many stores purge holiday-related items. In July, the summer stuff, from swimsuits to outdoor decor, is being moved out—and will likely be heavily discounted.

These can be the best months for savvy shoppers to score serious savings.

Check ‘The Runway’

“The Runway” section at T.J. Maxx is where you’ll find those big bargains on high-end items. While not every T.J. Maxx store has a special designer section, “The Runway” is also available on the store’s website.

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Grab and go

Shopping experts advise against taking too long to decide if you want an item. Your fellow T.J. Maxx shoppers are also bargain hunters, so it’s wise to throw any item you’re considering in the cart — even if you take it out before checkout. With regular restocks, it’s also not likely the item you’re eyeing will still be there the next time you visit your local store.

Look for red tags

Seasoned Maxxinistas may already know this, but all shoppers should keep an eye out for red tags. Like many other retailers, red at T.J. Maxx indicates that an item is on clearance, and you should be able to find clothes, accessories, and more with these discount markers.

Look for yellow tags

There’s a color-coding hierarchy regarding sale items at the store. Red may indicate steep discounts, but yellow means an item is priced as low as it will get. Think of it as super clearance. If you find something you like with a yellow tag, don’t wait to scoop it up.

Don’t be swayed by ‘Compare at’ tags

You may be tempted to splurge on an item at T.J. Maxx because, with the attached “Compare at” label, the discount seems steep.

T.J. Maxx items also have “compare” prices when they are listed online to let shoppers know just how much they are saving compared to other stores. But do your homework — these comp prices are not always completely accurate.

Look closely at the branding

Before you run to the register with what you think is a bargain brand name item, check the tag closely. Some items at T.J. Maxx reportedly have a “TJX” label on the back of the tag.

This indicates that the item was made specifically for the stores and can carry a brand name due to a licensing agreement with a designer.

Ask for damaged discounts

If you happen upon an item with minor damage, shopping experts recommend asking for a discount. Of course, it should be damage that’s easy enough to either fix or hide (like a minor rip in the seam of clothing), or the price cut may not be worth it.

Get a TJX Rewards card

If you shop at T.J. Maxx often enough, applying for the TJX Rewards credit card may be worth it. There’s no annual fee, and customers get 5% back in rewards. There are also special shopping events for members, and you’ll get 10% off your first purchase.

Sign up for the email list

Many stores offer exclusive discounts and promotions, like free shipping, to customers who sign up for their email lists. To get alerted to special deals, sign up for an online account at T.J. Maxx.

Take advantage of free shipping

Consider waiting until you need to do a large haul (or buy a costly item) to shop at T.J. Maxx’s online store. The retailer offers free shipping on all orders over $89.

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Shop in the city

Some shoppers report that the better discounts are in the big cities. It makes sense as stores in the city may be larger and have more inventory. If you have a city within reasonable driving distance, consider checking out the sales at their T.J. Maxx.

Make the most of a T.J. Maxx gift card

If you have a T.J. Maxx gift card and haven’t found the bargain you were hoping for in-store or online, don’t fret — the gift cards can also be used at Marshalls, HomeGoods, HomeSense, and Sierra.

Compare prices

T.J. Maxx may be known for its bargains, but it doesn’t always have the best deals. Shopping experts suggest comparing prices at other stores, particularly for bed and bathroom sets. Stores like Macy’s and Target may have better bargains, and matching sets may be easier to find.

Bottom line

While your local T.J. Maxx may not always offer the best bargains in town, it will undoubtedly offer a lot of them — and savvy shoppers can save a lot by staying on top of sales, shopping at the right times (of the week and the year), and taking advantage of special promotions. You can even maximize your savings by pairing your spending with a top cashback credit card .

Money tips that can work for everyone

No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.

Focus on paying off your debt. Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.

Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.

Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).