Insider Shopping Tips and Tricks for TJ Maxx and Marshalls, According to the Brands’ Style Expert

If you’re like us, you love snagging a good deal. Even better? Getting high quality, designer brands for a steal. And two of the best places known to help you achieve just that are good ol’ TJ Maxx and Marshalls. The sister brands are all about making sure you can find on-trend, stylish pieces that won’t break the bank, and also won’t sacrifice the integrity of the item for the low cost. And while you’re essentially sure to pay a fair price no matter what, there actually are a few tips and tricks to take advantage of to get the best deals possible at TJ Maxx and Marshalls. That’s why we found out the best insider TJ Maxx and Marshalls shopping tips straight from the source so you get the most out of your shopping experience.

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Brief history of TJ Maxx and Marshalls

TJ Maxx and Marshalls are certainly nothing new. Both stores have been around for decades, with TJ Maxx dating back to 1976 and Marshalls back to 1956 . TJX, the overarching umbrella company of both TJ Maxx and Marshalls (along with HomeGoods, Sierra, Winners and Homesense), acquired Marshalls in 1995.

For a long time, TJX brands offered strictly in-person shopping only. There was no online platform to shop, and this made their brick and mortar stores very successful. It wasn’t until 2013 that TJ Maxx launched its e-commerce website and Marshalls followed in 2019. Compared to most other brands, this was very uncommon — but also could be considered strategic, as during a time when more and more retail stores were shutting down due to an huge increase in online shopping, the TJX stores were thriving (and still continue to thrive).

Now, they have over 1,300 TJ Maxx stores and over 1,200 Marshalls stores scattered around the US, as well as e-commerce sites for both, accompanied with TJ Maxx and Marshalls apps to shop even more easily.

What is the difference between TJ Maxx and Marshalls?

While both brands are very similar, there are a few key differences between the two that are good to keep in mind.

For starters, TJ Maxx has the “Runway” section, which has the best of the best high-end, designer pieces for low prices. Brands include some of the most well-known luxury brands such as Yves Saint Laurent (YSL), Chloe, Burberry, Valentino and many more. The “Runway” section is offered at select TJ Maxx stores, but is also available online if your closest location doesn’t have it.

Further, while TJ Maxx has its runway collection, “Marshalls offers a wide variety of high-quality, on-trend fashion items within their expert curated Edit Shop online and Contemporary Fashion section in stores, as well as a larger men’s selection,” says the brands’ Fashion and Style Expert Sophie Lopez .

What are the best days to shop at TJ Maxx and Marshalls?

While you’re sure to find a good deal no matter when you go to TJ Maxx or Marshalls, there are a few days that will get you even better deals. Swing by the store to hit the beauty and fashion clearance on Wednesday afternoon for the best selection since weekly markdowns start at 7 a.m. Tuesday and end at noon on Wednesday.

The best TJ Maxx and Marshalls shopping tips

Keep reading for insider tips and tricks to getting the most out of your shopping experience at TJ Maxx and Marshalls.

1. Shop right when stores open

First things first, to have the widest selection possible, you’ll want to get to your TJ Maxx and/or Marshalls stores right when they open. Most locations open at 9:30 a.m., so make sure you set your alarm to get there on time. The reason for this is items go very quickly at TJ Maxx and Marshalls, and there’s no guarantee they’ll come back — so if you want something, you should grab it right then.

2. Shop the ‘track’

If you have no clue what the “track” means, don’t worry. It’s a simple concept, and an easy guideline to follow at TJ Maxx and Marshalls. Shopping the track means to shop “the curated
racks in the center of the store” before heading into the main racks. Typically the most trendy items at that time are on the tracks. “Shopping the track is also a great timesaver if you’re short on time,” says the brand.

3. Take advantage of the clearance sections during ‘J’ months

TJ Maxx and Marshalls have clearance racks available most of the year, but January and July is when their biggest clearance events occur. This is a great opportunity to stock up on items for the next year (i.e. snag the last of the winter pieces available in January for next winter, and the last of summer pieces available for next summer).

4. Look at the price tag colors

If you’ve spent some time shopping the brands in store, you’ve probably noticed that there are occasionally different colored tags such as red or yellow. Here’s a breakdown of what each color means:

• White: Regular price
• Red: Clearance price
• Yellow: Final clearance price
• Blue: Coordinates (Coordinates, or pieces that are part of a set, can be sold separately, so if you don’t see a coordinate attached to the hanger, take a look through the racks to see if there’s one floating around separately.)
• Purple: Runway piece

5. Ship items home from the store

Buying new furniture or something else large and bulky? You don’t have to break your back trying to lug it home. Instead, check with your store to see if they offer shipping straight to your home as many have this service. “Select TJ Maxx and Marshalls stores will offer a home delivery option, which is particularly helpful for those larger items or gifts you want to take home, but don’t want to have to carry. Keep your hands free to continue shopping and let the store handle the rest. Pricing varies based on location and distance, so be sure to ask your local store for details,” says the brand.

6. Shop online and the apps

Don’t live near a TJ Maxx or Marshalls or just don’t feel like heading to the store? No worries — simply shop online or on the apps. While this wasn’t always an option, as mentioned earlier, it’s now super easy to find the best deals right from the comfort of your own home. Even more, they always offer free shipping on orders over $89 with code “SHIP89”. You also may find pieces you won’t find at your store’s location when you shop the e-commerce sites.

“While both brands have exciting in-store experiences, I love utilizing the e-commerce sites to easily filter for the occasion or aesthetic I’m styling for,” explains Lopez.

7. Take a browse through the men’s sections

Lopez loves taking advantage of the men’s sections even when shopping for herself or other women. “When I’m looking for high-quality work attire, I love searching through the men’s section at Marshalls for oversized, cotton button-downs that I can layer as a cover-up,” she shares.

8. Take a look at the skin care aisle

TJ Maxx and Marshalls are full of high end skin care gems. They purchase products directly from manufacturers that have an overstock and department stores that overbuy, so it can offer prestige skin care lines up to 90% off.

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