TJ Maxx and Marshalls: A Hit or Miss For You?

 

When I was invited, along with a group of bloggers from across the country, to visit the corporate headquarters of  TJ Maxx and Marshalls in Framingham, Massachusetts near Boston, my initial thought was Hmmm thanks, but no thanks, especially since they don't have an online store.

Generally, I do okay in TJ Maxx when I get to one.  At Marshalls, I seem to have a talent for picking up cute things for my house like dishes and bowls or I'll pick up a few staples like tights and underwear and score the occasional sweater or a pair of boots.  Before I made my decision, I asked friends from different parts of the country - "Do you shop at TJ Maxx and/or Marshalls? Should I go?"  I got a "yes" from my friends in the DC/Maryland area who told me about snapping up designers like Vera Wang and even Valentino at the clean and well-organized stores in their area.  The mixed reaction from friends here in the New York/New Jersey area tended to mirror my own experience which varied by store.

 

Newbury Street in Boston

The folks at TJX, the corporation behind both stores, were eager to dispel some of the more persistent misconceptions about each store.  "A huge portion of the population doesn't get us," Karen Coppola, the Senior Vice President of Marketing told us over breakfast.  "We don't have to predict fashion like a traditional department store. We have more flexibility in what we do."  "Flexibility" as in they aren't bound by the same limitations as traditional department and specialty stores.  They don't buy full "size runs" (they are free to buy all size 14 or all size 0 in a certain brand if they choose) and they buy from vendors more often (weekly, not seasonally) than traditional stores.   In fact, that is one thing that surprised me - the fact that there are actual buyers for both stores.  Like most people, I assumed that the "designer" goods at TJ Maxx and Marshalls were irregular or just not real despite the label.  However, there are buyers that visit 10,000 vendors in over 60 different countries picking up the same items that end up in department or specialty stores at the normal price.  The difference is in how they are able to deal with vendors.  Unlike the department stores, they don't return items or ask for special markdowns or ad dollars since they can't mention designer names in their advertising anyway. And, according to BusinessWeek magazine, they also pay their bills on time, which is a rarity in retail apparently, especially in this economic climate with department stores canceling orders made last spring and posting record losses.

 

Splurge vs. Steal:  The "splurge" look from the department store came in at $711.98 vs. the "steal" from TJ Maxx/Marshall's at $376.95.

Throughout the day, there were various presentations to emphasize the variety of items (which they admitted varies by store and region - no two stores are the same)  including a "Splurge vs. Steal" presentation and a showcase with the same items side by side with department store tags and TJ Maxx or Marshalls tags to emphasize the point that you aren't getting second-hand merchandise.  

 

A pair of Kate Spade heels from the Shoe Megashop at Marshall's.

Now, to get the most out of either store, everyone knows you have to either enjoy rifling through massive amounts of items or have the patience of a saint.  If you're the type that knows what you want and don't mind digging then you're in luck.  I'm the type that knows what I want - and I don't mind digging - so I wish the Marshalls in Jersey where I shop was as nice as the one in Framingham where we shopped at the end of our trip.  There is also a TJ Maxx in Manhattan that I have been overlooking and it's not bad, but I didn't see the "Runway at Maxx" which features high-end designer labels in the New York store (not that they would last long).  In Framingham, I reverted back to my typical TJ Maxx/Marshalls habit of stocking up on staples like tights, socks and gloves, although I did find a great pair of sheets and a cute Michael by Michael Kors scarf.

 

Handbags and wallets in one of the presentations.

I can appreciate that the execs at TJX (including the president, Michael MacMillan) who spoke to us throughout the day seemed to have a realistic idea of how their brands are perceived by the public.  They know people think they sell irregular or past season items exclusively and they know that many of the stores can be very disorganized.  In fact, MacMillan mentioned that the company is considering operating with less inventory to make the shopping experience more pleasant and less of a headache.  Also, while they don't have any immediate plans to sell online again (they tried it once - didn't work) they do sell gift certificates online.

So, tell me.  Is TJ Maxx and/or Marshalls a "hit" or "miss" in your area? 

Comments

[dominican_enigma]

I love Marshalls, I never find anything at TJ Maxx

[nexgrl]

My experience with TJ Maxx has been hit or miss. Like you, I have had more success in the suburbs that are farther from the city. I actually purchased a set of Samsonite Luggage from TJ Maxx this past summer. I also know people who frequent TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross on a weekly basis. They find bargains all of the time. These same individuals have also forged relationships with key sales staff. They are made aware of great finds upon entrance into the stores mentioned.

[Erica B.]

My suburban and TJ Maxx and Marshall's are great! I prefer the TJ Maxx though... they have a lot more high end products. And they are both very neat and clean.

[CreoleInDC]

As I shared with you before...my TJ Maxx has Vera Wang, Valentino, hot Italian bags and more, more, more.

I take my time when I'm shopping and I have a system. I start at the bags on my left hand side and I work through them aisle by aisle. I don't have to touch a thing because I have a good eye for FABULOUS and I touch what I need...then...I hit the bath products, the accessories (belts, hats, scarfs), and then jewelry. (I have many a FABULOUS piece that folks can't BELIEVE I bought at TJ Max. next I hit the shoes, pajamas and the home section making my way up the middle to check out the "better" clothing that is usually right up front parallel with the registers on the nicer racks.

I don't do many cheap pieces of clothing and at TJ Max I don't HAVE TO. I can get designer pieces for a steal of a deal and you know ya girl is always cute.

I'm not saying I do all of my shopping there...but a pretty good chunk for sure. I love to mix pieces from there with my SUPER STANK stuff.

By the way...I'm glad you finally posted on this woman! I've been stalking the site since last Monday looking for it. I was like...DIDN'T SHE SAY SHE'D BE THERE MONDAY????? LOL! Don't you HATE pushy commenters?

[Lteefaw]

I was just in T.J. Maxx last week and I couldn't believe the great deals they had on designer handbags and shoes. I rarely every purchase clothes at T.J. Maxx but my kitchen is loaded with items from there. One small All-Clad pot can run you $80-$100 from the department store. But at T.J. Maxx is like $50.

[Sheena]

I went to T.J. Maxx and Marshalls yesterday after hearing about their "Runway" and "Cube" sections. Marshalls was much more of a "blah" with the same old Babyphat and Rocawear with a couple of Express jeans thrown in. I went to T.J. Maxx and they had lots of Vera Wang, and some Theory. They also had a beautiful leather jacket by Vince that I kept staring at from the Homegoods section. Plus, TJ Maxx was much better in terms of organization and being tidy than Marshalls.

[Teri]

My husband loves both Marshalls and TJ's, but I hate going through the racks trying to find the good stuff. Now, when it comes to shoes, there is definitely a difference - they rock. I always find some goodies there - especially in the Marshall's mega shoe shops.

[Mary]

Bought an incredible Isabel Toledo top yesterday from TJ Maxx. Scored the Maxx Studio Ponte fabric skinny pants for $29.99 they are retailing online for $128. In Marshall's over thankgiving weekend picked up Steven Madden sandals for $15 -retailed for $128 over the summer in Nordstorm. Love TJ Maxx and Marshall's -but will not go there unless I have an hour to do strategic shopping!

[Carol Clifton]

My favorite topic...TJ's & Marshalls. I love both of these stores and visit at least two of each weekly.
Marshall's Cube is a fabulous design concept that I would have a blast merchandising. Betsey Johnson adorns the selves adding just the perfect amount of playfulness.
On to Runway! Why would I go the extra block to Nordstrom to pay $$$ more for my Seven's or Rockin Republics.Just plain foolish in this economy.
My personal feeling is that the many women that don't recognize the incredible values in these store are in extreme need of a personal shopper.

[acoupon]

My Maxx moment... I found an 'oh so fab' David & Scotti handbag for $220. It retailed for over $1000. I also bought a Desmo bag for $120 that retailed for around $800. Not all stores are equal. If you are lucky enough to live by a good one, go for it-if not, it's well worth the drive.