21 Best Shopping Tips & Savings Secrets for TJ Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods
Visit TJ Maxx and HomeGoods and save with our savvy shopping tips!
Use our TJ Maxx & HomeGoods shopping tips to spruce up your home for cheap!
If you’ve ever shopped at TJ Maxx, or HomeGoods, you likely know that they offer fantastic deals on name-brand home decor, beautiful furniture, kitchen cookware, clothing, and lots more – with everyday prices up to 60% off. Their stylish selection and low prices are truly hard to beat! 😍
But what if we said you could be saving even more? Save big with our best TJ Maxx and HomeGoods shopping tips that you may not know about!
1. Know what day TJ Maxx and HomeGoods restock.
Skip shopping on the weekends. Not only will there be a crowd of shoppers, but a lot of the good items have been picked through already. TJ Maxx and HomeGoods get new shipments throughout the week so there is always a chance to find something new. What to know what day what day does TJ Maxx restock? Or when does HomeGoods restock? Simply ask your local store manager to confirm which days they get shipment deliveries.
We hear one of the best days to visit TJ Maxx is on Wednesday. This is when they are most likely to mark down items that didn’t sell as well the week before. Try to shop in the mornings when you’ll get first dibs. If you’re heading to HomeGoods, try around 10 am – 11 am on the weekdays. This is a slower shopping hour and it’s when you’ll have the best chance to score a new item!
2. Shop the TJ Maxx clearance aisles first.
Always shop the clearance sections first – both online and in-store! You can usually find steals at TJ Maxx on serving dishes, linens, adorable coffee mugs, toys, shoes, clothing, and much more. In fact, we spotted dolls from brands like Our Generation, Jillian’s Closet, and more marked down to $12-$14 (regularly up to $22.99)!
We’ve also previously spotted Aerie panties marked down to just $1 (regularly up to $9.50), so be sure to check out the lingerie aisles if you’re in need of bras and undies!
3. Know what the TJ Maxx shopping tag colors represent.
According to TJ 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’s 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: Runway Collection items (see #5 below)
- Red Tag: Clearance price
- >Blue Tag: Items with a coordinating piece
- Yellow Tag: Final clearance price (found only in January & July – see #4 below)
Also, you may find clearance items that have double or triple red tags, which means the item has been marked down multiple times and is likely the lowest price it will be marked down to.
4. Shop yellow tags at TJ Maxx in January and July. The price tags show the final clearance price.
Because many items are already deeply discounted, TJ Maxx doesn’t 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 TJ Maxx told me that these storewide clearance events happen twice a year – in January and July (after Christmas and the 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’s not supposed to be there (I would say you are one lucky duck… snag it before someone else does!).
5. Always check the beauty aisle for luxury brand names.
You can save a ton of money by shopping in the beauty section at TJ Maxx. If you get there before the crowds, you have a chance of scoring brand names like Too Faced, Anastasia, Givenchy, and NARS. You’ll certainly save a few dollars when you buy from TJ Maxx instead of Sephora! Don’t forget to try asking for a discount if any of those brand name palettes look a little old or slightly damaged.
6. Save hundreds by shopping TJ Maxx Runway stores.
Select TJ Maxx stores have a department called The Runway (view all locations here) that is 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! As an idea, I found a $78 Tommy Bahama sweater marked down to just $18! 😱
7. Don’t be too shy to ask for a discount.
When shopping for furniture, luggage, home decor, beauty, 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 10% or 15% off the price (will vary).
The manager at my local TJ Maxx said they would be more than willing to offer a discount on items with imperfections, in addition to the 10% discount that cardholders get with their card (see tip #20).
8. Double-check TJ Maxx “onlinepare at” prices by using the Amazon app.
TJ Maxx lists “onlinepare at” prices on their tags, but the prices may be inflated onlinepared to stores like Walmart or Target. Instead of assuming the “onlinepare at” price is correct, check it for yourself. A handy way to make sure you’re getting a good deal on cookware, clothing, or name-brand items is to quickly onlinepare the prices at TJ Maxx using the Amazon App before heading to the checkout lane.
Just scan the retail barcode in-store by clicking on the little camera icon within Amazon’s App to see their current selling price. If the price is lower than Amazon, there’s a good chance you’re scoring a great deal!
For example, a while back we found Hatchimals CollEGGtibles 2-pack + Nest sets priced at just $3.99, which seemed like a great price considering these sets sell for $7.99+ on Amazon!
9. Don’t assume everything at TJ Maxx is a deal.
As much as we love raving about TJ Maxx and all of the glorious discounted finds inside, it’s important to remember that not everything is a deal.
We once spotted these sneakers that look just like our favorite Mad Love shoes and thought we found a cute alternative pair for less. WRONG! The T.J. Maxx shoes were marked at $24.99, which is more expensive than the Mad Love brand was at their full price of $22.99!
Also, if you think you’ve scored a great deal on a hot brand name, double-check the backside of the inner tag. If it says “TJX” on the back, that item may be licensed specifically for discount stores and the quality might differ from those sold by the brand name alone.
Another tip to make sure you’re getting a good deal is to double check items like beauty products to make sure they aren’t used and always check the expiration date before buying food!
10. Shop for men and juniors at Marshalls instead.
If you’re shopping for men’s or junior’s clothing, consider heading to Marshalls instead of TJ Maxx. Marshalls is also owned by TJX onlinepany and differentiates itself from TJ Maxx by offering a full line of family footwear and an expanded men’s department. They also have styles specifically for juniors!
11. Don’t skip the gourmet food items in TJ Maxx and HomeGoods.
Though we reonlinemend you check expiration dates before buying food, don’t assume the food at TJ Maxx and partner stores are always expired or close to it. That’s a big misconception. On the contrary, these stores actually carry a variety of gourmet food items purchased in large quantities from popular stores (i.e. World Market & Whole Foods) and then offer them to you at a nice discount… and they’re not expired or usually close to expiring!
TJ Maxx often restocks their grocery section with really interesting and unique food items — and many are low-carb for our keto friends! We came across items like avocado oil, apple cider vinegar, and MCT oil, all for a fraction of the cost you’d pay at health stores.
12. Score big on fitness apparel when you shop TJ Maxx.
Don’t overpay for something you’re just going to get sweaty! Browse TJ Maxx’s fitness section. They like to mix their selection of lesser-known (and less expensive) athletic brands with brand name workout gear. A while back, we found several super soft Reebok long-sleeve workout tops for just $12.99 – versus $45! Woohoo!
13. View HomeGoods inventory without leaving home.
Want to see what type of products are available at your local HomeGoods store? Even though we’re thrilled HomeGoods recently launched a shoppable website, there’s just something about spotting a great deal you can take home today from the store.
And did you know you can get a peek at what’s already in your local HomeGoods stores? Download the free HomeGoods app and you’ll be able to see actual photos of select products that are sold at your local store! Find great furniture, rugs, and decor. Just click on The Goods section in the app to take a peek inside a HomeGoods nearest you.
14. Know the TJ Maxx return policy.
Don’t keep what you don’t love! You can return merchandise aconlinepanied by a register receipt within 30 days of purchase for an exchange or refund in the original form of tender. After 30 days, expect a store credit. It’s also important to note that there is a 10-day period required for cash refunds on check purchases. See the TJ Maxx return policy for more information.
The Marshalls return policy and Home Goods return policy are both similar. You have 30 days to bring in your item with a receipt and get a refund or exchange. If you wait longer than 30 days or you don’t have a receipt, you’ll receive a store credit instead. Can you return Marshalls at TJ Maxx? No, so you’ll want to make sure to return your items to the right store!
15. Senior citizens can get an extra 10% off at TJ Maxx.
TJ Maxx may offer discounts up to 10% for senior citizens (55+) on certain days of the week at participating locations. We’ve heard that it’s mostly the stores in Florida that are participating in giving this 10% senior discount and that it’s only available on Mondays, but it never hurts to ask!
Want more senior discounts? Check out our huge list of more than 40 senior discounts at restaurants, hotels, and more!
16. Pay with discounted TJ Maxx gift cards.
If you can plan ahead, consider buying a discounted TJ Maxx gift card before heading in-store. Gift card sites like CardCash sell discounted TJ Maxx gift cards, so you can save a few bucks!
Hip Tip: Wondering if you can use a Marshall’s gift card at TJ Maxx? Yes, you can! See their gift card policy on the Marshall’s website!
17. Don’t forget to check the pet aisle!
Most people don’t think about their pets when shopping at TJ Maxx and its sister stores. Don’t make that mistake! Skip your local PetCo. and try shopping at a TJX store instead. You can sometimes score big discounts on pet items like beds, toys, treats, or bowls, like the one above from the Rae Dunn collection. Some stores may even let you bring your dog inside.
18. Skip the lines! Marshall’s, Sierra, HomeGoods, and TJ Maxx have online shopping!
TJX stores now have online shopping for at least part of their inventories. Before wasting your gas money heading to the store, browse their websites to see if you like any products available online. You can still even score markdowns and special offers!
19. Sign up for Marshalls and Sierra emails and get FREE shipping.
When you sign up for Sierra emails or to be a Marshalls Insider, you’ll also get free shipping on your first order – no minimum! You’ll also be the first to hear about new merchandise, tips, inspiration, grand openings, and more.
20. Making a big purchase? Get the TJX Credit Card.
If you’re planning to make a large purchase, consider signing up for the TJX Rewards Credit Card. Card holders receive a 10% off coupon valid for your first purchase that can be used immediately. Plus, for every $200 you spend (i.e. 1,000 points earned), you’ll earn a $10 Rewards Certificate!
You’ll also receive 5% back in rewards (five points for every dollar spent) every time you shop at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Homesense, or Sierra Trading Post (in-store & online) and 1% back in points (one point for every dollar) 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 must use your TJX Rewards Credit Card to use the offer.
HIp Tip: Did you know that there is a free app for TJ Maxx? You can use it to keep track of your rewards, redeem points, access gift cards, and manage your TJX Rewards Credit Card!
21. Be strategic about which location you visit.
TJX stores often get inventory from other stores around their area. If you’re hoping to run across some couture items, visit a TJ Maxx located closer to a ritzy area or city. If you’re looking to score the lowest prices possible, visit a TJ Maxx in a rural or more affordable location.
What are your favorite products to shop for at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, or HomeGoods?
