
As I mentioned earlier, TJ Maxx invited a bunch of fashion bloggers from around the country to their headquarters in Framingham, MA, for a behind-the-scenes look at how their business really operates. It was an awesome experience. My brain is overflowing with facts and information right now, so I'll just dive right in and share some of the key things that I learned.
First, I should preface this report by saying that I've been a long-time fan and loyal customer of both TJ Maxx and Marshalls. I never quite knew how they managed to sell brand names at reduced prices, but my assumption was always that they bought overstock, irregular merchandise, and probably did some other wheeling 'n' dealing that would simply never become transparent to me, the customer. Some stores seemed better than others; some days you got lucky, other days you'd leave frustrated and empty handed. Sometimes you'd find a deal on something you loved or needed; other time you'd find sub-par styles at practically full price (or at least, stuff that just wasn't a good deal. For us budget babes, a $200 blouse that's marked down to $80 still isn't a bargain.)
So yeah, that's kinda where I stood with regards to TJ Maxx and Marshall's prior to the blogger event, and I gotta say, not much has changed. However, I did learn some new and interesting facts so read on (more photos from the event, too!)...
One of the misconceptions I had about TJ Maxx/Marshalls was that they bought leftovers that other stores didn't want or couldn't sell. That's not true: We were told that they buy directly from 10,000 vendors in 60 countries. So they're buying the same top quality stuff that you can see at the same time being sold for more at department stores. They're able to do this for a number of reasons, but one of the top reasons is that TJX agrees not to advertise or announce the specific brand names that they carry. So here's a tip for you shoppers: If you sign up for alerts at the TJX website, they'll send you email updates about great new product roll outs and stuff at stores near you. They won't be able to mention the specific designer names, but you can pretty much safely assume that some great new shipment of merchandise just came in, and it's time to head to your nearest location.
Another misconception I had about the TJ Maxx/Marshalls was that the food products might be past their expiration date or just stuff the department stores couldn't sell--even stuff from last season. Not so, says TJX. In fact, it would be illegal to sell food past its expiration date. So all that food is top quality, fresh, and purchased directly from the vendors. Good to know, because I love putting together gift baskets with the gourmet goodies I find at TJX. And I buy a lot of my tea and coffee from them, too, so I'm glad it's not old! Haha
Yet another commonly held myth about TJX is that they sell only irregular or damaged merchandise. This is simply not true: 95% of their goods are top quality (ie. perfect, no flaws) while only 5% is irregular--and if it is, it will be clearly marked as such. For me, this isn't a big deal. In fact, I see irregulars as a chance to save even more money. The TJ Maxx folks also let us in on a little secret: Sometimes vendors will label something "irregular" even when it's perfectly fine JUST so they can sell to TJ Maxx/Marshalls without "upsetting" their other clients, like your big department stores. So buy with confidence, ladies!
Those are just a few of the things we learned about how the business operates. We also got the scoop on some upcoming initiatives by the company, including remodeling the dressing rooms in just about all of their stores across the country. I'm looking forward to some better lighting and stall doors with locks that actually work! They're also expanding their shoe sections with in-store shoe boutiques--you may already been to a Shoe Megashop at a store near you, in which case you know what I'm talking about. Those have been successful so far, so they're planning on opening more across the country. Same with The Cube, the boutique within the store that caters to the 16-24 year old crowd with the latest juniors/contemporary styles, all gathered in one convenient spot within the larger store. These also look promising and there are more on the horizon. Finally, TJX is looking into ways to expand their beauty offerings. Right now, the beauty products are often tough to sort through; a lot of the stuff gets open and tested by customers (not cool), so I would welcome an improved beauty/makeup section at TJ Maxx/ Marshalls so long as the prices stayed the same (ie., low).
We learned a TON more but I'm short on sleep and this post is verging on becoming excessively long, so I'll close by saying that the entire TJ Maxx crew was absolutely gracious, friendly, and visibly passionate about what they do. They are a very successful company, and continue to enjoy success during these tough economic times. It's no surprise that business has picked up for them in recent months. I was exceedingly pleased with the level of respect that they extended to us, "mere" fashion bloggers, and the degree of professionalism with which we were all treated. It was clear that they wanted this event to be the start of a continued relationship. They don't offer online shopping, which puts them at a slight disadvantage when it comes to promoting their products online, but they recognize the important role bloggers play, and more importantly, they want to be sure they are reaching our readers. And they want YOUR FEEDBACK! Clearly, your feedback is invaluable from a business perspective, but I think both parties can benefit.
So here's what TJX wants to know (spill all in the comments--and if you have any questions, I'll do my best to answer them): What is it about the TJ Maxx/Marshalls shopping experience that dissatisfies you?

[Above: Stacy (Mom Central) and Nichelle (55 Secret Street) browse TJX holiday merchandise]

Splurge versus steal fashion show

Splurge versus steal fashion show
Tempting shoe styles for Spring 2009

The latest winter styles--coming soon to a store near you!

Bloggers Adriana (The Fashion Bomb), Wendy (nitro:licious), and Anna (Shoe Smitten) snap pics of more irresistible shoes presented by the "Men of Marshalls"

Bloggers Nichelle (55 Secret Street), Lauren (Second City Style) and Wendy (nitro:licious) hit TJ Maxx and Marshalls stores for a complimentary shopping spree

Lindsay (Broke & Beautiful) scopes out the Shoe Megashop at Marshalls

Wendy (nitro:licious) shows off her latest find
Another misconception I had about the TJ Maxx/Marshalls was that the food products might be past their expiration date or just stuff the department stores couldn't sell--even stuff from last season. Not so, says TJX. In fact, it would be illegal to sell food past its expiration date. So all that food is top quality, fresh, and purchased directly from the vendors. Good to know, because I love putting together gift baskets with the gourmet goodies I find at TJX. And I buy a lot of my tea and coffee from them, too, so I'm glad it's not old! Haha
Yet another commonly held myth about TJX is that they sell only irregular or damaged merchandise. This is simply not true: 95% of their goods are top quality (ie. perfect, no flaws) while only 5% is irregular--and if it is, it will be clearly marked as such. For me, this isn't a big deal. In fact, I see irregulars as a chance to save even more money. The TJ Maxx folks also let us in on a little secret: Sometimes vendors will label something "irregular" even when it's perfectly fine JUST so they can sell to TJ Maxx/Marshalls without "upsetting" their other clients, like your big department stores. So buy with confidence, ladies!
Those are just a few of the things we learned about how the business operates. We also got the scoop on some upcoming initiatives by the company, including remodeling the dressing rooms in just about all of their stores across the country. I'm looking forward to some better lighting and stall doors with locks that actually work! They're also expanding their shoe sections with in-store shoe boutiques--you may already been to a Shoe Megashop at a store near you, in which case you know what I'm talking about. Those have been successful so far, so they're planning on opening more across the country. Same with The Cube, the boutique within the store that caters to the 16-24 year old crowd with the latest juniors/contemporary styles, all gathered in one convenient spot within the larger store. These also look promising and there are more on the horizon. Finally, TJX is looking into ways to expand their beauty offerings. Right now, the beauty products are often tough to sort through; a lot of the stuff gets open and tested by customers (not cool), so I would welcome an improved beauty/makeup section at TJ Maxx/ Marshalls so long as the prices stayed the same (ie., low).
We learned a TON more but I'm short on sleep and this post is verging on becoming excessively long, so I'll close by saying that the entire TJ Maxx crew was absolutely gracious, friendly, and visibly passionate about what they do. They are a very successful company, and continue to enjoy success during these tough economic times. It's no surprise that business has picked up for them in recent months. I was exceedingly pleased with the level of respect that they extended to us, "mere" fashion bloggers, and the degree of professionalism with which we were all treated. It was clear that they wanted this event to be the start of a continued relationship. They don't offer online shopping, which puts them at a slight disadvantage when it comes to promoting their products online, but they recognize the important role bloggers play, and more importantly, they want to be sure they are reaching our readers. And they want YOUR FEEDBACK! Clearly, your feedback is invaluable from a business perspective, but I think both parties can benefit.
So here's what TJX wants to know (spill all in the comments--and if you have any questions, I'll do my best to answer them): What is it about the TJ Maxx/Marshalls shopping experience that dissatisfies you?

[Above: Stacy (Mom Central) and Nichelle (55 Secret Street) browse TJX holiday merchandise]

Splurge versus steal fashion show

Splurge versus steal fashion show

Tempting shoe styles for Spring 2009

The latest winter styles--coming soon to a store near you!

Bloggers Adriana (The Fashion Bomb), Wendy (nitro:licious), and Anna (Shoe Smitten) snap pics of more irresistible shoes presented by the "Men of Marshalls"

Bloggers Nichelle (55 Secret Street), Lauren (Second City Style) and Wendy (nitro:licious) hit TJ Maxx and Marshalls stores for a complimentary shopping spree

Lindsay (Broke & Beautiful) scopes out the Shoe Megashop at Marshalls

Wendy (nitro:licious) shows off her latest find
I would welcome a better beauty section as well. I buy all of my designer perfumes from TJ Maxx/Marshall's, and it always upsets me when I find the perfume that I want only to discover it's been tampered with by a customer.
The toy sections are a disaster!!!!! And I mean a total mess! Open boxes everywhere, toys piled up on the floor, its horrific!!!! Specifically the store at Six Corners in Chicago- its God awful!!! Its worse then the Salvation Army toy section. Things can't even be purchased they're in such bad shape- and its even MORE annoying when you find something your kid really wants, and the box is destroyed or some part is missing yet they refuse to mark it down anymore... its just a joke.... I know many people who won't go back just because they were so disgusted by the toy section....
Second- I would really like if employees were told they are NOT allowed to shop on the clock and put all of the good designer deals on the side for themselves! Its extremely upsetting! At that same Marshalls I have had the experience several times where an employee will pick up an item that I was about to look at, and when I express interest they say "this is for me" and walk away! So horrid!!!!
Third- I also would like a better beauty section where everything wasn't already open and used... its just gross....
It says a lot about your character, or lack there of.
Stay in school.
I too am a long-time fan and shopper at both our local TJ Maxx and Marshalls stores, and have found fab deals there over the years. You can find pricey labels like Free People and DKNY (not technically "expensive" but in my opinion overpriced for what you get) at both stores in their end-of-season sales, which is awesome!
Our local Marshalls has both the Shoe Megashop and the Cube, which are really nice. Both stores are great for out-of-the-ordinary styles at great prices.
The one major complaint I have about both our local TJX and Marshalls is the staff, especially the cashiers. I don't know if they go out of their way to hire nasty, kind of skanky, downright rude people, but these are who I run into at every branch of these stores that I've visited. I have to say that it's a definite deterrent for me. I think that, if both these stores want an improved image, they should really concentrate on hiring better staff. Might not be easy to do for a retail environment, but they could follow the Target model, which I got to know a bit when I worked there in college. The cashiers and staff were really drilled, during the training sessions, on how to treat customers well, with courtesy, respect and friendliness.
And I think that more-or-less shows in the attitudes of the sales staff of our local Target. I've gone there for so many years now, and have never had a complaint, whereas the staff at our local TJX and Marshalls are very rude and intimidating. My mother, aunt and I once ended up complaining to the manager about one terrible cashier who rung up both our purchases and that of the lady behind us incorrectly!
Sooooo, there's my mini-rant about both these stores! Don't get me wrong, their merchandise and prices are just wonderful, but I think a store is more than what they sell, you know? The staff can make a huge difference ... at least here in the Sacramento Valley branches!
By the way, Budget Babe, I have always wondered about the perfumes and colognes I find at these discount stores. I've thought about buying them, but I worry that they are really old or something else is wrong with them. Did you get any insight on fragrances and discount stores? Is it safe? Will I break out in a rash or something? Why are they so much cheaper than dept. store fragrances?
Also, we were told they once scored a huge quantity of perfectly fine, brand new Este Lauder makeup that the manunfacturer was going to dump because they had changed/updated the packaging, but the product was exactly the same, so TJX stepped in and scooped it up for dirt cheap.
Also, this is minor but I HATE how the music is different in the "cube" than in the other sections. If you happen to be on the edge of the two sections, the clashing music is so annoying!
I think one opened "tester" bottle of the perfumes they are selling would cut down on people opening them up, and I'm also more inclined to buy a fragrance if I can try it first.
And lastly, especially in my area, the men's section is nothing to brag about. Consequently, my husband hates going there, and it makes it harder for me to convince him to go! Could there be more styles for men from say J. Crew or Gap, Old Navy, etc.?Casual, but not sports-related or oversize, baggy jeans, etc.
Thanks! Love the blog, and LOVE Marshalls/TJMaxx!
I think the best thing about TJ Maxx is their jeans and the worst is the rude people that work there for sure.
My complaints are dirty fitting rooms (not as bad as Ross, though) and, on occasion, unfriendly service. It can also tend to get very hot in the fitting rooms, not sure why this is the case. It makes trying on the clothes very uncomfortable (especially if you are in Texas and trying on fall/winter clothes in August) and sometimes I find myself in a rush just so I can escape the heat. My brothers and my husband dislike shopping there due to the limited selection of men's fashion. I agree with previous posts that they need to take it up a notch on the men's merchandise.
I never buy beauty products there except an occasional decorative soap or something like that. I think the company could do a better job on increasing consumer confidence within this product category.
The Christmas decor has been a little disappointing the past couple of years, not a very good selection on Christmas ornaments. They used to have a better selection. T.J.Maxx waaaaay outscores Marshall's in the home decor selection.
TJ Maxx has a special place in my heart!
Other shoppers - how does the TJ Maxx marchandise compare to Marsall & Ross? Is it worth my time to trek over and check it out? What are your favorite brands / dept stores whos stuff they seem to carry?
tj maxx is one of those stores that one should visit regularly because there are always super steals.
If the customer does their job, then so will the associates. Not every cashier/associate will deal with a pleasant customer as they are bound to come upon rude ones as well.
Each store is different. Try not to carry the same mindset for all TJX stores.
Customers can really trash a place, and it can be so hard to keep up with everything. People put clothes in the wrong sections, throw them on the floor, abandon cart fulls of merchandise, lay clothes over the racks, leave stuff they don't want by the mirrors after trying them out (instead of just putting them back where they found them), leave their garbage on the floor instead of disposing of it. It's really disrespectful to the store and to the people who work there. I know at the local TJ Maxx there is only one person to clean up the main clothing section (which includes misses career & casual, juniors, dresses, petites, womans, active wear, and clearance).
I don't mind at all-- I'm perfectly capable of determining quality for myself, and some of the "off-brand" merchandise is totally decent.
But I admit I raise an eyebrow at the "retail price" on their tags. I gotta say, I assume it's inflated and has never actually sold for that price anywhere. Am I wrong? Did anyone ask about this?
I've most definitely seen the exact items (many still in higher-end stores) I've seen elsewhere, selling for more. For example, I just bought a $54 Wacoal bra at TJ Maxx for $12.99-- the same bra I just tried on in Lord & Taylor-- make, model, color and size.
But I've always assumed that these discounters supplement their racks with cheap off-brands as well.
One request, stop allowing the rude women to hog the tiny, shoulder width aisles with their carriages! They're never moving and somehow they end up taking up the whole row and shoot a dirty look when god forbid you try to make it to a size they're attempting to hoard! Share ladies, there's enough bargains to go around!
Geez.
So customers:
-STOP UNWRAPPING EVERYTHING
-STOP THROWING THINGS ON THE FLOOR
-TOP TELLING YOUR KIDS TO PLAY IN THE TOY SECTION
-GET IN LINE ONCE THE STORE HAS BEEN DECLARED OFFICIALLY CLOSED (we'd like to get out ASAP and you're, unknowingly, messing all the clothes up that we have to fix before leaving and closing the cash registers)
-STOP SWITCHING TICKETS!!!...WE KNOW THE CODES (U-LINES, DEPARTMENTS, ETC...WE KNOW OUR MERCHANDISE EVEN AS NEWBIES AND WE'LL CATCH YOU BY ASKING AN ASSOCIATE FOR A PRICE CHECK)
-STOP DEMANDING SO MUCH FROM THE FEW ASSOCIATES ON THE FLOOR/REGISTERS...WE'RE ALWAYS UNDERSTAFFED AND IT'S NOT A CHANEL STORE
-ASK TO SPEAK TO A MANAGER ON DUTY IF THERE AREN'T ENOUGH PEOPLE TO HELP YOU AND THEY'LL HIRE MORE PEOPLE
In all my travels I visit many stores TJ Maxx and Marshalls.
I just love to shop there and visit more than 10 stores for each journey.
I do not mind in the middle of the day the store is disorganized.
I love the double TJ Maxx and Marshalls!!
Also, as a very experienced Dooney & Bourke shopper, they sell fake Dooneys!! I know it for a fact! I almost went up to the manager to let them know they're selling fake items.
Point made....they do sell super old items (not bought directly from the retailer/maker) and they sell fake designer bags.
End of story. I will continue shopping there....but with lots of caution....checking EVERYTHING!
So if you think you are getting some fantastic deal think again you really aren't getting the real deal. Might have the Paige designer brand on the tag but its not the same jean. I was actually shocked that Paige Jeans would put products out there with cheaper thiner fabrics with no indication on the labels.
Joanne
Yes, the box/bottle may look like the 'real thing' but what is inside is not. Unfortunately, this kind of fakery is more common than most people realize so the crooks get away with it.
The companies that sell 'impressions' of famous perfumes are far more honest than the counterfeiters because they tell you up front that they are not the original. Go to a dollar store and buy one that may be familiar. It may be smell similar to the real thing but will not perform, i.e., last/project like it.
I called TJX directly and asked where they source their fragrances. Turns out they use LOTS of 'distributors' throughout the U.S. and might even get different products from the same line from different warehouses. In short, _zero_ quality control.