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9 Foolish Ways People Waste Money at T.J. Maxx

Avoid these common mistakes and keep more money in your pocket.

ROMEOVILLE IL T. J. Maxx
Updated Nov. 14, 2024
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Stores like T.J. Maxx are set up to help you save money shopping with more accessible pricing on everyday items. You can find gift sets and high-quality decor, clothing, fragrance, and more at these spots, making it easier to keep money in your pockets.

Just because it’s affordable, doesn’t mean there aren’t still ways to unnecessarily waste money at T.J. Maxx. Watch out for these nine common pitfalls.

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Not shopping on sale days

Leika production/Adobe shopping in a modern mall

Insiders know Mondays are when the retailer marks down prices on hundreds of items. Head in during the morning hours to score great prices before everyone else.

Keep your eyes peeled for the yellow clearance tags across the store, as items may be placed on end caps or at the cash wrap in addition to their original aisles.

Forgetting about clearance items

Surachetsh/Adobe clearance sales

Each T.J. Maxx has clearance aisles or endcaps, displaying dozens of marked-down items. Each store often stocks these items in multiple sections across departments as well.

But sometimes, clearance items are scattered throughout the store. If you’re buying one item at full price, there may be a similar item – or even the exact same one – for a better price, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled.

Forgetting to ask for discounts on damaged items

puhimec/Adobe man holding cup

Every once in a while, you’ll happen upon a piece of furniture or home decor item with slight cosmetic damage. Sometimes items get scratched during shipping, fall on the sales floor, or are even returned by previous customers.

If you notice an imperfection on your item and it hasn’t already been discounted, ask an associate for a price reduction.

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Not stocking up in January and July

nicoletaionescu/Adobe woman choosing a blue swimsuit

Big box stores are working to clear their seasonal inventory in January and July. At the beginning of the year, you can grab pretty incredible deals on gifts, decor, and holiday items.

July brings you more warm-weather items like outdoor decor, swimwear, beach accessories, and exercise equipment.

Ignoring free shipping options

Timon/Adobe smartphone with logo

Avoid the hassle of in-person shopping with T.J. Maxx online. Not only can you earn rewards points the same as in-store, but there are more products to choose from, and you can add browser coupons to your orders.

Joining their email list also gets you free shipping on your first order. Otherwise, they run an offer of free shipping for purchases of $89 or more.

Not being willing to dig

Hq Visual Studio/Adobe t shirt brand at tjHq Visual Studio maxx store

The store can get a little disheveled during the day. Sometimes, there’s so much stock that everything can get piled up and overwhelming.

At discount stores like T.J. Maxx and HomeGoods, you need to be prepared to dig around for the best deals and treasures that may be hidden in stacks of other home decor and clothing.

Not looking for purple tags

NDABCREATIVITY/Adobe woman buying new clothes

Did you know that if you see a purple tag on your clothing item or accessory at T.J. Maxx, that it indicates a designer item? These products are often deeply discounted but worth much more than the items surrounding them.

Find some great Betsey Johnson blouses, Steve Madden shoes, and other fun, household names with a purple tag.

Not signing up for the email list

Casimiro/Adobe t.j. maxx logo on the website

Signing up for the email list at T.J. Maxx can get you a plethora of offers and discounts. Currently, if you sign up, your first order gets free shipping — with no exclusions.

Subscribers will continue to receive emails about upcoming deals, coupons, and offers.

Not filling out the online survey

Timon/Adobe tj maxx on screen

T.J. Maxx has an ongoing sweepstakes where they give away $500 gift cards each month. So make sure to use your receipt to locate and fill out their online survey.

Giving honest feedback about your experience helps the company learn about its customers and provide new opportunities for them and you get more chances to win big every time you go shopping.

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Bottom line

jetcityimage/Adobe t.j. maxx retail store location

You can save big on everyday items at T.J. Maxx — just make sure you’re shopping smart.

Avoid wasting money like everyone else by strategizing your shopping days and taking advantage of online discounts.

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Author Details

Meredith Schneider

Meredith Schneider is a writer, editor, and marketing professional with over a decade of experience across multiple industries. As a creative entrepreneur, she is always on the lookout for money-saving hacks to support her single-income household. Meredith is dedicated to finding high-quality products at affordable prices to elevate her life and those around her.