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15 Things You Should Never Buy at Marshalls

Not every discounted item is a good deal when you shop at Marshalls.

marshalls department store
Updated Sept. 24, 2024
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Marshalls may be on your list of places to shop if you’re trying to save money on things for your family or home.

The retailer is packed with clothes, home decor, beauty products, and more to help you keep more cash in your pocket.

However, some products are better than others when it comes to wandering the aisles of Marshalls looking for a deal. Here are a few that may be bust and not worth your cash.

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Sheets

Pormezz/Adobe white pillows on the bed

You may want a great set of sheets so you can get cozy in bed with soft sheets when you sleep.

However, Marshalls may not be the best option as it often stocks up on cheaper alternatives that may be rough and hard to sleep on.

Furniture

FotoAndalucia/Adobe woman buying furnitures

Furniture can be expensive, so you might be excited to search through the aisles of Marshalls for an end table, chair, or new nightstand.

It’s a good idea to thoroughly check the furniture before you pick it up, though, as pieces at Marshalls may have defects or were floor samples that didn’t sell at other retailers.

Kitchen supplies

naruedom/Adobe colorful kitchen utensils

You may want to stock up your kitchen with new pots, cooking utensils, and other kitchen staples.

When you look at these items at Marshalls, review how much use you get out of them daily.

The products may not be able to withstand the extra work and can break easily, sending you back to Marshalls to buy a replacement.

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Toys

Krakenimages.com/Adobe girl toddler playing with toys on the carpet

The cost of toys can add up when you have little ones that need to be entertained. But it may be a good idea to steer clear of Marshalls toy section.

The toys may not be up to the same standards as those at other retailers and could have pieces that break off easily due to their cheap quality.

Spices

images and videos/Adobe spices

Your local Marshalls may have items you can buy to stock your kitchen pantry like olive oils and spices.

However, spices tend to lose their flavor after a while, so it’s important to check the expiration date of spices at your local store and make sure they still have some taste in them.

Small electronics

OPEN FILMS/Adobe older woman is reading ebook

You may see a small Bluetooth speaker or set of headphones that you think would be great to grab. Cheap electronics, however, can easily break and require repeated replacement.

Instead, consider other retailers that may have options that might be more expensive but won’t break as easily.

Shoes

rh2010/Adobe woman trying different trail shoes for mountain hiking

Your feet will be thankful if you double-check your shoe options before adding them to your cart.

Shoes take quite a bit of wear and tear, so you’ll want to spend a little more cash on footwear that can stand up to the beating they’ll take on your feet rather than buying cheap pairs.

Planners and calendars

A Stockphoto/Adobe man sitting at table using pencil to mark calendar while using laptop to work from home

You might think you’re getting a good deal on a planner or calendar, but check the date on the outside before you buy them.

Marshalls may have outdated items that didn’t sell, and you might be better off buying a six-month planner or simply waiting until new calendars arrive.

Jewelry

New Africa/Adobe different elegant bijouterie

Some jewelry may be a great find at Marshalls, but you should be careful before using it. There may not be good-quality jewelry, which can affect your skin.

You’ll also want to clean pieces like earrings before wearing them in case someone else tried them on at the store before you bought them.

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Make-up

Ale/Adobe rose gold makeup

Marshalls buys overstock from other retailers that didn’t sell, which means you may only find colors that weren’t popular or items that you didn’t want to buy.

The retailer also doesn’t have samples, so you can’t test it to see if it’s the right color. You’ll also want to ensure that customers who tried it before you didn't tamper with the products.

Perfume and cologne

fotofabrika/Adobe perfume bottles

Another beauty item that doesn’t have samples or testers at Marshalls is fragrances.

You’ll likely have to buy a fragrance without knowing what it smells like, and you’ll want to check the container before you purchase it to ensure it hasn’t been tampered with.

Defective clothing

ryanking999/Adobe women shopping at store

One reason Marshalls has cheap options is that it sells items that may be defective or have issues.

It can be great if you’re looking for something cheap, but defective items can also wear out quickly or be uncomfortable. It’s better to spend a little more on something you’ll wear.

K-Cups

ehrlif/Adobe variety of the popular Keurig K Cups

K-Cups can be convenient if you just need one cup of coffee or a quick morning drink.

But you should skip the K-Cups or other coffee at Marshalls or at least compare the prices to your local grocery store.

You might be surprised that you aren’t getting that much of a deal buying items like that at Marshalls.

Hair products

Brastock Images/Adobe brunette buying shampoo adobe

Hair products can be a good cheap find compared to expensive salons or other stores that may have pricier items.

Hair products also don’t have testers and may not have tamper-proof seals so you can’t guarantee that other customers haven’t opened them before you put them in your cart.

Yoga mats

JacobLund/Adobe Couple exercising at home

Marshalls may be stocked with workout clothes and equipment, but you may want to double-check that yoga mat before adding it to your cart.

Yoga mats need to be sturdy and slip-proof, but the ones at Marshalls may not fulfill those options, causing you issues with your exercise routine.

Bottom line

jetcityimage/Adobe marshalls retail strip mall

Marshalls is a good option for saving money, but you should focus on items that will give you the best bang for your buck.

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