August 23rd 2024.
If you're a savvy shopper, chances are you've heard of TK Maxx. This popular discount store is loved by many, and for good reason - you can find some amazing bargains there. But with so many products on offer, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Well, fear not, because a former TK Maxx employee is here to share their insider tips on how to spot the best deals.
First things first, it's important to understand that not all products at TK Maxx are created equal. While some are own-brand or part of diffusion lines, the real gems are the designer pieces that have been marked down after being sold elsewhere. But how can you tell the difference? That's where the secret codes on price labels come in.
Former senior merchandiser Daniel Baker has revealed that each item has a white label with a code that links it to a specific department. And in the right-hand corner, there's a single digit number that indicates how the product was sourced. Out of the nine codes, keep an eye out for one, two, and seven. Number one means the item was made specifically for TK Maxx, so the original retail price is just an estimate. Number two indicates a 'close out' item - something from another brand's stock that TK Maxx has scored at a bargain price and passed on the savings to customers. And number seven means it's a 'packaway' item from a previous year, such as Christmas crackers that didn't sell the year before but are still in good condition to be sold now.
According to a documentary on how to bag a bargain, about 60% of items at TK Maxx are labelled with the number two, so you have a good chance of finding a steal. However, the remaining 40% is produced specifically for the store, which can vary depending on stock levels and sourcing. So, while there's a lot of potential for bargains, it's important to keep in mind that not everything is a steal.
But with great bargains comes great responsibility - or at least some strategic shopping techniques. Assistant Metro Lifestyle editor and self-proclaimed TK Maxx addict Jess Lindsay shared her tips for making the most out of your shopping experience. Her first piece of advice is to have a goal and avoid aimlessly wandering around. This will only result in impulse buys, endless searching, and frustration. Having a clear idea of what you're looking for, even if it's just a specific category like homeware or shoes, can help narrow down your hunt.
Another tip is to always start your TK Maxx journey in the clearance section. This is where you'll find the biggest discounts, with some items being reduced to as low as 20p. However, keep in mind that these items may not be from the current season and may have minor faults or be customer returns. So, be sure to give everything a quick once-over before making a purchase.
And while it can be tempting to see a big mark-down and get carried away, it's important to still do your due diligence. Along with checking the code to see where the item came from, do a quick Google search of the brand and a brief description of the product to make sure you're really getting a bargain. You may find that it's cheaper elsewhere, the tag has been switched, or the original retail price is different from what's listed in the store.
So, armed with these insider tips, go forth and conquer TK Maxx. And if you happen to score an amazing deal, we'd love to hear about it. Share your story by emailing us at [email address]. And don't forget to sign up for our Shopping newsletter to stay updated on the latest trends, offers, and trusted reviews. Happy shopping!
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