A semi-organised jumbles sale was my first impression of this store. I had noticed the chain grow into most of our local shopping centres and would marvel at the number of people going in and out of the stores. I found myself thinking what's the big deal. It looks like a cheap and tacky QD store but with the price tag of Next. Only one way to find out…..
Since my first visit I have been into the stores on several occasions although only ever made one purchase.
TK Maxx are essentially an outlet store selling branded goods at knock-down prices. They stock clothes for men, women and children, bags and luggage, toiletries, home wares and toys in out local branch. Although "branded" not all of the goods are makes that you have heard of. You can buy CK, Boss, Lacoste, Gossard and the like but there will also be plenty of labels that say "London, New York and Milan" that you have never heard of and are never likely to hear of again.
Much of what is sold are last years styles, over-runs and some seconds and this is how the prices stay so low.
Clothes are sorted into sizes and types (e.g. skirts, trousers, tops, leisure) and the like and no further. This can mean that the rails look sloppy and it can take forever to find what you are after. As most of the items are old stock you will rarely find more than one of anything in a particular size and so going away and thinking about it can be a bit of an issue.
There are undoubtedly some bargains to be had if you shop carefully but you will need time in order to do this. I have often looked for evening wear and jeans in here (although never found what I was after) as these items do not matter if they are "last-years" stock.
There are changing rooms allowing you to try on the clothes and they offer a 28 day money back guarantee if you decide against your purchase and thus the risks associated with buying from a store such as this are minimised.
Although known for their clothes, TK Maxx does stock other items and my one purchase from the store was in fact an Edinburgh Crystal vase to match some glasses that I received as a present.
Stock changes rapidly and if you are a "labels" person I would imagine that it is well worth checking back regularly for new stock.
TK Maxx does itself have sales too and items are often heavily discounted. Sale rails are kept separate from the main stock too so if, like me, you are a real bargain hunter, you can just home in on the mega-reduced stuff!
I would now recommend this shop but only if you have the time and the inclination to sift through rail after rail of semi-sorted clothes in the vain hope that they might just have what you are looking for!
1 - Always go dressed for what you want to buy - if you need an evening dress then there is no point in pitching up wearing your sports bra and DMs (and hopefully something else!)
2 - Shop carefully - is a label really that important?
3 - Brush aside your shopping prejudices - you may find what you are looking for in the least likely place (e.g. a wedding outfit in Primark - yes - I have done that!)
4 - If you simply must get something start out early to maximise your chances
5 - Shop for shoes at the beginning of the day before your feet are tired and swollen
6 - Think about your wardrobe and buy clothes that will maximise what you already have - that lurid green top my look great with one summer dress but will it go with anything else?
7 - Lose your baggage - leave unnecessary children and husbands at home!
8 - Indulge yourself every once in a while, it need not be expensive, you can just window shop but it's fun!
9 - Buy clothes that fit and that suit you not just because they are fashionable - you will look so much better in a simple outfit that fits than a designer outfit that doesn't suit.
10 - The best wardrobe is one that cost little to put together but will cost a fortune to replace.
Claire 290801
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Would somebody PLEASE tell me why this shop is T K Maxx in this country, but T J Maxx in the US?? Although some very good bargains are to be had, I find it a very unpleasant experience shopping in Maxx. I really only go there (Maxx in Kingston) for Christmas presents for friends' children. Cheers, Kate
pauljm 08.11.2001 17:10
Afraid that neither my wife nor I can stand this shop. I don't find the prices that brilliant and to describe it as an organised jumble sale is generous! I don't like to buy clothes that have spent too long lying on a dusty floor but that seems to be the main category here. Paul.
offy 26.09.2001 00:38
This is a great shop, but you have really got to be in the mood. I have had a few evening wear and kitchen bargains from here and they are good about returning things although they do ask you why.
Aug 29th, 2001
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