I know I haven't been writing in a while... but I'm BACK!! :)
I know I haven't been writing in a while... but I'm BACK!! :)
Member since:06.11.2002
Reviews:7
Members who trust:2
I like certain brands... but I don't particularly enjoy paying for them. Why should you?
TK Maxx -- branded goods at a fraction of the price. So prudes may label me a cheapskate, poseur (& the list goes on) but all I care to give in reply for now is "sticks and stones..."
A few things to note before you plunge head-on to your nearest TK Maxx: (a) the products are usually past season (b) they may sometimes be slightly damaged (c) be prepared to search for what you want
LOCATION AND LAYOUT The Manchester outlet of TK Maxx is situated in the basement of an equally value-for-money department store called Primark. At first glance, it is remniscent of the disorganisation familiar in family-owned Poundshops. However, amidst the general disarray, there is some semblance of an "order in chaos".
*THE TK MAXX EXPERIENCE* My trudges down to TK Maxx this December have so far resulted in finds such as a Roxy Quiksilver Stationery/Makeup Case (GBP 5.99 – RRP GBP 15.00), Pepe TrueForm Jeans (GBP 9.00 – RRP GBP 50.00), Billabong Girls Pants (GBP 7.00 – RRP GBP 45.00). In case you were wondering, the first price stated is what I paid at TK Maxx, while RRP stands for Recommended Retail Price (i.e. what you will be asked to pay in a regular shop).
Admittedly, the clothes that I got at these prices were salvaged from the “Red Tag” section – that’s where TK Maxx knocks the already reduced prices down to even lower levels. When I say “salvaged”, I merely mean that I managed to pick them out from the myriad pieces on the rails. They were in near perfect condition (save the creased and amended price tags), unlike tatty clothes that you may find in cheap sales. The difference in TK Maxx prices and RRP is but a reflection of the fact that these items of clothing were perhaps designs from the previous year. I spent about 30 minutes searching for things I liked and trying them on in one of the many fitting rooms situated along the side and towards the mid-section of the store.
I have been trying to get a Lonsdale bag from TK Maxx ever since I saw one there (but I didn’t like the colour). Whilst at the “Bags & Accessories” section, I also spotted a couple of rather nice DKNY casual tote bags for GBP 14.99. But I generally look for real steals and passed on that one. The bags also had a little fluff on them, which brings me to the point that some goods in TK Maxx may be damaged or need a little cleaning. If you don’t mind turning a blind eye to petty defects or putting in that bit of extra work to clean it up, you’ll never know what treasures you may find. Also spotted: Quiksilver watches, complete with warranties, for GBP 20.00
*THE OTHER DEPARTMENTS* So you know where to go and what to look out for in other sections, here’s a short commentary on the other sections:-
- Footwear: I am not particularly impressed by the standard of quality/price there although there are a great number of styles ranging from casual to sporty to formal, available for all ages
- Kitchen & Household: Some pretty china and crockery for Grandmere & rather unique knock-knacks to clutter your kitchen with. Also stocks some big wooden chests & similar pieces of furniture
- Toys: Last minute gift ideas that are affordable and educational. Also stocks skateboards for pre-teens and other “modes of transportation” for the ickle ones
- Mens Fashion: I reserve judgement for this one because I didn’t take more than a cursory glance
- Bargain Bin: currently stocked with Christmas cards and Crackers.
*CONCLUSION* Pretty long opinion but I hope it wasn’t excessively arduous to read. Suffice to say that if it’s value for money you want (they offer 30-day money back too!), pop by your nearest TK Maxx. Tip: do not bring impatient husbands, boyfriends or kids... stick them in a café while you shop, because your savings will more than cover the costs of whatever they can care to devour anyway. :)
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