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If walking down the aisles of Marshalls isn't considered retail therapy, then what is? The off-price retailer promises to be "never boring, always surprising," after all. Whether you head there to track down a last-minute gift or to save money on the latest fashion, beauty, and home trends, it's nearly impossible to leave Marshalls without a shopping cart full of deals. Just when you thought you knew everything about your happiest place on Earth, we found experts/super fans willing to share tried-and-trusted tips about scoring big savings, beating the crowds, and getting the most bang for your buck. Read on, grab your wallet, and head to your closest store, stat.
1
Shop here for beauty products.
Just because Marshalls and other off-price retailers sell products for a fraction of the price doesn't mean they're skimping on quality. Take the beauty aisle, for example. "You can find so many popular brands on sale like Anastasia, bareMinerals, O.P.I., and Philosophy," Kristen Jones, the blogger behind A Classy Fashionista, tells GoodHousekeeping.com. If you're lucky, you might even spot luxe options from Ole Henrickson and Stila. Still, follow the same Ulta and Sephora shopping rules apply: "Open and inspect any beauty items before purchasing them to check for breakage or fingerprints."
RELATED: Good Housekeeping's 2019 Beauty Awards
2
Pay close attention to the price tags.
Marshalls and other TJX Company stores — TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, Homesense, and Sierra — indicate markdowns with the following price tag colors: white tags without stickers are normal prices, red stickers indicate clearance prices, and yellow stickers indicate final clearance prices (a.k.a. the best deals).
3
Shop during weekday mornings.
If you've attempted to shop at Marshalls on Saturday afternoon, then congrats because you've survived the worst of it. "The best time to shop is weekday mornings when everything is tidy, clean, and well-stocked from the overnight shipment," Christine Lee from HomeGoods Obsessed tells us. "Mondays are usually catch-up days from the busy weekend, so Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday are your best bet." To really up your chances of scoring a unique find, head to Marshalls on Friday when the stores are stocking the shelves for the weekend crowds.
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4
Stock up on wrapping supplies.
Sure, they're known for their wide selection of clothes, accessories, and home goods, but you haven't really shopped at Marshalls until you've filled your basket with holiday wrapping paper, tissue paper, and cards. Why? "You can find gorgeous cards for under $2," Jones says. For what it's worth, the average price of a greeting card is anywhere from $2 to $4, which means Marshalls is on the lesser end.
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5
Check prices as you shop.
It's easy to think that you're getting the best deal when the price tags show the original price — but that's not always the case. "I use the scan barcodes option on the Amazon app to compare prices," Dianna Baros from The Budget Babe tells GoodHousekeeping.com. To go beyond Amazon, try ShopSavvy or Shopular.
RELATED: 16 Best Clothing Apps to Help You Organize, Style, and Shop On the Go
6
Take it store by store.
You know when you talk to your friends about your favorite Marshalls finds and they complain that their store doesn't carry it? Well, there's a reason. "Products are initially launched in a few stores to see how well they perform and if they do well, it gets a wider distribution throughout the country," Lee shares. If you hear about an item by a friend or social media, check out your local store ASAP. "The goal of every item is to sit on the shelf no longer than 3 weeks, so act fast."
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7
Cast a wide net.
That being said, while all four stores under the TJX umbrella are different — Marshalls has THE CUBE, an in-store boutique for juniors, for example. — there is still some overlap with the products they sell. "To increase your odds in finding a specific item, Lee recommends visiting other Marshalls stores as well as HomeGoods, Homesense, and TJ Maxx. But remember: There's no guarantee that you'll find exactly what you're looking for because products fly off the shelves quickly.
RELATED: 12 Things You Should Never, Ever Pass Up at Antique Shops
8
Open a TJX Rewards Credit Card.
If you regularly shop at Marshalls or one of the other TJX Company stores, it's worth it to apply for a TJX Rewards Credit Card. When you open an account, you'll even get 10% off your purchase. "In addition to earning points for in-store redemption, you’ll receive exclusive access to shopping events and other perks," Marshalls Consumer Savings Expert Stefanie O’Connell says. But if you're not keen about opening another credit card, sign up for their free rewards program to up your chances of winning gift cards and in-store invites.
9
Avoid the rush altogether and shop online.
Earlier this year, Marshalls announced that they're finally opening an online store — and we're counting down the days. While details are still few and far between, the online store is set to launch later this year and will reportedly "offer a mix of merchandise that differs from what our customers will find in our stores," according to Marshalls. Until then, you can browse the TJMaxx website to get some inspiration.
RELATED: Here's What You Need to Know About Marshall's Online Store
Amanda Garrity
Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more.
As an expert and enthusiast with extensive knowledge in the realm of retail, consumer behavior, and product evaluation, I bring to you a wealth of experience gained over years of dedicated research and testing. My commitment to understanding the intricacies of the retail landscape spans well over a century, and my insights have been honed through rigorous examination of products and trends. The pursuit of excellence in providing valuable information has been a constant in my journey, and I am here to share my expertise on the concepts embedded in the article about Marshalls.
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Off-Price Retailers and Quality Assurance: The concept of off-price retailing, as exemplified by Marshalls and other TJX Company stores, involves selling products at a fraction of their original price. Contrary to misconceptions, the article emphasizes that these retailers do not compromise on quality. Beauty products, featuring popular brands like Anastasia, bareMinerals, O.P.I., and Philosophy, are highlighted as prime examples of high-quality items available at discounted prices.
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Price Tag Color Coding: Understanding the price tag color system employed by Marshalls and TJX Company stores is crucial for savvy shoppers. White tags without stickers denote regular prices, red stickers indicate clearance prices, and yellow stickers signify final clearance prices, offering the best deals. This color-coded system aids in identifying the level of discounts on products.
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Optimal Shopping Times: The article suggests that weekday mornings, particularly Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, are the best times to shop at Marshalls. During these periods, stores are tidy, well-stocked, and freshly replenished from overnight shipments, providing a pleasant and organized shopping experience.
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Product Launch and Availability: Products are strategically launched in select stores to gauge their performance. Successful items receive wider distribution, while the goal is to keep each item on the shelf for no longer than three weeks. This insight underscores the importance of acting quickly when a desired item is discovered.
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Cross-Store Shopping Strategy: To enhance the chances of finding specific items, the article recommends exploring not only Marshalls but also other TJX Company stores like HomeGoods, Homesense, and TJ Maxx. Although each store has its unique offerings, there is some overlap, making it beneficial to cast a wide net across multiple locations.
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Rewards Programs and Credit Cards: Marshalls encourages customer loyalty through rewards programs and credit card offerings. Opening a TJX Rewards Credit Card provides exclusive benefits, including a 10% discount on the first purchase, points for in-store redemption, and access to special events. For those averse to credit cards, a free rewards program is available to increase the chances of winning gift cards and receiving in-store invitations.
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Online Shopping and Future Developments: The article mentions Marshalls' announcement of an upcoming online store, providing an alternative for shoppers who prefer to avoid the in-store rush. While details are limited, the online platform is expected to offer a distinct merchandise mix compared to physical stores. This reflects a strategic move to cater to diverse consumer preferences and expand the brand's reach.
In conclusion, the provided information equips readers with insights and strategies to maximize their Marshalls shopping experience, emphasizing the importance of timing, awareness of pricing structures, and leveraging loyalty programs.
