We've probably heard the same stories you have. Of women going through the racks at TJ Maxx in search of the elusive perfect swimsuit and to hear that they've found the perfect ones (via Designer Bags and Dirty Diapers). While we're sure hidden gems can be found among the inventory, they are the exception rather than the rule.
That said, if you're got the time, are not averse to buying or using off-season fashions, or are willing to scour the racks and shelves for a good deal, TJ Maxx will rarely disappoint.
Because it's an off-price retailer, TJ Maxx picks up all of its inventory that higher priced stores don't want to or can't sell; those items include last year's makeup and cosmetics lines (because who wants to be a "fall" when spring is a few weeks away?).
If you're heading to a specialty store to grab a gift for a baby shower and you just happen to see a TJ Maxx, consumer experts say you shouldn't drop by in the hopes of snagging a bargain.
But Reviewed says the biggest risk to cosmetic and hair care product shopping at TJ Maxx means you run the risk of buying something that's been tampered with, or used by someone else as a sample. Reviewed also suggests giving TJ Maxx's perfumes and colognes a miss; because you run the risk of buying something that either doesn't suit you, ...
TJ Maxx and its sister company, HomeGoods, do carry home items like furniture, bedding, and kitchen supplies, but these are bargains you're also better off leaving for another shopper. Reviewed says most of the furniture you'll find at these stores are either overstocks or failed factory inspection rejects and as a result, they're often in far-from-perfect condition.
While we're sure hidden gems can be found among the inventory, they are the exception rather than the rule. " You won't find high-quality swimwear at TJ Maxx or Marshall's, etc. It's fast-fashion and ultimately won't last," strategic marketer Kelly Clinken tells Reader's Digest . It's important to remember that swimsuits need to be workhorses ...
As a result, these toys may either be counterfeit, or worse. " [Toys] may not have been made to the strict standards you would want from a baby toy," Humphrey says (via Business Insider ).
If you thought yoga mats were an easy, non-controversial buy, think again. Reviewed urged buyers to give TJ Maxx's bargain yoga mats a hard pass, saying the thin material was slippery and did not hold up to extended use. If you're a dedicated yogi, you're better off spending a few extra dollars on a good, better-known brand instead of trying to save a few bucks on a TJ Maxx special. You could well end up spending double because the mat you first bought as a bargain turned out to be a real dud, and a second purchase is needed to replace the first.