Marshalls and T.J. Maxx shoppers—the latter referring to themselves as "Maxxinistas"—know how to spot a good deal. These retailers are known for unbeatable discounts on quality products and departments selling everything from candles to coffee mugs to clothes. But if you picked up one specific product from these retailers, proceed with caution, as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just issued a new recall announcement. Read on to find out which product they say you must "immediately stop using."
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Off-price retailers aren't immune to recalls.
ShutterstockWhile the prices at stores like Marshalls and T.J. Maxx are often a pleasant surprise, recalls certainly aren't. Unfortunately, both stores have faced their fair share of pulled products this year, including a nest swing egg chair that was also sold at HomeGoods and Homesense stores. According to the June 16 announcement from the CPSC, TJX Companies, which owns all four brands, received 27 incident reports of the chairs collapsing and falling over—19 of which resulted in injuries. The stores then pulled Novogratz brand Outdoor Metal Hanging Chairs on Sept. 1, due to safety hazards and 16 resultant injuries.
In August, the brands took a substantial hit when they were fined $13 million "for selling, offering for sale, and distributing" recalled products to customers between March 2014 and Oct. 2019, the CPSC stated. According to the agency, TJX sold approximately 1,200 of these products, which were recalled in 21 separate "voluntary corrective actions," effectively violating federal law.
The latest recall only involves one product, but due to the hazards it presents, you'll want to heed the CPSC's warning.
Take note if you frequent the aisles with bedding and linens.
ShutterstockLinens and cozy comforters are among some of the most popular items sold at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls, and the retailers typically offer a varied selection. You also might rely on these retailers for gifts, especially for friends and family who've just had babies.
However take note if you purchased a blanket lately, as Mittal International issued a recall of roughly 108,000 baby blankets sold in the U.S. and 3,550 that were sold in Canada, the CPSC announced.
The recall applies to 35 different style numbers, including: BSKTCREAM, BSKTCRM, BSKTIVO, BSKTIVRB, BSKTLAV, BSKTMGRY, BSKTMINT, BSKTOCHR, BSKT-OCHRE, BSKTRSMK, BSKT-SAGE, BSKTSPA, BSKTSLVR, BSKTTERRA, MI-B1, MI-B2, MI-B3, MI-B4, MI-BSK-223BL, MI-BSK-223BM, MI-BSK-227M, MI-BSK-237L, MI-BSK-240L, MI-BSK-240M, MI-BLUSH, MIBLUSH, MI-PBLUE, MI-NAT, MI-OCHRE, MIDMINT, MI-DMINT, MIPBLUE, MI-TAUPE, and MITAUPE. You should see "Made in India" on the sewn-in label and also on the hanging tag, which has an accompanying elephant design.
The products can pose a serious risk.
Tangerinesky / ShutterstockThe blankets measure 32 inches by 40 inches, have fringe along the edges, and were available in a wide range of colors like cream, blush, taupe, mint, gray, lavender, ivory, ochre, pale blue, sage, and terracotta. They were sold at both T.J. Maxx and Marshalls, as well as HomeGoods, between Sept. 2021 and July 2022, ranging in price from $10 to $13, per the recall announcement.
While the blankets look cozy, they can actually be dangerous if given to and used by children. According to the recall announcement, threads can loosen from the woven material, "posing choking, entrapment and strangulation hazards." Thankfully, no injuries or incidents have been reported in the U.S. to date.
Get rid of this blanket if you or your child have it.
iStockIn light of the associated risks, the CPSC asks that consumers "immediately stop using the recalled baby blankets." Products can be returned for your choice of a full refund or a store credit to any HomeGoods, T.J. Maxx, or Marshalls store.
Customers also have the option to throw the blanket away instead. In this case, you'll need to contact TJX for instructions on how to submit a photo of the recalled blanket, which must be accompanied by a letter confirming that the product will be discarded. Upon submitting your contact information, you'll receive a full refund or a store gift card.
You can call any of the three companies between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) Monday through Friday. Marshalls can be reached at 888-627-7425; T.J. Maxx can be reached at 800-926-6299; and HomeGoods can be reached at 800-888-0776. You can opt to email TJX at customerservice@tjx.com for more information.
