T.J. Maxx, a staple of the American shopping center, is attracting a brand-new crowd of shoppers this year. By buying excess inventory from designer names and well-known labels across the U.S. instead of importing them from overseas, the retailer has a serious leg up on its competitors—keeping prices around 20% to 60% lower than department stores.
Plus, the chain's parent company, TJX Companies, is on a hot streak. Since more millennials and Gen Z shoppers are discovering the joys of finding a great deal at one of T.J. Maxx's 1,322 U.S. locations or online, TJX Companies plans to open 1,300 additional stores for all of its brands, including Marshall's and Home Goods.
That said, while there are some things you should never buy at T.J. Maxx, there are plenty of fantastic finds just waiting for you in the aisles—if you know where to look. Here are the best things you should always buy at T.J. Maxx, according to customers and employees, for money-saving bragging rights.
RELATED: 10 Items You Should Never Buy at T.J. Maxx
1. Designer Shoes, Handbags and Accessories
T.J. Maxx
Fun fact about T.J. Maxx: Many of the items sold in stores and online are from major, big-name designers, like Gucci, Burberry, Versace, Ferragamo, Loewe, Ted Baker, Tory Burch, Kate Spade, and more.
How? Well, T.J. Maxx buys any excess, discontinued, or off-to-the-landfill items from high-end brands who are eager to get rid of their inventory discreetly. (For instance, many designer labels are unsearchable on T.J. Maxx's website, which helps protect their luxury image.)
All of this means you can score designer clothing, shoes, handbags, sunglasses, belts, and more that would normally cost a fortune at a steep bargain.
RELATED:T.J. Maxx Is Set to Explode in Popularity in 2025—Here’s Why
2. Kids and Teens Clothing
These Are the Best Places to Score Savings on Kids' ClothesShutterstock“Our Juniors department and young [men’s] are awesome,” admitted one T.J. Maxx employee on Reddit.
T.J. Maxx sells baby, toddler, and kids clothing in all sizes from brands like Levi’s, Hurley, Champion, Billabong, Chaser, Janie and Jack, and more.
3. Graphic T-Shirts and Holiday-Themed Clothing
ShutterstockFor instance, one T.J. Maxx employee said on Reddit that the men’s graphic t-shirts are a hidden treasure for anyone.
“I’m a woman and I find that a lot of the men’s graphic [t-shirts] are really a good deal. They will have [t-shirts] of popular video games, anime, and even some [Hello Kitty] shirts. Plus, some have really cool designs. And it’s only $7.99-$9.99.”
So, the next time that last-minute invite to an ‘80s party or Memorial Day BBQ comes up, you’ll know where to go to get your festive fit.
4. Activewear and Socks
9 | Donkey kicksShutterstockLooking for a new workout set to put a spring in your step? T.J. Maxx carries great brands like Under Armour, Spiritual Gangster, DKNY Sport, and Free People for women, and Puma Golf, Reebok, Tommy Bahama, and Under Armour for men.
While you're at it, one Reddit user said that the retailer has good options to fit your feet too. "Socks are a definite bargain, particularly if you buy the designer ones."
RELATED: 8 Warnings to Shoppers From Former T.J. Maxx Employees
5. Sterling Silver Jewelry
Daniel Jedzura / Shutterstock"The sterling silver we offer is great," said one T.J. Maxx employee on Reddit. "I have customers who show me the silver they bought 20 years ago from TJ Maxx regularly."
At the jewelry counter or online, you'll spot brands like Tagliamonte, Shaanti Jewels, Kendra Scott, Seed & Sage, and more.
6. Luggage
7 | LuggageShutterstockThere’s nothing worse than getting excited for a trip only to realize your carry-on is literally ripping at the seams. When it's time to make an upgrade, peruse the luggage section at your local T.J.
"Luggage is a great price!!" exclaimed one Reddit user. And the brands are recognizable too: You can get a hard- or soft-side spinner from Calpak, London Fog, Vera Bradley, Tucci, IT Luggage, and others.
7. Pet Toys and Supplies
5 | Pet insuranceShutterstockThe infamous Lamb Chops Pet Toy! Guess how much it is at T.J. Maxx? $9.99, compared to $15 at other retailers.
"We have stuff that is 75% cheaper than you'd get at like PetSmart," admitted one T.J. Maxx employee on Reddit. "I buy all my cat's toys and food bowls there."
The selection is vast too. On any given day, you can find everything from bird cages to cat beds, hamster wheels, pet gates, dog grooming supplies, clothing, carriers, bowls, treats, and more.
RELATED: Former T.J. Maxx Employee Reveals the Best Time to Shop
8. Smartphone Accessories
32 | Extra Phone Chargers and Power CordsShutterstockThis should be your go-to place for phone cases, screen protectors, charging cables, and even headphones or ear pods. You'll find them usually right before the checkout lane with inexpensive price tags.
"Even if [Target] is having a sale on Phone Popsockets, T.J. Maxx always beats the price," said a T.J. Maxx employee on Reddit.
9. Some Personal Care Items
5 | Don’t test the makeup.ShutterstockUnfortunately, shoppers are known to open and test a lot of the beauty and personal care items at T.J. Maxx, which makes them a less than ideal purchase.
However, if you look hard enough, you'll find some brand-name bottles and formulas that are tamper-free and not expired. Get those.
"The natural deodorants and body wash are definitely excellent buys," said one Reddit user. "I save at least $3-$4 on the Jason body Wash vs. buying it at Whole Foods."
"I buy salon products there," said another Reddit user. "We used Joico and Pravana a lot whenI was in cosmetology school and being able to find them at a much lower price really has helped my hair."
Other Redditors said they've found Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Soap and Mrs. Meyer's hand soaps and lotions at lower prices than Walmart and other retailers.
It's also possible to find some pricey skincare products for much cheaper than Sephora and Ulta. One Redditor recently said, "I found a Murad night retinol cream I think for around $25-30 and it retails for about $100 at Sephora."
Just make sure to inspect these items thoroughly and leave them on shelves if they look like they’ve been opened or are past their prime.
10. Candles
Candles, Candles, CandlesShutterstockAs we recently reported, T.J. Maxx has seriously upped its candle selection. The retailer is now selling the same famous Capri Blue candles that are popular at Anthropologie stores for much, much cheaper.
a T.J. Maxx employee on Reddit agreed that candles are a great buy, especially any seasonal scents. "We even get Yankee Candles in. DW candle brand is good too most of the time and we get a lot of them."
11. Kitchen and Holiday Items
9 | Wall ArtQualityHD / Shutterstock.comIf you only need a few odds and ends to refresh your kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom, T.J. Maxx might have a unique item that you won't be able to find anywhere else. This is especially true around any big holidays from Valentine's Day to St. Patrick's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas—the inventory is overflowing with themed decor.
As one YouTuber posted in January 2025, she spotted some cute kitchen and holiday finds ahead of Valentine’s Day, including heart-shaped pillows, cozy blankets, serving trays, ceramic mugs, teapots, champagne flutes, glass straws, and more.
