Best Dressed Secrets of TJ Maxx

I was recently invited to the TJ Maxx and Marshalls Home Office for a holiday party all centered around the off-price concept.  I was honored to be invited and had the most amazing time.  The TJ Maxx and Marshalls team were so passionate about their job.  It was really cool to see and boy do they know how to throw a party!

3 Best Dressed Secrets of TJ Maxx and Marshalls

I learned SO much on my quick trip to Massachusetts about “off-price” buying.  I must be living under a rock, because I had not heard of the term before.

What is Off-Price Buying? Marshalls and TJ Maxx are the ultimate treasure hunters and search the globe for amazing deals to bring back to the stores.  They sell first-quality, designer and top brand name merchandise, from 20% – 60% off retail.

Photo Credit Crystal

Off-Price Shopping

1.  How do they offer such amazing deals, really? Well, I found out!

Did you know that TJ Maxx/Marshalls have their own Negotiating University?  HA!  I can’t remember what it’s actually called but they train their employees in the ‘art of the deal’.  I think that is really cool.  They also have a training program for high school students who want to go into the retail field.  {{brilliant}}

They also buy closer to need.  I guess most stores order their merchandise a season ahead of time and then try to return to the retailer what they didn’t sell.  Well with the TJ Maxx/Marshalls company are buying product every week!  This way they are able to negotiate a great rate, buy what’s on trend right now, and they pay in full 30 days later.  TJ Maxx/Marshalls pay their bills on time, no credit, and they won’t return anything to the retailer. That’s how they get designers to work with them.  Once the deal is done – it’s done!  {{very cool}}

Since they buy closer to need, they are able to be smarter on trends and get the product out quickly.  On the flip-side if a trend has flopped, they know not to bother purchasing any more of it.  This quicker reaction time to trends is how they’re able to stay fashionable week after week.

Flexible ‘No Walls’ Approach

2.  Did you know that the “no walls” concept is actually a strategy?

When the President of the company was explaining the “no walls” concept of TJ Maxx/Marshalls stores, I had a light bulb moment. Now I get it!

Here’s the deal.  Department stores order their product a season ahead of time and they make sure that to also purchase everything for their displays and to fill up all of their departments in each store.  Well… since TJ Maxx/Marshalls negotiate closer to need they fill each store with the designers and brands they were able to secure.  So the stores have to be flexible enough to be larger in certain sections as the need arises.

They are also receiving truck loads of new merchandise daily, and each day is a surprise!  Therefore, logistically the store needs to be able to accommodate a constant flow of change.  Makes sense, right?

Also, all the displays and extra “fluff” costs money.  So by saving on the operating costs of each of their 1,700 stores – they are able to pass that savings on to us!

Me, Beth, Tiff, Crystal

95% is First Quality and On Trend

3.  Did you know only 5% of their product is irregular?

It’s true!  I was blown away by that figure.  I thought most of their products where made incorrectly with one arm longer than the other or something like that. I have completely misjudged TJ Maxx and Marshalls.  {{sorry}} I didn’t realize that to them value isn’t just about price.

When TJ Maxx/Marshalls negotiate on merchandise, it has to fall into these 4 categories of value:

1. Fashion – It must be a fashion calssic or an on-trend, current season style.
2. Quality – It must be first quality.  They never compromise, ever.
3. Brand – It must be a designer or brand name that customer know, trust, and desire.
4. Price – It must be negotiated to sell for up to 60% less than if found in a department or specialty store.

I know!  Isn’t this amazing stuff.  I have no idea how I was chosen to attend such a cool event but I learned so much and can’t wait to pass onto the rest.  This post is already way too long, so I’ll save it for another day!

If you’re interested, TJ Maxx and Marshalls are all about social media!  You can find them almost everywhere:

TJ Maxx Facebook, TJ Maxx Twitter, Marshalls Facebook, Marshalls Twitter