So I thought I would try shopping at some of those bargain clothing stores...

[Irishman]

You've been bombarded by seen the ads, lauding discount clothing stores like TJMaxx and Ross. I went out shopping today looking for bargains, needing some more shirts. I was over near a couple of these and thought, what the hell, I'll give it a try.

So first I went in to TJMaxx. The name should be the first clue something is wrong. What's with the extra x? Are they trying to insinuate that they're so Max that they need an extra X to capture it all? And don't confuse it for TJMaXXX. That's a totally different store.

Anyway, I walked in, scanned the store for the Men's department, because as much as I might want to, women's clothing just doesn't ever look right on me. So I head over to the corner of the store where the menswear is hanging. It's tiny. Like there's one rack of shirts of all kinds. One rack of random pants. Um, some jackets and shoes here and there. Yeah, you think maybe there's nothing there because men don't like to shop in places like this?

You see, for those of you not aware, where regular clothing stores put lots of each kind of shirt out on racks, marked and grouped with their appropriate sizes so you can find the item that interests you, then look for the correct size, these discount stores don't seem to operate on the same bulk quantity as "department stores". And they "save money" by not hiring all the staff that do things like put the clothes in a consistent organized manner. So you get a rack of random shirts, no two alike, that might be sorted by size. Um, thanks, that will make it easy to find anything.

So I looked at the one rack of random shirts, and walked back out. Okay, 1 down. That's not a Maxx experience to me, should be TJMin.

Next was Ross. It also sufferred from the same problem of unsorted clothing and limited selection. However, there was a dress shirt set of shelves that had a fair number of items to look at, so I gave it a looksee. After culling through the shelves, I came up with 4 dress shirts in their plastic packaging I thought might be viable, and made a bee-line for the dressing rooms. As I approach, I see a sign with some sort of instructions about "hang your items on the rack, then tell the person the quantity and take a number" blah blah blah. I didn't have time to find out if there was some sort of extra hoops being provided, as the girl says I have to go up to the front to have the inventory control tags removed to try them on. Just to try them on? Yes, you see they put those RFID tags on the shirts, but did so in a way that they pierce the plastic sack, so you have to remove the tag to be able to remove the shirt from the sack.

So I go back up to the front, already annoyed with the limited selection, the searching hassles in the random stacks, and now another obstacle to my shopping experience. So I go to the front counter. There's one guy, and a line of about 8 people waiting to check out. I stand there a moment. Nope, only 1 guy. There's another guy by the entrance, apparently the greeter guy not doing dick. And a line. I stand there, and stand there, and think "there's no way I'm getting in line for 8 people just to get the tags removed before I go try on the shirts". Nope. I sat the shirts down on a random chair and walked out. Not worth my time.

So for any guys out there who has never tried these stores, and been considering it because of the hype, don't bother. I can safely save you the trouble. Stick with those evil "department stores" at the mall, or Target and Walmart, or wherever you currently do your clothing shopping. There's nothing to be gained by going in those discount stores but irritation and annoyance.

By the way, I bought 2 shirts at Walmart, then drove around to JCPenney, and bought another 9 shirts there. All on steep discounts every bit as affordable as anything at the "discount stores". And I could find the products, and compare sizes, and see lots of similar products in one area. Say I like this shirt over here. Well, there just happen to be a dozen other similar styles from the same manufacturer in a variety of different colors/patterns, all easy to sort through and find the correct size. And I can go try them on without taking off the RFID tags (that they don't have). And there wasn't even a line to check out.

[grude]

Well the fact they are basically a place that sells liquidated stock is part of their image, so yes selection is very hit or miss. I have also found them VERY disorganized to the point clothes are mislabeled(the hanger or price tag says large but the tag inside says small) and have noticed that the "bargains" are often not cheap at all.
However there are some real deals if you look for them, mostly on the stuff thats already been marked down and put on clearance. I think I once found a camo jacket there for under 5 bucks.

Its a place to blow some time digging through the racks, much like a thrift shop. Part of the fun is the randomness of what you'll find.

[Snowboarder Bo]

TJMaxx caters to women, and always has. Ross has let their organization and quality go steeply downhill in the last 15 years.

Burlington, OTOH, still rocks. It's like a giant garage sale/flea market only all the stuff is new. And although the casual clothing stock gets scattered as people paw thru it, it's still reasonably organized by manufacturer and size. The suits and jackets are always nearly impeccably organized, although I don't wear suits so I can't speak to the quality. For heavy winter jackets, tho, it's the shiznit.

[teela brown]

I don't know if it's a nationwide chain, but I think Marshall's is pretty good. It usually takes three or four visits there for me to find something I like, but I'm lucky in that there's one quite close to where I work and I can visit a couple of times a week.

Also, their menswear is quite large and comparatively well-organized. My husband has found Ralph Lauren pullovers and other big-name garments there on occasion.

Lately I noticed a place called Loehmann's (sp?), which looks like another discount clothing store, but I haven't visited yet. Anyone heard of them?

[purplehorseshoe]

Yeah, Ross and Marshall's are for browsing and scoring deals, not for "I need a {specific item}." That said, both occasionally carry top-of-the-line cookware (All-Clad, Le Creuset, etc.) at amazing discounts.

[Ellen Cherry]

Stein-Mart can also be excellent for discounts on higher quality labels, and tend to be more organized. My TJMaxx must be an exception; they have a fairly tidy men's department of semi-respectable size. My husband likes to get his socks and underwear there.

Home Goods is fabulous for well, home goods. Their seasonal decorations are extensive, too. (Ask me about my giant Easter serving platter!)

[peedin]

I just scored a high-quality merino wool sweater at TJMaxx for $24 and a Columbia fleece vest for $16. I also got a "looks like it's never been worn" Scottish cashmere sweater at the hospital resale shop for $10. So bargains can be had at these types of stores but stock changes frequently so you have to visit the stores regularly.

[Dewey Finn]

Note that TJ Maxx (known as TK Maxx in the UK for some reason), Marshalls and HomeGoods are owned by the same company. I've found better quality goods at Nordstrom Rack. But the selection at all of these stores varies, so you need to visit them often if you're seriously interested in the bargains. Personally, I buy few enough clothes that I don't usually shop at any of them.

[mariposalabrown]

Originally Posted by teela brown

I don't know if it's a nationwide chain, but I think Marshall's is pretty good. It usually takes three or four visits there for me to find something I like, but I'm lucky in that there's one quite close to where I work and I can visit a couple of times a week.

Also, their menswear is quite large and comparatively well-organized. My husband has found Ralph Lauren pullovers and other big-name garments there on occasion.

Lately I noticed a place called Loehmann's (sp?), which looks like another discount clothing store, but I haven't visited yet. Anyone heard of them?

Loehman's is upscale clothes and can be wonderful. They now have an online site as well.

I love hunting for deals, but stopped going to Marshall's etc solely because of the line. I always dump my clothes in the heap of other clothes that people dumped and gave up on.

[congodwarf]

I like TJ Maxx - been shopping there since I was a wee lass. I miss the old one, the one with 2 floors. It's been replaced by yet another grocery store. It moved to the mall and manages to stay pretty well organized and well stocked. Last time I was there, I got a pair of purple rain boots for $15 (originally $60) and I also got my mom a pink 4-wheeled luggage thing (she calls it a wheelie and has been looking for one with 4 wheels for a long time) and that was $30 (originally $140). It really is hit or miss though and it is totally catered to women.

[Rhythmdvl]

Any NYC area Dopers who have heard of the Woodbury Commons Outlets and been wondering about them?

They're that good.


Typically head there 4-5 times a year. Shop at the regular stores between times, so know what kind of prices to expect. You really are looking at 20-60 percent off retail (depending on the season) for mid-high to very-high end items. Not factory seconds, not horrid unsellable goods, but lots of really good things.

[Dewey Finn]

Note that some merchandise at outlet stores at places like Woodbury Commons is not the regular stuff but product lines specifically designed for the outlet stores.

[Dangerosa]

Bargain hunting at these kinds of places is a quest - and that's whether its TJ Maxx or Nordstrom Rack or a huge outlet mall. You can NEVER go in saying "I really need a nice pair of brown loafers" - if that is what you are doing, head to Famous Footwear.

On the other hand, if you swing through regularly, you can stumble into deals on things you don't NEED but would be nice to have. Or things that you are going to need soonish (i.e. "I should keep my eyes open for a pair of brown loafers, mine are starting to get ratty). I've picked up great pieces over the years - 90% of the time I swing through and leave empty handed - and once in a while I end up with a great buy on a purse, or a pair of shoes, or a Calvin Klein skirt and top.

[Shagnasty]

Originally Posted by Dewey Finn

Note that TJ Maxx (known as TK Maxx in the UK for some reason), Marshalls and HomeGoods are owned by the same company. I've found better quality goods at Nordstrom Rack. But the selection at all of these stores varies, so you need to visit them often if you're seriously interested in the bargains. Personally, I buy few enough clothes that I don't usually shop at any of them.

Yes, they are all the same company. I used to work at their headquarters here in Massachusetts. They are also very profitable and well run with lots of attention to their operating model. The OP must have picked a bad store or gone into a good store on a bad day or something. The ones around here make it look dumb to ever set foot in a department store. It is almost all famous brand stuff at a discount, sometimes a huge one. I buy all of my clothes that I don't get from LL Bean there. However, you can't just walk in and expect them to have everything you want at a great price on the same day. You have to go throughout the year and pick up the good deals on the things you will need as they become available.

[Farmer Jane]

I think they are maintained differently. I know the Ross on Colorado blvd isn't as nice as the one in northern Co. I know that the TJ Maxx here is better maintained than the Ross across the street. So it depends.

I've found good deals on everything but shoes at the Maxx.

[WhyNot]

*Look at the calendar. Looks at the OP.*

You went into a discount store the week after Christmas, the day before Drunkfest, and you're surprised it's a disorganized, understaffed mess?

[Irishman]

Originally Posted by Snowboarder Bo

Burlington, OTOH, still rocks. It's like a giant garage sale/flea market only all the stuff is new. And although the casual clothing stock gets scattered as people paw thru it, it's still reasonably organized by manufacturer and size. The suits and jackets are always nearly impeccably organized, although I don't wear suits so I can't speak to the quality. For heavy winter jackets, tho, it's the shiznit.

I've shopped at Burlington before, bought a coat there and looked for shoes. It seem like a normal department store, though perhaps there are discounts on prices.

Originally Posted by Shagnasty

The OP must have picked a bad store or gone into a good store on a bad day or something.

Well, this was the post-Christmas clearances, which means selection is already picked through. Penneys was suffering from that a bit as well, though I did eventually find the stuff I wanted. So that might have contributed.

I think the shopping method is one of the reasons these stores cater to women more. Men tend to go shopping by "I need a ____" and go to the ____ store and find the ___ they want. Rather than wander through all sorts of stores looking for any of a number of things they might someday want that happen to be on sale. YMMV, handle with care, don't poke with a stick.

[eleanorigby]

Burlington Coat Factory near me is a cesspool--I mean it's seriously DIRTY. I won't go in it.

Our TJMaxx is just fine: clean, well-stocked (but hit or miss, as per policy), with a small men's department (which I don't need). Their home furnishings (especially kitchen ware) is quite nice, as is the luggage and purse dept.

Marshall's is also great here-more emphasis on women's clothing.

Loehmann's here went out of business.

All that said, Penney's does have some really good sales, as does Carson's (local higher end dept store here).

[Ponch8]

I shop at TJ Maxx once in a while. I usually find a thing or two in the men's department to buy. One problem is that most of the clothes (especially pants) seem to be made for men much fatter than I am.

[picunurse]

Originally Posted by Dewey Finn

Note that some merchandise at outlet stores at places like Woodbury Commons is not the regular stuff but product lines specifically designed for the outlet stores.

Nordstrom Rack used to be last year's styles and returns from the regular stores. Now it carries mostly low end stuff made for discount stores.

[Ashes, Ashes]

I hit Nordstrom's Rack for shoes especially. It's only really organized early in the day, before customers start flinging shoes and such around like confetti.

I'm tall so there's a good selection of shoes for my proportionately larger feet. It's wonderful-- 3 or 4 hundred dollar shoes for nearly a tenth the price, and they're well-made and fit! Finally it's the 7/8 size women are the ones lamenting.

Our local area TJMaxx and such are awful. Ripped, dirty clothes all over the store, especially trampled on the floor. Rude clerks and lines stretching to the back of the store. Pretty much like all other chain stores around here.

[Nunzio Tavulari]

Their are four or five TJ Maxx within the twenty mile radius that is my usual habitat. Each has a huge assortment of men's shirts, all sorted by size. Name brands, and approximately 50% off. Unlike the OP, I know what neck & sleeve length I need, and how different manufacturers cut their shirts, so there's no need to try them on. I haven't noticed huge savings on underwear & socks and I wear few other accessories like ties.

The men's pants selection at every Maxx I've visited is sorely lacking and tend heavily toward golf-plaids or cargo pants with little in the middle. Dress pants are almost non-existent unless you want 100% polyester. I haven't shopped them for outerwear but picked up several fleece jackets comparable to EMS a few years ago for about $6 each. Marshall's seems comparable to me, but I'm a man. My only determining factor for choosing a store is the prices.

[Becky2844]

Anybody ever go to Tuesday Morning? They never seem to have a complete set of anything, but like Ellen Cherry's Easter platter, they have a great selection of random stuff. (Pillows, silk flower arrangements, napkins and tablecloths that are unlike any I've seen anywhere else.)

[Bosda Di'Chi of Tricor]

I miss Steve & Barry's College Clothing Store.

Oh my goodness! They had terrific prices.

I've got a closet fulla their Hawaiian shirts, and I'm still using one of their Wooly Bully coats. Which was $7.99, when on sale.

[freckafree]

Originally Posted by Becky2844

Anybody ever go to Tuesday Morning? They never seem to have a complete set of anything, but like Ellen Cherry's Easter platter, they have a great selection of random stuff. (Pillows, silk flower arrangements, napkins and tablecloths that are unlike any I've seen anywhere else.)

There's a Tuesday Morning near me that I hit pretty regularly. It's definitely another store that's great for the random find and not so much for the specific need. However, I've seen the same merchandise at Tuesday Morning that was priced two times what it was selling for at Big Lots. Just because it's at Tuesday Morning does not automatically mean it's a bargain. I suspect that's the case with a lot of these places. OTH, they don't really lend themselves to comparison shopping.

[Ellen Cherry]

I go to Tuesday Morning pretty regularly and ... funny story about the mismatched stuff — we found dishes that we absolutely fell in love with. They're a discontinued pattern called Safari made by National Geographic Home, and our store just had the serving bowls and a few random pieces. We kept going there every week waiting for them to get more in and get it out on the shelves. My husband was the truly dedicated one; they'd see him coming and point him to the new shipments. Finally he got tired of all that nonsense and got a list of all the Tuesday Mornings in the tri-state area. He took a day off work and hit them all, and we got a complete set of 12 place settings, plus several extra bowls, etc., as replacements!

Ah the mighty hunter, on big-game safari at Tuesday Morning!

[LavenderBlue]

Originally Posted by Snowboarder Bo

TJMaxx caters to women, and always has. Ross has let their organization and quality go steeply downhill in the last 15 years.

Burlington, OTOH, still rocks. It's like a giant garage sale/flea market only all the stuff is new. And although the casual clothing stock gets scattered as people paw thru it, it's still reasonably organized by manufacturer and size. The suits and jackets are always nearly impeccably organized, although I don't wear suits so I can't speak to the quality. For heavy winter jackets, tho, it's the shiznit.

The Burlington near me is very good. My husband found a great coat for under $50 over there a few years ago.

[Dangerosa]

Originally Posted by picunurse

Nordstrom Rack used to be last year's styles and returns from the regular stores. Now it carries mostly low end stuff made for discount stores.

I work the "store brands" racks at Nordstrom Rack. I skip the racks of the same t-shirts or sweaters and go for the racks full of mismatched, onsey-twosies.

[Pyper]

Originally Posted by Becky2844

Anybody ever go to Tuesday Morning? They never seem to have a complete set of anything, but like Ellen Cherry's Easter platter, they have a great selection of random stuff. (Pillows, silk flower arrangements, napkins and tablecloths that are unlike any I've seen anywhere else.)

The Tuesday Morning in my neighborhood is literally in a basement. It's frightening.

I love TJ Maxx. The ones around here are always clean, well-stocked, etc. But I'm a woman, and I love to browse, so YMMV.

The one thing I've noticed about Ross is that the quality of the merchandise varies depending on the wealthiness of the neighborhood. Here in Los Angeles, the best Ross's to hit are in Westwood and West L.A. In the middle/lower class neighborhoods, the selection and deals are worse.