Deal-seeking shoppers know the thrill that comes with a great find at Marshalls. Maybe you stumble upon a pair of swoon-worthy, deeply discounted designer boots that you recently saw full-price at a department store. Or, perhaps you turn the corner and there it is: the just-right piece of art for your bedroom — and, gasp, it has a clearance sticker on it.
Really, the whole shopping experience at Marshalls (and its sister store, TJ Maxx) is like a treasure hunt. And Marshalls gets it. The off-price retailer’s motto is: “Never boring, always surprising.”
Do you want to save even more and shop like a savvy insider during your next trip to Marshalls? That’s a rhetorical question, of course. Here are 10 shopping secrets to keep in mind the next time you step into Marshalls.
1. Follow Marshalls’ Hashtag
If you’re in need of some outfit inspiration or home decorating ideas, check out the #MarshallsSurprise hashtag on Instagram. It curates other shoppers’ finds for you so you can get an idea of what’s in store. Pro tip: Sort by “recent” so you can see what’s being newly discovered.
While inventory varies by store, you’ll still be able to get an idea as to whether there’s been, say, a recent influx of Zara pieces or discounted Kate Spade shoes filling the racks. Maybe it will remind you to keep your eyes peeled in the beauty section because another shopper is spotting MAC makeup. You can also mine this hashtag for easy-to-assemble outfit ideas, as influencers partnering with Marshalls use #MarshallsSurprise on their posts, too. Check out Chicago-based influencer Rachel Chen’s holiday finds at Marshalls, which she showcased on her Instagram account @vintagedolls.
2. There’s No ‘Best’ Day To Shop
OK, Saturdays are probably the most crowded. But really, you can strike retail gold any day because the stores get new shipments consistently throughout the week, according to Marshalls. No replenishment stock is stashed in the back rooms and the store managers often don’t even know what’s coming until they throw open the delivery truck doors, the store’s website says.
3. Marshalls Partners With Artisans Around The World
In addition to buying from big-name labels, Marshalls says it partners with artisans around the world to create unique pieces for the store. As examples, you might find an embellished mirror that was made in India, a cashmere sweater from Italy or soaps crafted in Portugal.
4. Marshalls Has An Edge over TJ Maxx in a Couple of Departments
Ever wonder what differentiates Marshalls from TJ Maxx? Start at the shoe rack. According to TJX— the parent company of both Marshalls and TJ Maxx — Marshalls has a more expansive shoe collection and a bigger men’s department. Marshalls also has an emphasis on juniors with The CUBE, a department that’s geared towards younger shoppers
5. But Head to TJ Maxx For Jewelry
According to to TJX, TJ Maxx differentiates itself from Marshalls with an expanded assortment of fine jewelry and accessories. Some TJ Maxx stores also have “The Runway at Maxx,” which is a high-end designer department.
Still, if you’re shopping at Marshalls for handbags, the store makes it easy to do so by sorting its purses by colors, points out Melissa Garcia, a style expert and on-air personality. From there, zero in on size, shape and texture, she says.
“Whether a standout tangerine bucket bag or a tan round woven purse, you can seamlessly incorporate the looks you want,” Garcia said.
Getty Images | Tim Boyle
6. Compare Prices with a Price-Scanning App
Really, this is a great tip no matter where you shop! Apps like ShopSavvy (available for iOS and Android) will let you scan a barcode and then compare prices on items to see if you can snag a better deal at another store. I’ve had better luck with these types of apps on small household items (think: hair dryers, speakers) than on clothes and accessories.
7. You Can Now Shop Marshalls Online
In late September 2019, Marshalls debuted an online shop. The site is divvied up into familiar apparel and home goods sections just like brick-and-mortar stores, but there are also some curated sections like “Made in Italy” where you can find Gucci sunglasses and Valentino heels or “The Designer Shop” that features clothes and beauty products made by notable brands. Offerings online will not necessarily be what you find in stores, so this can be another great way to bargain-hunt!
8. Sign Up To Receive Emails
When you go to the Marshalls’ website, it will ask if you want to sign up to receive emails and promotions from the store. I tried it out to see what kind of exclusive deals my email address would unlock for me. Pretty quickly an email from Marshalls popped up in my email inbox, offering me a free shipping code.
9. Decode the Clearance Tags
If you see a red clearance sticker on the price tag, the price may still drop again. But, as devout off-price retail shoppers know, it’s risky business waiting for a clearance item to drop lower because it might just sell out. However, rest assured if you see a yellow tag. Marshalls enthusiasts say that’s the final markdown. Instagram user @bgnhunter shows off some Kneipp eye creams that are on major clearance here.
10. Consider Opening a TJX Rewards Card
If you’re considering making a big purchase or you shop at the TJX stores (Marshalls, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, Home Sense, Sierra) frequently, consider opening a TJX Rewards credit card. It will get you 10% back on your initial purchase and you can earn points. When shopping at one of the stores in the TJX family, you’ll get 5 points for every dollar spent. For every 1,000 points you earn, you’ll get a $10 rewards certificate. We’ll do the math for you: If you spend $200 at TJX stores, you’ll get $10 in rewards.
There you have it! If you’re shopping at Marshalls soon, arm yourself with this knowledge and enjoy finding all the great deals!
Next up: Here are 10 things you probably didn’t know about T.J. Maxx.
This story originally appeared on Don't Waste Your Money. Checkout Don't Waste Your Money for product reviews and other great ideas to save and make money.
