tj maxx hours: The Best Times to Shop at Stores
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tj maxx hours: The Best Times to Shop at Stores
Shopping at HomeGoods and T.J.Maxx: A Strategy for Scoring the Best Deals
If you’re someone who loves to hunt for bargains, stores like HomeGoods and T.J.Maxx are likely your go-to spots. Their shelves are packed with deeply discounted name-brand products, often stacked so densely that you need to dig to uncover the treasures. When you finally find something you love, it feels like a well-earned victory.
However, braving the crowds, especially on a rainy Saturday afternoon, requires more than just patience—you need a well-thought-out plan. I reached out to friends, family, a representative from the stores, and even did some in-person “research” (or what others might call “shopping”) to gather insights on foot traffic, stock levels, and staff mood at various times of the week.
While many websites will suggest there’s a perfect day to shop, the truth is, it’s a bit more complex. Here’s my advice based on all the information I gathered.
Tips
1. Avoid Weekends
Weekends, especially the afternoons, are typically the busiest times at these stores. Most people are off work and looking for things to do. By the afternoon, early risers are browsing, late risers are just starting, and many shoppers are stopping by on their way to social events like dinner parties and baby showers. This leads to shelves being picked over quickly.
If weekends are your only option, aim to go either first thing on Saturday morning or late on Friday night. Many stores, like mine, are open until 9:30 p.m., and there’s something delightful about shopping after the kids are in bed.
2. Know Your Local Store’s Traffic
The location of your store significantly affects its traffic patterns. For instance, my local HomeGoods is in a residential strip mall, so it doesn’t experience a lunch rush like stores in commercial areas. However, it does get busier with parents and kids starting around 2:30 p.m. until dinner time. On the other hand, the T.J.Maxx I used to frequent across from my office was packed early in the morning and during the lunch hour, likely due to coffee spills and wardrobe mishaps.
3. Skip Special Sale Holidays
According to Joanna Howarth, public relations manager at HomeGoods, "HomeGoods merchandise is offered year-round at amazing prices," meaning they don’t hold traditional sales. So there’s no need to wait for holiday sales—prices are consistently low.
4. Shop Between Tuesday and Friday
The best time to shop at HomeGoods or T.J.Maxx is generally late morning, Tuesday through Friday. Mondays are typically a no-go, as the stores are still replenishing after the weekend rush. Since new merchandise arrives continuously, you’ll likely find something new regardless of the day you visit.
"Our team makes sure that new items are stocked on the shelves immediately after they arrive," says Howarth.I’ve personally found that earlier in the week (Tuesday or Wednesday) tends to be calmer and more pleasant for shopping, so I prefer these days when my schedule allows.
