Do you consider TJMAXX low rent?

[Deleted]

So my BSC SIL and I were chatting today (BTW, her stint in psych and meds have actually made her quite normal. I'm kind of proud of her. She's still weird to be honest, but at least it's reasonable weird).

Anyways, the one thing we can always small talk about is our love of TJMAXX. So much fun stuff. So many different depts. Relaxing to dig when alone, one stop shopping with kids in tow.

She said she had a friend who's MIL bought stuff at TJMAXX and the friend returned it all because, "Like who shops at TJMAXX, esp. for Christmas presents? It's so low rent?"

SIL and I were all confused. We're both mild label/name brand lovers but I mean things like I enjoy North Face and a Kate Spade with my fun money, not LV and Cartier. It didn't matter to either of us if it was old season, new season, half price, clearanced out becusae no one else liked it.

She was the first person on the planet I've heard come up with that theory. I've met people who don't love it because the concept is overwhelming, but I've never heard it as being bad quality stuff.

[boiler717]

Did her friend grow up poor?

It's a weird question but both my husband and BFF's husband grew up poor. They don't understand why BFF and I buy stuff at TJMaxx, HomeGoods, Target, IKEA, etc when we can "afford" nicer stuff. To them, they grew up only being allowed to shop at places like that and don't want to go back. To us, it's a fun option and there's no judgement.

[aweilba]

I freaking love TJMaxx! I've never heard of anybody considering it low rent. Sure, there are some things there that scream cheap to me, but there are also great deals on designer items I could spend way more on at a department store.

[Deleted]

I actually know which friend she's referring to. Friend had a very normal middle class upbringing. She's one of those people that's ridiculously snobbish at times, because she can be. Like she's out to prove she has/needs/can get the best so she will, kwim?

I hear you though. My BIL grew up really dirt poor and to this day there's certain products he won't buy, food items he won't eat and a few things he has to have the best of. Totally understandable and I get his reasoning.

That I can agree. The thing is TJMAXX actually carries some better end brands, so that's why I don't think her theory makes any sense. Also, I guess to me, does it really matter what label is slapped on your placemats, bathroom handtowels, toss pillows or measuring cups. Some things just aren't worth the "designer" price no matter what.

[sailorgray]

Um, I was telling my H today that I have a gift card to TJ Maxx, but it's kinda pricey...lol.

I didn't know your SIL was getting help. That is awesome!

[tarheels]

I can kinda understand. I think it's fine to buy stuff for myself at discounters (and you know I do!), but I do choose gifts that have a little panache to them. For example, we have a $50 sibling limit for Christmas. One year I bought SIL things on crazy clearance at BR and was able to make a great Christmas for her because blouses were $12 and cardigans were $18, etc. So even though I paid TJMaxx prices, her gifts still had that nice BR label, ya know? I've never heard of at least 70% of the brands sold at TJ Maxx and similar stores - I assume they're store brands from catalogs and department stores I don't shop, so while I can perceive that they're a good value for my needs for X decorative item or blouse, I still don't want to give someone a no-name item, ya know? I'm like this about name brand food sometimes - like if I know people I don't know well will see the packaging, I'll spring for the name brand when I might otherwise get the store brand. Appearances, my dear

[ohjessica]

I love TJMaxx. I don't consider it low rent, but I'm a cheapo, so I wouldn't care if it was. I know some people turn up their nose at places like TJ Maxx because it always seems like endless racks of unorganized mess, but other than that, the quality is that of brand name stuff. But yeah, I don't get that statement either and she would probably return all my christmas gifts too!

[Deleted]

Jan 1, 2013 19:45:56 GMT -5 tarheels said:

I can kinda understand. I think it's fine to buy stuff for myself at discounters (and you know I do!), but I do choose gifts that have a little panache to them. For example, we have a $50 sibling limit for Christmas. One year I bought SIL things on crazy clearance at BR and was able to make a great Christmas for her because blouses were $12 and cardigans were $18, etc. So even though I paid TJMaxx prices, her gifts still had that nice BR label, ya know? I've never heard of at least 70% of the brands sold at TJ Maxx and similar stores - I assume they're store brands from catalogs and department stores I don't shop, so while I can perceive that they're a good value for my needs for X decorative item or blouse, I still don't want to give someone a no-name item, ya know? I'm like this about name brand food sometimes - like if I know people I don't know well will see the packaging, I'll spring for the name brand when I might otherwise get the store brand. Appearances, my dear

I get this...kind of. There's some people I wouldn't buy clothes for at TJMAXX because it is about the appearance in some instances. However, if someone did it to me I'd be estatic and wouldn't find it b*tch and return worthy.
And really, are there nambrands for things like table linens and vases? I guess I'm in the who the EFF cares about the label on that camp.

Note: I live in the sticks. TJMAXX is big news in these parts.

[Deleted]

Jan 1, 2013 19:44:12 GMT -5 sailorgray said:

Um, I was telling my H today that I have a gift card to TJ Maxx, but it's kinda pricey...lol.

I didn't know your SIL was getting help. That is awesome!

Yeah, she hard core snapped the day after Thanksgiving. BIL said she had to and didn't leave room for options. She was there like a week and a half. She's in counseling now and heavily medicated.
She's always going to be nuts to some extent in the personality dept. but she's a little more normal and a lot more reasonable these days.

I still don't like her much but I can at least have a normal conversation without putting on my WTF face...lol.

It was super sweet though. She made an announcement thanking the entire family for love and support and explained the road she's been on. It was nice to hear her admit to it. I think she had to as part of therapy..but still it was great.

So long story short...she's not my favorite, but at least she's been helped.

[tarheels]

Jan 1, 2013 20:02:50 GMT -5 @justdairy said:

Jan 1, 2013 19:44:12 GMT -5 sailorgray said:

Um, I was telling my H today that I have a gift card to TJ Maxx, but it's kinda pricey...lol.

I didn't know your SIL was getting help. That is awesome!

Yeah, she hard core snapped the day after Thanksgiving. BIL said she had to and didn't leave room for options. She was there like a week and a half. She's in counseling now and heavily medicated.
She's always going to be nuts to some extent in the personality dept. but she's a little more normal and a lot more reasonable these days.

I still don't like her much but I can at least have a normal conversation without putting on my WTF face...lol.

It was super sweet though. She made an announcement thanking the entire family for love and support and explained the road she's been on. It was nice to hear her admit to it. I think she had to as part of therapy..but still it was great.

So long story short...she's not my favorite, but at least she's been helped.

Wow, that's awesome.

[bunnymendelbaum]

I don't consider it low rent, but I know a lot of people who don't like it because of the unpredictability, 'mess', etc.
I don't get gifts from there unless it is something the person specifically requested. Random gifts from there I wouldn't do because either person likes TJMAXX and would have enjoyed finding it there themselves or they don't like TJMAXX and wouldn't appreciate the gift or want to go there to return it.

[bunnymendelbaum]

Wanted to add I'm so glad she is doing better!

[aimeedyan]

I have heard that most of the stuff at TJMaxx is not first run designer stuff anymore. They grew so quickly that they couldn't stock their shelves with overage/out of season stuff any longer and now have items that are made specifically for them from certain brands/designers. Sorta like Coach Outlet, Loft Outlet, Old NAvy outlet, etc.

If that really is the case, I can see someone finding it 'low rent' since the bags/shoes/clothes there probably really aren't the same quality bags sold at Nordstrom or Macys.

{but I love to shop there - esp for home stuff!}

[lys]

We just got a TJ Max - and I love a bargain (I also grew up poor)

[sierramist03]

I like to go into tjmaxx but I will admit I don't buy much there. Most of the time I'm looking for something specific. I don't consider it low rent though

[Deleted]

Jan 1, 2013 20:58:15 GMT -5 aimeedyan said:

I have heard that most of the stuff at TJMaxx is not first run designer stuff anymore. They grew so quickly that they couldn't stock their shelves with overage/out of season stuff any longer and now have items that are made specifically for them from certain brands/designers. Sorta like Coach Outlet, Loft Outlet, Old NAvy outlet, etc.

If that really is the case, I can see someone finding it 'low rent' since the bags/shoes/clothes there probably really aren't the same quality bags sold at Nordstrom or Macys.

{but I love to shop there - esp for home stuff!}

True. True. I've heard this too. I guess if I buy a gift from there I look for the decent actual brands or something where brand doesn't really matter. I'm not so sure I'd buy a low budget version of something as a gift either, unless it was like my sister or bff who are like and wouldn't notice the damn difference anyways.

[sailorgray]

Jan 1, 2013 20:02:50 GMT -5 @justdairy said:

Jan 1, 2013 19:44:12 GMT -5 sailorgray said:

Um, I was telling my H today that I have a gift card to TJ Maxx, but it's kinda pricey...lol.

I didn't know your SIL was getting help. That is awesome!

Yeah, she hard core snapped the day after Thanksgiving. BIL said she had to and didn't leave room for options. She was there like a week and a half. She's in counseling now and heavily medicated.
She's always going to be nuts to some extent in the personality dept. but she's a little more normal and a lot more reasonable these days.

I still don't like her much but I can at least have a normal conversation without putting on my WTF face...lol.

It was super sweet though. She made an announcement thanking the entire family for love and support and explained the road she's been on. It was nice to hear her admit to it. I think she had to as part of therapy..but still it was great.

So long story short...she's not my favorite, but at least she's been helped.

Wow...that had to be really hard for her to do(the announcement). I know a lot of, uh, different people in my life. I try to remind myself that not everyone is wired correctly. I am glad she has realized this and is getting help. That's a lot more than can be said for most. I am also impressed that your BIL stood up to her. Forgive me if I am wrong, but he seemed to just accept it before, right?

Oh, and you don't have to like her There are lots of people I don't like.

[emoflamingo]

I grew up poor (6 people in a 700 square feet, we got coats for Christmas poor) and I love that place. I can come out empty handed or with a cartful, just depends on my mood.

[Deleted]

Low rent as in poor quality...I'd say that's true of plenty of stuff that I see there. But maybe not everything & I wouldn't use that term in general.

[thatgirl2478]

I wouldn't call it low rent, but it is unpredictable - which I know makes some people (like my mom) crazy.

I have to be in the right frame of mind to shop there. Particularly if I'm just looking for 'something' for a room / decorative touch. I get frustrated with the clothes for the most part, but that's true of just about anywhere.

As for gifts from TJMaxx - I wouldn't have a problem getting something or giving from there.

[adhdfashion]

It's a discount retailer. Personally, I think paying full price for
" designer" anything is stupid. The girl sounds like she is far to worried about the appearance of money. +o(

[Deleted]

Not at al! It's a discount store and people either like that kind of place or they don't. I have received gifts from there and was not in any way offended. I have given gifts I bought there but to people I knew would be ok with that. A clothing gift I'd probably get from a department store. Sounds like the friend is a brand snob or just expects expensive gifts. Doesn't she realize most people are on a budget these days?

Dairy, I'm glad SIL is doing better!!

[auntie]

Jan 1, 2013 20:58:15 GMT -5 aimeedyan said:

I have heard that most of the stuff at TJMaxx is not first run designer stuff anymore. They grew so quickly that they couldn't stock their shelves with overage/out of season stuff any longer and now have items that are made specifically for them from certain brands/designers. Sorta like Coach Outlet, Loft Outlet, Old NAvy outlet, etc.

If that really is the case, I can see someone finding it 'low rent' since the bags/shoes/clothes there probably really aren't the same quality bags sold at Nordstrom or Macys.

{but I love to shop there - esp for home stuff!}

TJMaxx and Marshall's has changed. They used to be, like 30 years ago, a way for U.S. based manufacturers to offload mechandise that didn't sell for some reason. Maybe Croscill sold out of comforters in a pattern but had sheets and towels left over. Or Levis discontinued a cut of jeans. Or spring was coming and Columbia had too many parkas.

I'm older, when I first started shopping these places, most of the higher end items had their labels cut out. This was part of the treasure vibe that drew me in- being able to recognize a real gem among the seconds and over run duds.

But than most manufacturing went overseas. Some companies started their own outlets and even created merchandise for them. The internet made it possible for manufactures to unload their own stuff more easily and at higher returns.

The business model for these companies has changed under these new rules and has resulted in a less satisfying, IMHO, shopping experience. I used to love it. I still want to. But out of code hair products and clothing I could get at Target or Walmart doesn't impress.

I find them good for reasonably priced high end undies (I often snag Wacoals there), kitchen stuff (I got an AllClad pot last year) but not much else.

[mollybrown]

I wouldn't use the term low rent, but I can see this. I'm into quality vs. labels, and I find the quality of most TJ Maxx clothes to be inferior. Even if they have a name brand tag sewn in them. For example, a friend would buy my DD Carter's brand clothes from TJ Maxx, and the quality is garbage. Even worse than the lines produced for Target. No doubt that it is a low quality line produced for the discounters. I guess it depends on what you're buying.

[emoflamingo]

Me too, crackhabit. I once had the opportunity to buy a Chiefs jersey with the name sewn on upside down. I still can't believe ibpassed that up..

[heygrey]

I don't think their quality is that superb and I'm always a little surprised when I see girls here talk about buying furniture there because I never see anything worth beans at my store. I love their little stuff though.

It's low rent if outlet malls are low rent, but I willingly shop at both :-)

[tarheels]

I've never seen clothing seconds there. Here's a good article about their supply chain. The CEO says they sell less than 5% seconds. usatoday30.usatoday.com/money/industries/retail/story/2011-10-25/tjx-ceo-carol-meyrowitz/50916340/1

So far as I know, their only true store brand is Willi Smith. Willi Smith was a '70s designer in his own right and TJ Maxx manufactures cute/generic sportswear under the label. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willi_Smith

But I still wouldn't buy gifts there

[ktzmoh]

I shop there for myself and for the house - but I don't think I'd buy a gift there unless it was something very specific and I was trying to go way overboard while staying in a spending limit. You used to be able to find le creuset dutch ovens there (haven't been there in a while, so I don't know if they still have that stuff), for example.

[Susie]

I buy stuff there for myself, but not as gifts. Primarily, because returns there can be weird if clothes don't fit, etc. Whether you get the purchase price refunded depends on how long the item was in-store, etc. I don't want a gift recipient (or myself) to have to deal with that if a return is necessary.

[sunny]

maybe it's just my town, but the marshall's and home goods are nice and the TJ Maxx is decidely inferior.