Where Do The Clothes At Stores Like TJ Maxx Come From?

[@ucsbgirlie18]

I have noticed a drop in clothing quality everywhere over the years, even in expensive department stores like Nordstrom. It's also hard to find classic clothing pieces. Sometimes all you want is just a nice classic black cardigan and it's harder to find than you'd think.

[@shidehhafezi6826]

I have noticed that as well regardless of where I shop quality is very poor. I stopped shopping and using what I already have.

[@cheryl-lynnmehring8606]

As a sewer, I really have noticed the decrease in quality of material & construction of garments.

[@socalindi8241]

My dad's sister back in the 80's always wanted a button down cardigan and those were so out and we could never find one. Skip ahead to 2000's and that style was everywhere. Now you can't find that simple piece regularly. Trends just skip decades unfortunately.

[@socalindi8241]

Oh I forgot to say that Karen Scott brand at Macy's has classic pieces like the cardigan try them out.

[@TremblingQualifier]

Your tastes are just getting more conservative and richer as you age.

[@mrs.e3909]

I think what is important is that consumers want a good quality for a fair price. I am frustrated with thin, shapeless fabrics that deteriorate after several washings. I miss the quality of fabric that used to be the norm in clothing products.

[@amandastephen5471]

Planned obsolescence.

[@cavelleardiel]

That is why I will thrift store shop. If I ruin something I don't worry about the price and I can find unique and better quality items.

[@sanguinehearts9373]

Most thrift stores nowadays just carry used fast fashion garbage that's like only $2 off the original retail price.

[@cavelleardiel]

@@sanguinehearts9373 I see that more and more and the good stuff gets picked over as more and more people thrift store shop. Hopefully, fast fashion stores will close down. The pandemic helped a little in that regard.

[@emmanuelleroy2915]

@@cavelleardiel Fast Fashion is going to be around for a long time.....cheap clothes to execute current trends....... and high fashion is the biggest scam..... "Luxury" made using and abusing third world countries....crazy

[@lennyloves4518]

I think stores like TJ MAXX used to carry much better quality items. I’ve noticed that recently the quality of their goods (especially the clothing) has gotten very cheap and tacky. This goes for Nordstrom Rack too. About 5-10 yrs ago Nordstrom Rack carried such good things! 😕

[@petal8829]

I’ve seen that at every store! Stores like Victoria’s Secret and Abercrombie used to have amazing quality and now they sell the same fast fashion trash that cheaper stores sell.

[@ssrb9406]

🙋🏽‍♀️ I agree, the quality of their products has suffered tremendously😬. CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP China factory made clothing at ROSS, TJMAXX, & MARSHALLS with outrageous price tags. I used to find so many reasonable items at Nordstrom rack & now it’s nothing but tacky ass thin shirts & shoes they pull out from the back every year!

[@lennyloves4518]

@@ssrb9406 I’m glad I’m not the only one who’s noticed. It’s a shame because they used to carry great stuff 😏

[@lyds7771]

Yes very true the quality is not as good and the leather goods all but disappeared. I could always find a nice leather bag or shoes But now it’s very hard. Also the jewelry is very cheap and can’t find good silver pieces

[@lennyloves4518]

@@lyds7771 yes! I remember them having some really nice jewelry pieces even as recent as 5 yrs ago. Now they have a lot of cheaply made earrings etc. for $10 and under 😕

[@AKAAAK]

People aren't becoming "value conscious", they're becoming poorer so inorder to keep shoes on their feet and a shirt on their back.....they have no choice but to shop discount stores. That's called Surviving Life 101.

[@rogueinvestor2375]

When the economy is in a downturn, the MSM will make it seem better than it is.

[@AKAAAK]

@@rogueinvestor2375 Very true....I guess they try to fool us into looking at the silver lining surrounding the turd.

[@tomtom9792]

even if i am rich....i still would not pay overpriced garbage

[@danpleskan1580]

True. When inflation goes up but wages haven’t things like this happen

[@k4piii]

Exactly, nothing better than the 5 pack V-shape t-shirt of Walmart, $20 is a bargain and it has last me a year now, you have the usual shirk of cotton so I got the medium and now it's a perfect small t-shirt :D I couldn't be happier

[@geofferypmeyers]

My favorite is that they organize everything by size and not by style! It makes shopping sooooo much easier

[@ClickLikeAndSubscribe]

Because they often don't have the styles one wants so they hope something else in one's size will do.

[@candicecrawford2996]

Number one benefit- no searching for my size!

[@lauramipe2955]

I agree!!!

[@Nooorrriii]

See I disagree with this, I’d rather shop by style instead of flipping through a bunch of seemingly random styles by size.

[@tylermcdonald4375]

@Sarah Meyers Are you single?

[@Sarahliz_s]

As a previous TJX employee I can say that all of this is true. Also when the yellow ticket sale items aren’t sold in time they get literally thrown away. They do not donate anything. It’s actually quite sad

[@IAMFRESH]

Wow that’s terrible

[@cynthiarafferty7662]

Shameful not to donate clothing to those who are less fortunate. Shameful.

[@dittohead7044]

Too bad they don’t discount it even further. You know they can

[@elisaastorino2881]

@@dittohead7044 back in the day before Macy's took over the department store universe, that's exactly what the old school stores would do. They'd just keep marking stuff down to cut their losses because they knew someone would buy it. The old bargain basements were great.

[@lj2265]

@@dittohead7044 I know, like better to make even just one dollar off an item than just throw it away and make nothing lmao I don't get that mentality.

[@Pernection]

The footwear selection has been on a decline over the year at these stores.

[@07ikkin]

Yess! So hard trying to find decent comfortable shoes. Ones without super thick soles, colorful shoe laces, etc

[@jubayarahmed342]

Agreed

[@paul734]

It's been awful.

[@Ihatemyjob1]

Wonder why?

[@hereforit2347]

The *everything* selection has been on the decline.

[@joyceneville9214]

Outlet stores aren’t a deal anymore! Consumers have realized that Macy’s and Nordstrom prices are insane and even if you can afford first line prices there’s no reason to.

[@janeentumbao8690]

I don't know if they're everywhere, but Macy's has a "Backstage" and ALOT of the stuff that's in Marshalls is in Macy's first.

[@kimwarner1681]

@@janeentumbao8690 I have been seeing a few sweaters and skirts from Talbots there as well. I used to buy right from the higher end stores but I rarely do anymore. Sometimes the outlet stores are hit or miss , like Marshalls, but I can usually find what I’m looking for lately. I scored a Talbots skirt on clearance for 10.00! They’re usually 80 or more. Nothing wrong with it . It’s like a game now. You’ll see some really junky material but you see that now In the higher end stores, too. When I see a quality item at Marshalls or TJ Maxx, I get it. I also found a French Connection sweater for 35, marked down from 98, because it was past season. Who is going to know it’s past season or care?? I don’t run with the crowd that would know that , who cares? Lol love finding these bargains

[@kimwarner1681]

@@janeentumbao8690 I find a lot of BCBG, INC, Pink Rose at Marshalls, just like you mentioned, those are carried at Macy’s and 3x the price .

[@heinuchung8680]

True

[@davidmitalski4672]

@@janeentumbao8690 there not hit miss in citys

[@eboniesimone]

I used to love the great deals at TJMax-Marshall’s and still do! However I have noticed, the quality for some their clothing items has declined significantly. But I still love going for beauty products, pet items and home decor. They are still great deals and finds. It only takes me 5 mins to determine if the location is a winner lol

[@AgendaInMind]

Most of the more severe illnesses happen to people by having a traumatic event take them by surprise, unexpectantly, impacting first in the brain, then in the corresponding organ which that part of the brain controls. The end of WWI had absolutely everything to do with the Flu and lung TB outbreak that occurred killing millions. In nature, the biological conflict linked with a territorial fear (just what it means-a fear in your territory, your home, your community, etc.) is a widening of the bronchia (tissue loss). Your body attempts to widen your bronchia in order to allow more air into your lungs to give you more strength and energy to fight to keep your territory safe. Stay with me.......The biological conflict linked with a death fright impacts the lungs. The lungs attempt to grow larger in order to allow more air in because breath equals life, as we all know. No breath equals death. While you are in the fear or death fright conflict, you notice no symptoms of “disease”, except you have cold hands, cold feet, you can’t sleep, you awaken at 3 AM every night, you have little appetite. During the war, millions of people were in fear of the bombing of their homes and cities where the war was most active. Fearing for their lives, their loved ones in the war, their ability to survive. The food in the stores was sparse due to shortages. This lasted for 4 long years! The longer the conflict, the worse the healing phase. Within 2 weeks of the German Chancellor announcing the end of WWI, these millions of people ALL went into the healing phase all at the same time. It is during the healing phase that you experience symptoms of illness! What is the healing phase of the bronchia widening? Severe bronchitis, pneumonia. The body attempts to refill this lost tissue and you experience inflammation, fever, coughing, body aches, fatigue, etc. What is the healing phase of the extra lung tissue that grew? Decomposing of the tissue by TB bacteria and fungi. The symptoms of this healing phase are: severe coughing up of blood and tissue, fever, inflammation, severe mucous, body aches, fatigue. During this decomposing of the extra tissue (tumor), the body expels a lot of protein, and without replenishment, severe protein loss can result in death. Antibiotics did not exist yet. If TB bacteria does not exist in a person or they have been vaccinated against TB (big mistake), then the tumor will simply encapsulate and become dormant and not harm you. Who died during the Spanish Flu? Mainly the poor who could not afford to buy meat and proper nourishment, and the people who were directly impacted by the bombings and destruction of their homes. Millions of people suffered fear and death frights during the fighting of WWI, and millions of people all went into healing at the end of it. Not everyone was affected because not everyone suffered the same way. It’s not a “flu”, it’s not something you “catch”. It’s biological, meaningful, and unavoidable. One hundred years later, a Fear Campaign begins, using the media to spread it......

[@bogieboog]

TJ Maxx is now so bad in our area. Very random, flimsy, synthetic crap on the racks. The prices would need to be much lower to merit sales imho. Target sales rack has a better price point and the quality is (slightly) better.

[@suelyons531]

100% agree. The quality and name brands are not there as much as they were a few years ago. Also, I recently moved to another state and my local TJ is pretty terrible. If TJ is buying for specific locations, they must think my location is filled with farmers or people who have very bad taste. It's really odd. I have to drive 40 minutes to another TJ just to get something decent. My TJ credit card was once the main card that I used the most. It's not anymore.

[@erinmonahan]

Totally agree. Just be careful when purchasing makeup or skincare products there, a lot of it is already expired or has different ingredient formulations than the “original” products 😔

[@eboniesimone]

@@erinmonahan thanks for letting me know! i always check the expiration dates, but definitely didn't know that about the formulas.

[@wing3789]

I think a big part of why department stores are failing is also the decrease in income in the masses. Everyone's in debt, anyone smart would learn to spend less. That's why movements like minimalism and FIRE boosted in popularity even though they were certainly not novel thoughts.

[@wing3789]

@Alexis Lagrone 1. did you even watch the video or read my comment? It's not saying brick and mortars are failing, but department stores are. The discounted stores are thriving even though they're brick and mortar because people can't afford to pay decent money for decent products (often at the expense of our planet or cheap labor, and to be honest that's also not what department stores offer nowadays either). 2. I did emphasize on "anyone smart would learn to spend less". We're a nation infamously conditioned to a lack of financial literacy. With only 39% able to cover 3 months expense when it was brought to picnic awareness (which did raise to 55% by 2020, but it's still pretty bad) 36% being unable to pay $400 emergency expense in 2020, an already improved percentage.(stats from fed reserve annual survey, not just my "opinion") household debt as a nation is 1.1 trillion higher than 2019, credit card debt alone raised by 17 billion in Q3 this year. Not everyone is in debt, but the majority of people are. 3.its not just financial literacy either, it's expensive to try and be in the middle class and even more expensive if you're under the poverty line. Just trying to get yourself educated in this country nets an average of 30k in student loans. Have fun climbing out of that slaving away your prime years. Being a millionaire also doesn't mean as much as you'd think in this day and age. For a person to live a normal comfortable life in the US with the standard of the "American dream", you need at least about 1.5 million, forget it if you have a family, you'll need more. So I'm glad small online boutique stores have been able to make a normal living off the value they provide. 4.But definitely not everyone is in debt, how dare I forget about the 650 billionaires with their net worth increase by 1 trillion dollars from this pandemic while 20 million people lost their jobs. I guess when I said everyone, I wasn't thinking about these assholes than I consider less than human requiring employees to keep slaving in a hurricane until they are dead. Tldr; don't just quote headlines you read on the "news", your personal experiences is also just a small spec of what reality is. Learn more about the issues present, data don't lie.

[@ElJeFe556]

@@wing3789 show me where you get the data that says everyone is broke, and in debt, and are forced to shop at discount stores for that specific reason. Maybe people are choosing to shop at these stores because they are tired of watching prices go up And up, while quality remains the same or worsens. Show me something to back up what your saying.

[@y.peffle2802]

@@ElJeFe556 a basic Google search would pull up these sources

[@wing3789]

@@y.peffle2802 I try really hard not to feed the trolls. No amount of stats or logic will change their mind. Dude's not even understanding we're talking about the same thing. Prices are going up but wages aren't, so people stop buying what they used to. Some people just want to argue. *Shrug*

[@SabrinaDacosta]

I guess what people are saying is that not everyone is in the same situation you are describing. And I agree with them. Revolt is making billions and most of it is NOT from marked down prices. I think your opinion is on your own personal situation and you are projecting. It sounds very biased and there is an extreme need to be right coming from you.

[@ovh992]

I worked at TJMaxx for 2 weeks and i have worked at traditional dept stores. The reason dept stores are more expensive is because they treat their employees well. They offer 40 hour work weeks, health insurance, and paid vacations. TJMaxx doesn't allow non manager employees to work more than 30 hours a week. That way they don't need to offer their employees any benefits. They also only pay minimum wage whereas dept stores offer salary plus commission.

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

Oof, didn't know this. I experienced the same as a cashier with Walmart. They worked us 36 hours a week, just a little short of 40 hours to keep us from getting health insurance. Pay was above minimum wage, $10 an hour back in 2016, but that's nothing you're living on your own off of. Ironically, CNBC recently did a video regarding home prices and basically the most it offered was "get a roommate", lol. Glad those days are behind me though and the pandemic did raise my earnings. My industry is finally offering some incomes that will help keep me above the inflation, at least for now.

[@ovh992]

@@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley thanks for sharing! Glad u r in a better place.

[@animainferna8687]

You worked there only 2 weeks, lol. You are misinformed btw. Retail is not for everybody, so, good that you moved on.

[@ovh992]

@@animainferna8687 i worked retail for 12 years. I love retail. Tjmaxx is not retail. It is a factory job. You are so busy you have no time to talk to your coworkers. You are a machine trying to keep the assembly line going. It is a lonely job when you are standing next to 18 people and the only human interaction you have is your manager telling you that you need to open more credit cards or do live surveys. I would be walking back to my workstation from my 15 minute break and the store intercom would be calling my name saying i needed to be back and i still had 2 minutes of break time!

[@valmuse2]

Good to know. I rarely show there but knowing this will help keep me away more.

[@sloanchessman5783]

I used to shop at high end department stores until I discovered thrifting....it's been quite a number of years since I've even stepped foot into a department store. I've curated a high quality and timeless wardrobe, as well as furnished my new home with very high quality mostly thrifted furniture from manufacturers such as Thomasville, Ethan Allen, Lane & Drexel Heritage. In addition to saving so much money by thrifting, I have the thrill of finding unique items that not everyone else has.

[@justinwhite6787]

Totally! And good on you :) there is just so much Stuff out there as it is. I am the worst 'consumer'. I wear my clothes until they're threadbare, re-sole shoes multiple times, heck, I have a coat from college (that's now nearly 30 yrs old) that I still wear and get compliments on! There's a TJ 3 blocks from my house, think I've stepped foot in it maybe 4 times in 10 years. Anyway, I like your attitude (and not doubt Style!).

[@justinwhite6787]

p.s. last year I Had to buy jeans, because all mine were basically falling apart. I like one particular brand and they're pricey - but I found them again - on sale - and will no doubt have them for another 7 years, which is the last time I bought jeans! Buy Quality that Lasts, I never had much $ but I've stuck to this principle!

[@dlm9920]

Right on. I find new merchandise at way lower prices at my local thrift store, a well known name I'm not mentioning because of the flack I'll get. I'd rather keep money than to make the greedy more rich.

[@y.peffle2802]

Thrifting is frugal, environmentally friendly ! I make a living reselling on eBay. Before I get crap for "taking from the poor" when things don't sell at the thrift store it does eventually go to the dump

[@ratherbfishing455]

@@y.peffle2802 That is sad. Why not Goodwill?

[@christendenise220]

The pandemic has changed everything, there's no point in shopping at mega expensive stores, especially if one works from home. Inflation has punched hard that luxury items are not in the cards for average people. The landfill of clothes is an absolute shame! Getting tired of greed and waste.

[@kimwarner1681]

I thought saw too, when I heard that. They’ll throw it out rather than donate it? So it sits in a landfill when someone who can’t even afford tj maxx could’ve used some items , getting back on their feet for work or a kid needing some items for school, a good boost in confidence never hurt anyone in those awful situations. It’s expensive to go to work, not everyone works from home. For men & women knocked down on their luck for whatever reason, a donation of new , decent clothing would do wonders for them. I understand it’s business but still. They’d rather it sit in a garbage dump then go to a good cause. What a waste, it’s sickening.

[@hereforit2347]

When ROSS first opened I never went there because they had *too* much stuff. The clothes were packed so tightly it’d take HOURS to rifle through it all. Now, the inventory is sparse, at best. The selection and quality have also plummeted over the years.

[@skybaby444]

Yes, I remember the highly stacked tables with clothes all over the floor.

[@Myresha100]

I miss those days.

[@pinklight911]

I hated shopping at Ross because it was overwhelming...but now, you can barely find anything.

[@hereforit2347]

@@pinklight911: Exactly!! But It had a good few years there (pre-2013) where it was pretty d*mned awesome.

[@volitionspark2686]

Yes. I agree.

[@johns6176]

Outlet stores are not a secret discount on brands, you’re getting lower quality items mixed with some of their items that didn’t sell after discounting and putting on sale. The best choice is to get the flagship brand item at SALE times, then you get the quality and the price.

[@rimaarts]

or just look for "real" items in a discount store? most of my stuff is from tk maxx and couple times when I bought full price item from a company I could see absolutely no difference.. *because I know what kind of items it's worth buying in tk max and I'm wery picky. it's along the lines, give a herd of cows couple diamonds. 2 days later showel in hands and start digging.

[@marcusvision]

Yeah alot of people don't know brands specifically makes less quality products for outlets. But tj maxx got some HIGH clientele lately because WHEN tf they started selling gucci purses and Valentino is beyond me.

[@rimaarts]

@@marcusvision I wouldn't touch Gucci with a 10 feet pole. especially after they released grass stained or "I peed myself" jeans! :D

[@raymondruiz]

I do that with abercrombie 😭

[@dani23dani85]

I’ve noticed outlets clothing material is very thin and cheap.

[@gizmobudayb3933]

11 billion dollars in revenue since 2015 but my wages are still minimum wage. we get about 7 pallets a day of merchandise and we put up with customers all day, yet i get paid minimum wage. WE DESERVE MORE. AS WORKERS WE DESERVE MORE

[@gvanys]

Nah you need to walk and find a better job stop sitting around and expect a company to look out for you. People who think that way never get far. Work hard and better yourself. This days you dont need 4 year degree or high education to make money, opportunities are out there you just have to go get it.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

@@gvanys I was with you until you said you don't need more education. Please don't be under the impression that everyone could or should run their own business. It can be very overrated. I've done it 32 years. Or that it's easy (laughs uproariously). Be smart. Learn trades they can't send overseas. Truck driver. Mortician. Electrician. Plumber. You can go free with FAFSA.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

You need to walk and get more skills/education. Try the trades and community college. Nobody is going to hand you more money or bennies if anyone can do what you do. You need to go well above and beyond what they expect and be more skilled and qualified than you are now. That's obvious, right? Let me review: the guy who runs your company makes a lot because he has more skill/knowledge than you. These people often work very harsh hours and have to travel. Nobody is handing them anything. I wouldn't want it at any amount of money. You only need 60k/year to be happy. Go to it. You won't be any happier with more. Look at all the wealthy people who died using drugs/suicide. There's your proof. Read Baby Steps Millionaire by Dave Ramsey and do what he's telling you. Done. Library has it. Stop making excuses and go to it. :)

[@xfactor3615]

@@gvanys I am with you! You clearly mentioned “you don’t need a 4 year degree or higher education to make money”. Absolutely right!

[@jenl2530]

Yes, you do. Vote.

[@thesmileyeffect]

As a regular TJX brands shopper I figured this all out awhile ago. Some of the brand I couldn't find anywhere else, and I then realized they were store brands that were just knockoffs. Some of the designs aren't that bad, but I look for what I know I like, and get the rest of my clothing from Target or the sale section of Anthropologie.

[@suzannadannaTARDIS]

I used to just shop my local TJ Maxx for home goods, then I walked in once and saw my favorite Calvin Klein basic sleeveless top style on a rack at the front. Ever since, I do a quick pass through the racks to see if they have those CK tops, then back to the home goods. I'm disappointed that the TJ Maxx by me doesn't seem to carry the tea assortment that my friends rave about, but the HomeGoods store on the other side of town (another TJX store) has a fair amount of tea in their food selection. This bears out what the analysts say, the other side of my town is wealthy and probably drinks more tea.

[@thesmileyeffect]

@@suzannadannaTARDIS exactly. I only visit TJX/Marshall's located in more affluent demographic areas of my city. They always have the better assortment from fashion to homegoods.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Isn't Anthropologie juniors? I'm racking my brain to think of anything for grown women there...Juniors is for young teens who don't have a woman's body yet.

[@isanirobi]

@@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823 I find Anthropology to be a mature take on bohemian style. Everytime I shop there, I mostly see women ranging from late twenties to mid-sixties.

[@manyenaa6301]

@@thesmileyeffect this also applies to consignment shops.

[@anibb05]

Nothing wrong with wanting to save money. Not everyone can afford exclusive department stores.

[@sharksbite]

This isn’t a matter of saving money. Shoppers spend 100s on their shopping trips to discount stores while they could have instead purchased one quality product

[@maryhobbs4183]

Last time I was in Nordstrom's the prices actually shocked me. I found a great piece of luggage at Ross several years ago along with designer Italian knit sweaters. One summer at a coach outlet I found beautiful coach handbags for great price. Also have found many new designer silk scarves at Goodwill. The thing is you have to like the hunt ...it's hit or miss.

[@jrunn93]

Throwing good clothes away into a landfill should be a crime

[@Archchill]

yeah like why not donate them??

[@heinuchung8680]

I don’t know what happened in the past few years but I stopped buying at goodwill because goodwill became more expensive and off price retailers now have good deals.

[@purplethumb7887]

Because Goodwill is greedy. They get free products and make a profit off of them.

[@MargDBX]

They just being greedy.

[@jenniferfirer2837]

Yep. I’ve actually stopped donating to Goodwill because of this.

[@economicstreetbuzz]

I have shopped in these stores a lot and the one thing I can tell you is everyone shops in these stores. Rich and poor! Goodwill too! Any mall high end store that is still open still amazes me.

[@heatheralawawda6490]

The problem with department stores opening their own discount outlets is the fact that so much of the merchandise is hardly discounted.

[@StandingInMyPower]

I worked for a high end shoe manufacturer. When they started to move production from Italy and Brazil to China. The quality suffered and HSN found high levels of formaldehyde. So they were sold off to Ross and T.J.MAXX. for even less than what they paid to manufacture.

[@shrineheart87]

At Ross most of their shoes are pvc made i don’t buy I tend to find leather made.

[@volitionspark2686]

Oh yes

[@GegeP1804]

Wow just wow

[@marilynwillett804]

Correct. Italy and Brazil or Spain --to China.

[@sharksbite]

Quality decline, but demand increases so they make more shoes for less $. While keeping price the same. Be mindful of where your clothes are made!!

[@Born1985]

It makes soo much sense that TJMAXX practically curates their selection regionally. I usually find a lot of stuff I like whenever I go shopping there. I rarely leave empty handed. I love a good deal!

[@roxybes]

I'm a die hard discount store shopper. I much prefer a small setting shopping experience than going to the mall. If I must, it's usually because I'll go to Burlington store, sometimes found in malls. I love Ross, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Burlington, HomeGoods, you name it. The prices are phenomenal, no need to pay inflated dept store prices.

[@oo6112]

But these stores are usually packed with Mexicans who buy everything cause they have a million kids. Thus not leaving much left in those stores. Especially here in Az.

[@dittohead7044]

Burlington used to have a no refund, store credit only. I stayed away for that reason

[@oo6112]

@@greatestever247 ha come to Burlington on 35th Ave and Peoria.....come shop in the store tell me what all you see

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

@@dittohead7044 It was the yuckiest store I ever went into. Just miles of cheap junk crammed in. Ick.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

You're not bothered those places just throw clothes away...?

[@Striker50_]

Clothes are SO overpriced, that even if they're marked down, you can still make profits

[@Trd2020]

Exactly

[@b0red324]

Well there is definitely a break even point but like other retailers off brands reduce to free up capital for reinvestment into more product. If you have 10 million of product sitting in a store and you leave it there that's 10 million you can't reinvest into new product. If you however reduce it and free up inventory and capital at say a 30% reduction that means you have funds and space for newer possibly more profitable products to come in.

[@johnl.7754]

Depends otherwise why is so many going out of business.

[@b0red324]

@@johnl.7754 lack of customers, overstock of products, high operational costs.

[@willblack8575]

@@johnl.7754 hired too many people...to fancy places with huge costs and trash products...

[@hereforit2347]

I remember being told that clothing items at Ross were what they used to call “seconds” or “irregular”. I think that was true in some cases, but I never noticed any real flaws. I found nice clothing, handbags, and shoes at Ross and TJ Maxx. I’d never gone to Marshall’s or Tuesday Morning until maybe ten or twelve years ago. Now, it’s hard to find quality at a good price anywhere.

[@lolomar]

stores like these are nice but I find thrift stores to have better quality clothing as most clothes are vintage & the materials are so much more durable than what they manufacture today. the other day I bought a really cute vintage leather jacket & I got tons of compliments.

[@butwhataboutemma]

I agree with you, but often times thrift store success are gambles. Most consumers want to go in and shop and get guaranteed 'nice' clothes. Thrift stores do carry nice clothes, maybe even better quality than these off-price stores, but they can also carry bad quality clothes that break apart easily, or are trashy in general. The gamble is too great for the average consumer to lean towards.

[@teresalandhamilton8476]

Agree! I bought a new shirt at tjmaxx a month ago and after the first wash, it had shrunk to half of the size. But what I love about buying thrift items is that I know they have been washed already and what I buy is literally what I am getting.

[@auroramothergoddess]

I disagree with you I’ve only found trash at thrift stores very few rare pieces that were good. At the thrift store is cheaper than Ross/tjmax/Burlington but it’s terrible quality. I wasted a lot of money by buying trash from thrift stores and only ended up donating it back to them.

[@lolomar]

@@auroramothergoddess eh I’d say it largely depends on your area, same thing with ross & tj maxx. since I live in a big city, there’s a lot of thrift store options around me, but the variety is vastly different if I were to go to a different part of the city. there’s even luxury vintage stores near me where you can find gucci, bottega venetta, chanel, dior, and other luxury brand names at a major discount. I’ve bought clothes from ross, tj maxx, and burlington but they usually don’t have styles/the quality of clothing material I’m looking for, I mainly just buy activewear, socks, & briefs from discounted retail chains.

[@auroramothergoddess]

@@lolomar yea if you live in a rich area you’re fine going to their thrift stores but if you have to go out of your way to drive far out for one it’s extremely inconvenient. Beggars can’t be choosers clearly there’s people privileged in life to be able to have that choice

[@Idontgothatway]

Went to Nordstrom rack today and it was just ridiculous. Cheap looking clothes for crazy prices.

[@MERAZ305]

I bought two cardigans and the regret was instant.

[@Idontgothatway]

@@MERAZ305 ahhh return them lol

[@elisaastorino2881]

The irony is most of the stuff you find there has never even been on a regular Nordstrom store rack. Like all the other "outlets", it's full of junk that they order directly to maintain stock.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

I bought Nike shoes there for like 116.00. They lasted a few months. I about had a stroke and made them give me a refund.

[@oldtwinsna8347]

A lot of it is just badge labeling from the lowest bidding factory making the item. They put stickers and tags that pretend it was on the shelves elsewhere just to fool you.

[@WomanOnTopOnline]

Here’s a summary: 1. Cut price stores buy unsold (often unpopular) inventory from top brands 2. If cut price stores don’t buy them, top brand names are known to either burn their unsold inventory or throw them into the landfill 3. Top brands have formed a business partnership with cut price stores- they deliberately make clothes sold ONLY in cut price stores that can’t be found in the regular store (quality often not as good) 4. Cut price stores have items that are specifically catered to the demographic - so you might find Michael Kors, Calvin Klein etc in a large, wealthy town, but not in a smaller place with less affluent population. Conclusion: The majority of the stuff you find in TJ Maxx etc are not the regular items from the brands, they’re often deliberately made for those stores, often of a poorer quality (top brands need to make a profit, they can’t exactly sell a high end item for $20). They know that consumers will buy because of the brand name, so leading brands are partnered up with TJ Maxx to create items of an inferior quality and sell onto the consumer. Personally, I don’t like being manipulated like this. So I don’t buy from TJ Maxx.

[@DeadAir21]

I get what you’re saying but almost off apparel retailers do this. If you’ve ever been to a outlet center and shopped at a company’s factory store, majority of the time those clothing items were made specifically for the factory store and made at a lesser quality but priced like it was in a regular store.

[@noammusk519]

It's not manipulation if you know the truth right? You're getting cheap products for cheap price. Nothing wrong with that. I like cheap products at cheap price. The brand or store doesn't matter.

[@pestemmedico6369]

If you think that buying directly from Saks or Nieman is "quality". Yeah, that might be the case when it comes to shoes or handbags, but I clearly remember shopping at Saks with my aunt and I was shocked at the often shoddy workmanship. I know how to sew, and I've made my own clothes. Good workmanship doesn't leave strings, etc.

[@vg4513]

Good point. However, considering that that the average consumer ditches even their good clothes in a very short timeframe, in effect, you'll pay higher prices for basically the same product. Durability becomes irrelevant due to our high consumerism. We either throw it out or leave it to collect dust in our closets.

[@rebecca2864]

I sometimes find things that I really like and want to buy again and realized that company went bankrupt. And I also bought drum shades which cost $50-$100 at Amazon, CB2 etc. so to your point, maybe true for clothings. But ppl can still find good items.

[@pj2264]

This is the irony of some people in the United States saying they only want products made in the country by US workers. They want products for a cheap price but are unwilling to pay higher costs for items actually made in the USA because our country has stricter (and more fair) labor laws than countries like China, Thailand, Vietnam, etc. which increases cost for the companies that then have to pass the cost onto the consumer. Simple economics. If you want products made in the USA, be willing to pay more. Otherwise, don’t complain when products are made overseas.

[@auroramothergoddess]

It’s very few that think like that it’s only a small percentage of racist patriotic uneducated ignorants. In a perfect world we would supply Americans with jobs but in the name of business you need to make profit and the only way to do that is with cheap labor that just how life is, unfair

[@JK-wp4nl]

Prices are not soooooo much higher just because of fair labor laws. US companies choose to push the profit margins as far as they can, even in down economies. But that's capitalism.

[@user-bn7cg5kz9p]

Even the US has some pretty deplorable working conditions for the garment manufacturing industry.

[@elisaastorino2881]

True but only to an extent. At the present time, most Americans just can't afford domestic products or even ones made in Europe or other countries with good labor laws. Also, while there is an upswing in the availability of American made goods, it's literally impossible to find certain things. You can blame manufacturers for taking production away to countries that thrive on slave labor in order to maintain or grow their profit margin. They're the real culprits in this situation. Trust me, our recent ancestors were willing to pay for American goods but those things were also much more affordable then.

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

We also have more environmental regulations, manufacturing is a free for all in developing countries.

[@Belgarathe]

Here’s the thing. For some retailer there is a different quality between outlet and mall stores. For instance banana republic polo shirts. Outlet store polo shirt faded quickly even without using dryer also more shrinkage. So sometimes you are not getting real value because you keep buying the same item over and over. Irony is that even mall br polo is less quality than other brands. Try shopping vintage store to feel the difference.

[@stankythecat6735]

True. I worked for Gucci in design and sourcing for a while. The outlet store clothing is stuff you won’t find in the main stores. A lot of the time they will talk a pattern from one garment and make it out of fabric they bought extra of

[@b0red324]

Outlets mostly design the products with the intention to sell at a discount this was the second example of the sourcing for off price retailers. If you ever look at a Kate spade bag or wallet you can tell the outlet from the main brand purely in the hardware they use on the item. The issue is brands are looking yo maximize profits for the lowest investment in cost because that's how their clients look to shop. Banana has been going downhill in terms of quality for years. Their parent company Gap Inc saw that customers tend to want to buy cheap hence why Old Navy handles around 30-50% of their company market value. This being said would you continue to create long lasting expensive products that no one will buy or would you produce cheaper grade lower price items to target your current customer base.

[@geekedmaxx]

If they shrink usually I get a bigger size , for example I wear a size large, so I get a extra large and put it in the dryer and it never shrinks past the large size

[@SleepyKittens]

@@b0red324 which is why they stop making home appliances that last for years unless it comes with a 10yr to lifetime warranty; I got my frig and washer bc the compressor/agitator has such a warranty - the later being a greater necessity than cold food if you don't have kids, and will more likely break down, and not covered for repair insurance from local utility companies. I put in the 'extra' costs upfront, knowing repair costs will only increase in the future, but the legal contract (warranty) will still be good the future. Or I can buy a walmart appliance and have it break down in less than 5yrs.

[@geekedmaxx]

@@stephen3654 most clothes shrink

[@daughterofsekhmet81]

I certainly hope brick & mortar retail doesn't die off, I hate shopping online. It's a last resort only if I can't find a specific item in physical stores. With all the package theft nowadays along with inconsistent sizing, ordering online is a total crapshoot. I NEED to try things on or at least see them in person before I buy.

[@ninawestlake5005]

Exactly. Same here.

[@Gracieroseyxox]

I 100% agree with you. I’m exactly the same ❤

[@sprague49]

20-25 years ago I used to shop at Marshalls and Tuesday Morning regularly. Most of their items were the same as I saw at high end department stores a year or so before. Now it's mostly old Walmart and Target crap.

[@headbounce22]

Omg Tuesday morning!!!!

[@elisaastorino2881]

Absolutely. I used to find shoes, accessories, and jewelry from Italy all the time. Now it's once in a blue moon if at all.

[@t0n0k0]

Ross is a gem for me. The first place I think of when I want to shop for apparel, second is Burlington's. Whenever I can't afford going to H&M these two are it for me.

[@cristinagusatu6323]

I like burglinton

[@User-72430]

Ross 😍

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

My city closed its Burlington Coat Factory and sadly, because its inventory changes so often, there isn't an online store I can use instead. What a shame, I have a jacket from one that I got in high school that finally, due to weight and height, no longer fits me. It's made with real leather but I think faux fur and is still in great conditon. I was going to donate it and get a new coat from them. Now that they're gone, I'm going to have to find somewhere else that I can buy a quality coat but without breaking the bank (especially as I work from home and don't leave the house nearly as much).

[@MollyT119]

Ross is my 100% GO TO of these stores. Better prices for the money than Marshalls/TJ Maxx and real name brands too.

[@Yukia76]

Me too

[@microbios8586]

I work at a closeout store and many of the boxes arriving from the manufacturer clearly state "defective" or minor defects. It's fine because the defects are usually unnoticeable.

[@loveme8561]

Some of clothes are irregular. And they don't fit right. I try not to but from discount stores. Yes the price is right but..

[@trinadeerhodes]

I love their home goods the best

[@loveme8561]

@@trinadeerhodes yes the home goods are great

[@suzannadannaTARDIS]

@@trinadeerhodes Same here. They have great selection and great prices. I can swap pillows for my living room for a few bucks.

[@wiley551]

Most of the time that I’ve seen. It’s overlay of stitching. For example if a shirt needed one stitch. Usually there’s 2 overlapping each other. And to them it’s defective.

[@Ny.Lynette]

I’m never gonna stop shopping at HomeGoods & Marshall’s! The value is just too good.

[@IAMFRESH]

Exactly sis. Marshall’s is next to none when it comes to bang for buck

[@ratherbfishing455]

I think the prices are really high in my city.

[@nmmk9134]

Not better that thrift stores. It has helped me to save more money.

[@PrayashLand]

Too bad they treat their employees like dog ass !!

[@opulence_prime]

Marshall’s is more affordable than Ross in my area and their selection is better.

[@hereforit2347]

In addition to selling items from previous seasons, many designers: Coach, Michael Kors, etc., manufacture items *specifically* for their outlet stores and don’t sell those designs at their main stores or major retail outlets (Saks, Bloomingdale’s, etc.) People think they’re getting a deal at the outlets when often they’re not.

[@elisaastorino2881]

Absolutely. I worked for Saks and the first time I went to an Off 5th, I knew immediately that their stock is junk that would have never been sold in a regular store.

[@purplethumb7887]

Especially Michael Kors. The real leather hangbags, which are thousands of dollars, are only sold at their boutiques.

[@beltingtokra]

I used to sell shoes in an outlet shop, this brand mostly sold old stock rather than "outlet only" ranges, usually we got second quality products of current season items too, the products had a small mark by the size on the sole, but second quality was not bad, just tiny visual differences. It was a good shop. Now it's shut :(

[@petermiller9904]

People that shop at these places usually have a shopping addiction. The problem is over consumption

[@jennywinter3025]

Agree just junk and more I hate it

[@ValerieDee123]

I disagree. Some people are poor and don't want their kids bullied!

[@uwpride]

Me

[@HosCreates]

I'm not a shopping addict and I shop these stores to keep my budget in line.

[@thpuma2589]

@@jennywinter3025 100% agreed

[@catherinegreen8440]

Which tells you that badly made clothing is overflowing the capacity of the system. While off brand stores may be cheaper it makes sense to avoid all of that junk. A good thrift or consignment store will have much better, more interesting items at a better value.

[@kate8612]

I can’t do used. I’ve also had good luck with the cheaper clothes. I have a k mart hoodie I’ve been wearing regularly for over a decade and it’s still holding up well.

[@patr70]

A Thrift Store better then a good TJ Maxx?? No Way! Most Thrift Stores are filled with overpriced, old, nasty, smelly, damaged clothing.

[@07ikkin]

@@patr70 I've gotten like-new old navy brand pixie pants from a thrift store for $4. A maurices brand shirt for $6. Some thrift stores have nice things.

[@patr70]

@@07ikkin Old Navy is not very good quality compared to many of the brands sold at a good TJ Maxx.

[@varapornkrut]

@@kate8612 0

[@GeordieHalma]

The main point is that these stores used to sell high quality goods that were a season old or were from surplus production. Now they're manufacturing cheaper quality "knock-off" or actual branded clothing specifically for their stores to be sold at a lower price point. The Nike and Adidas you get at outlet stores are absolutely trash quality compared to what you get at the brand stores.

[@ssjjggjj5561]

You are 100% right and customers are finally getting wise to it.

[@AnneBeal-v3x]

I have spent hours in Marshall's and TJ Maxx and there is nothing in there anybody wants. Nobody wants an unlined blazer! I don't waste my time in them anymore. I have gone to vintage clothing exclusively; the quality is so much better

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

What killed Macy’s (at least for me): 1) severe reductions in service, with discount-store type checkout lines, and 2) over-reliance on house brands that aren’t current, well-designed or -made. I hope Nordstrom doesn’t go the same way, I like their better selection and brands, and fitting rooms that I can breathe in. I couldn’t find even one silk shirt on Macy’s online, I just don’t want that polyester crap.

[@PascalH9191]

Macy’s over priced items too!

[@GiaBlinks]

During the busy holiday season, I had to wander around the entire store just to find an employee at a cash register. At one point, I jokingly thought that I could just walk out and nobody would even care, or notice. Also, our entire mall closes at a 7 PM. That was surprisingly early to me. Our JCPenny has a couple of cash registers in center aisles. Obviously those are more convenient, but it turns into a sloppy traffic jam.

[@jayme3557]

WHY IN THE HELL aren't those discarded clothes being donated to Homeless Shelters?!?!? 🤦🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️🤨🤔🤬

[@jennamelaku]

people care more about curating wealth than helping people who need it

[@elisaastorino2881]

Follow the money. Cheaper for them to destroy it and write it off as a loss.

[@Sheba-bh7lc]

Because it’s THEIR choice and they aren’t in business to donate. That’s what charities do.

[@Sheba-bh7lc]

@@jennamelakuIt’s called BUSINESS.

[@karacole2304]

I just think of how selfish it is to burn/ throw away perfectly good items like these high-end name brands do. There are thousands of people who could use them. Boycott the wasteful fashion industry (those brands which approve of the wasting). 😩

[@marilynwillett804]

Same for food, or CVS items,

[@stitcher4729]

It would hurt their brand to have their items worn in the trailer parks and slums.

[@Griseldak3k8]

TJ Maxx is a unique experience and cannot be matched my online shopping - it’s is a hunt and people are very friendly to each others there - as if they are brothers in arms

[@shawnbottom4769]

I'm an 80s child and had to "put up with" TJMax and Marshall's growing up. Even though my rents were upwardly mobile. Now I realize that was a valuable lesson. It's why I shied away from shopping malls as a young man because I realized they're dicking you over and by no small amount either. CNBC did a piece on the decline of malls and this in no small way plays into it.

[@thevintagekitty]

Is it just me, but I actually stopped buying clothing and things like bedsheets from these places because they also sell things that are slightly flawed. I've seen odd dimensions of bedding (for example, a Tommy Hilfiger bedsheet set I bought would NOT fit my mattress). My aunt bought bedding where the pillow case was sewn shut! I've tried on bathing suits where the abdomen was waaaay too long. They are great for decor, cosmetics, soap etc.

[@QCKrowns]

Kitchen stuff is good too

[@microbios8586]

Yes, it's true. I just commented about this. Lots of products have defects. That's how they end up in stores like this.

[@DrWashingtonMA]

Once I saw fake Michael Kors in TJMaxx I just stopped. Every now and again for cookware or a journal, but not giving my hard earned funds to expired goods or outdated clothes.

[@Michelle_B.]

Most of the cosmetics are expired and are harmful for your skin

[@HHLoveYouMore]

I've accidentally bought too many shirts with crooked seams or necklines which makes wearing the shirt uncomfortable. 😔

[@stalinsmum6475]

As someone who loves shopping in general, I really prefer boutiques and traditional shops over these 50 000 sqft megastores, I would rather have a normal shopping where you have nicely organised clothing and not just tonns of clothing treated as garbage…

[@MollyT119]

I used to work for Macys. A lot of the Backstage stuff is stuff that used to be “last act” clearance, then got boxed up and sent back to distribution, reticketed, and shipped back out to Backstage. You probably would have gotten the same house brand Style & “Crap” (as we called it) item cheaper on a 40% sale with a coupon a few months prior to it hitting Backstage. They also get “exclusive” Hilfiger and Lauren stuff that’s cheaply made and grossly overpriced. And they don’t let you use coupons on much of anything, so many exclusions.

[@socalindi8241]

Style & Co clothes never fit right. The are always too long, arm holes too short, neck too small. I never understand which bodies fit into that brand.

[@MollyT119]

@@socalindi8241 They didn’t even fit the mannequins right. You wouldn’t BELIEVE the pinning and clipping it took to make them look decent. The only house brand I ever really bought there was INC, but only on sale…it was decent, but pretty overpriced. I mean…$20 for a basic, thin tank? I could (and do) go to Target and get mine for $8, and they’re great quality for that price.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

@@MollyT119 pinning and clipping should be illegal as false advertising. Loft does it. Kohl's does it...

[@MargDBX]

I shop Backstage over Marshall's. I also prefer TJ Maxx over Marshalls.

[@YC-dx5vl]

I use to shop at these stores thinking I was getting a good deal. Now I find they are cheap in price and Quality. I will pay more for good quality any day.

[@cw7886]

Friend of mine worked at a "luxury" brand company in the department in charge of selling surplus to TJ Maxx and such. You would get there some quality items that they were selling in their stores, not lower quality ones, but of course they weren't the nicest models. However most of those goods were anyway produced for very cheap in cheap countries, so whether you buy a no brand or a logo that doesn't really make a difference... However the real luxury items (like made in Europe) were reserved for higher quality discount networks, like "private" events or private shopping.

[@ber1779]

What stores or locations sell those higher quality items?

[@djp1234]

Also, brand names don't mean anything. It's all coming from the safe factory in China or India. I don't care what "brand" name it has.

[@MONi_LALA]

My dress from kohl's lasted a decade longer than Micheal Kor's dress from TJ Maxx so I learned since that you really pay for the quality. Unless you pay with time and go thrifting for hours to find that one Prada bag.

[@marthamoreno1539]

Yes, I’ve always spent a little more on certain items and you spend less in the long run because they last forever and still look good. I like Macys for dresses, suits, jackets. Ive had many items for over a decade and they still look good. Spend more now save in the long run

[@microbios8586]

I have pants from Target that I've used almost daily for 6+ years. They are still ok. I bought a pair of pants from Ross and they ripped the first day! As cheap as I am, I have to admit you're right.

[@auroramothergoddess]

Pretty much if you’re poor middle class and below you are sht out of luck

[@jon6309]

Thank you. I buy all my branded name clothes from Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Nordstrom Rack and Off 5th Saks at a huge fraction of the price! I buy 7 for all mankind jeans for $60 when they are originally priced at $200 each. Or my Ralph Lauren polos for $35 when they are $90+ at the regular stores. I used to shop at the outlets but recently they raised their prices but I’m glad these retailers are maintaining their prices from prepandemic times.

[@MollyBrown-f9i]

It USE to be a bargain when the quality of clothes and jeans were clothes left over from department stores. Now is hard for me to justify the prices on the clothes because of the poor quality. It is not the bargain it use to be...

[@rodriguezg100]

Yup. It's supposed to be "designer" or premium. Nicole Miller is not that. None of the brands i see are of fantastic quality AT ALL.

[@sharksbite]

Try higher priced items. You’ll be surprised to find better quality. Which will translate to longer life and bigger ROI

[@taodevane9139]

Marshall's, TJ Max and Ross had better items in the stores in the 80's and 90's. I am thinking because there were a number of mid tier stores with more surplus items to go around. I was buying leather jackets in the summer time. The better designers were on the racks back then. Things started to change in 2008. A number of high end and mid tier dept stores open their own discount outlet stores which limit the surplus items sold and also the quality of clothing start going down hill. I have a 2XL AM jacket I purchased in 1998 with a fabric content of 80% wool and 20% other that still fits me very well. A similar style now has 40% wool and 60% other and I have to get a 3XL or 4XL to get a decent fit and it cost way more. Now when I go in to those discount retailers, the hit or miss phrase comes to mind.

[@rockerchick6168]

There is a noticeable difference in the quality of some of their own store brands. The junior sections I tend to find clothing that has thinner fabric and not made as well. The women’s section tends to have better quality, but it is more expensive as well. I love finding the name brand jems as they tend to be great quality. I love home goods as well, so I hope they continue to do well.

[@WelshBathBoy]

What I noticed a few times here in the UK (it's called TK Maxx over here) is some of the products are from other high street retailers and have actually been marked up for TK Maxx. One example was a coffee mug on sale for £5, when you took the sticker off there was a price tag beneath for Matalan (think Target) with a £4 price tag!

[@bevwilkinson2853]

I went into a TJMaxx store once when I was in the US, what a mess, whose got time to look through all that crap,I left very quickly!!

[@levonowens4084]

When the deal is cheaply made, almost disposable due to fast fashion where is the long term value? I was recently so disappointed visiting a TJMaxx where I used to find designer gems of good-excellent quality now there’s’ a bunch of thin fabrics. Yes, there may be people who only want “the look” but value is not delivered when what I buy deteriorates in a few wears. Perhaps I’m old-fashioned in this way but how long can consumers be duped into thinking they are buying value? Low prices does not equal quality these days.

[@b0red324]

The issue is that the profit margin on those exact designer products is low so it's more designed to bring traffic to the stores verse actually making a profit on the item.

[@auroramothergoddess]

Their isn’t ..it’s just a poor people problem

[@dalouiev]

How crazy is this!! I just came home from Burlington, and thought to myself, how do they get these clothes? Open KZbin, and BAM!! The video was waiting for me😂🤣

[@purplethumb7887]

I have been wondering this lately, too, and here I am. "They" can hear our thoughts. 🤣

[@jeansteele6698]

The clothing /material fabric is cheap, sticking at the seams cannot hold the fabric in place there are "frays strings" nyc where can dressy outfits are available

[@cheyenneharmon1022]

Stores like TJ Max, Burlington, and Ross tends to be a hit or Miss for me. Sometimes the clothing isn’t great quality, but when you can find a great quality piece for a bargain price, awesome! It’s just not consistent enough for me. I loooove Nordstrom Rack, I shop online. It’s way more consistent with me finding something I love. I haven’t shopped at TJ Max or Ross in years.

[@brownwolf6280]

In this day i have no shirt or pants from last time i shop at Ross for no reason the clothing was get torn up like if the fabric was bad With Walmart Clothing no Issue still have some pants over two years the only thing from Walmart that don't last long are their shoes

[@kenchambers7137]

Nordstrom Rack is high

[@microbios8586]

I can never find my size at those stores! You'd think a man of average height and weight like me could find something but no. Everything on the racks is for fat people.

[@auroramothergoddess]

This conversation is clearly for us peasants that can’t afford Nordstrom like you but good for you and thanks for stopping by

[@07ikkin]

@@kenchambers7137 it really is. I only go there for shoes

[@HomeLifeWithLove]

I know some love these stores, but I have never found anything I liked at stores like Ross. Either the styles were unappealing, or they didn’t fit properly. I’ve only found clothes that work for me, at Macys and Old Navy, but Macys is going downhill and options are sparse. Macys removed almost all of their customer service desks and closed several fitting rooms. Covid is dramatically impacting clothing options! Kohls is really bare!! Each of their clothing racks are like 10 feet apart to make floor space appear more full, but that strategy isn’t fooling anyone.

[@katieallen909]

Yes me too. Glad I’m not the only one noticing all the changes

[@nicoyabeauty]

Yes same. When I go with my sister and browse out of boredom I will find a hidden gem though…..sometimes. 😂

[@HomeLifeWithLove]

@Jaime Smith I haven’t been there in many years. I liked it at one time, but yeah, it’s like a Ross.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

It's because of the virus, I think. And less racks of junk, the better. If they make decent, classic styles in nice colors and quality, you don't really NEED much. Look at Loft. At full price, you could make whole outfits in a few colors that already go together.

[@elanetownsend6727]

It’s a never ending cycle. The options available nowadays are cheap clothes that just happen to cycle through quickly fading fads that contribute to the amount of waste of poly clothes that are dumped every season.

[@inlonging]

I used to work for a designer shoe company and in the discount stores like these I would find our label but on shoes we never carried in the stores: totally different names/labels almost a cheap knockoff of what we had inside the store. But it carried the designer label. People buying might think they were scoring some amazing deal but it wasn’t the same product we carried at all. Seemed a little “scammy” to me ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@daphnemaegonzales]

I always get my clothes from ROSS, always in trend, I never spend more than $20 for each item

[@mermaidsexist4339]

Exactly! 💅🏽💖✨

[@angelsoulnme]

I live near the concord mills outlet mall in NC and one thing we noticed our last visit? The prices were the same as in the “regular” store and online

[@Rommie26]

Without watching I’m gonna guess they buy un-bought/overstocked merchandise from big retail brands and pay their employee minimum wage to maximize their profits?

[@b0red324]

That is part of it but they also have direct manufacturers that provide product to them at a drastic reduction to maximize profits

[@MommaDee23]

I'm a die hard Marshalls/TJMaxx/Homegoods consumer. Sometimes they feel like thrif stores but if you really make it your business to go there often, and dig, you're in for many wonderfully affordable treats.

[@saulgoodman2018]

1 good thing about these store, they have the same type of clothes together. And don't have different brands separated from each other.

[@b0red324]

That is part of the customer shopping experience to allow customers to easily find merchandise that they might not be looking for but end up buying.

[@hereforit2347]

In the 90’s and turn of the millennium I found *great* quality home decor items at Ross and TJ Maxx: rugs, chinoiserie, beautiful baskets made in Vietnam and the Philippines, imported African artifacts, tableware, flatware, cookware, bedding, planters, mirrors, picture frames, throw pillows, etc., *all* of which I still have and use. Ross used to carry Ralph Lauren towels, sheets, and comforter sets at really good prices. I haven’t seen Ralph Lauren there in years.

[@monicaperez2843]

My girlfriend buys clothes at CVS drug stores and I am amazed at how high quality they are. For example, she bought beautiful pants for $10.00, and they wore like iron!

[@janeentumbao8690]

Walgreens sometimes has decent clothes too! Especially sundresses. 😁

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

I never knew CVS sold clothes!

[@Abimaelfox5]

so odd. Where i live, CVS has a tiny wall of clothes. So weird lol

[@odapty]

😳

[@blackceasar2141]

Clothes and CVS? Getting out here, you gotta be kidding me! Very soon you will be able to get your driver's license at the the supermarket.

[@paranoidhumanoid]

I once found JPG (Jean Paul Gaultier) top for $20 at TJMaxx in NYC. I couldn't believe it. This was a rare find. I never told anyone and kept going back to the same location for more.

[@PuffOfSmoke]

I remember when Comme des Garcon partnered with Converse to make essentially the same Chuck Taylor - the difference is they put a heart. And that difference cost the price to soar up. It doesn't make sense to me when I notice it. But people love it.

[@RMS12.2]

Sometimes you can find better deals at the retail store when shopping the clearance section and adding coupons you find online.

[@SlickRick135]

This, plus lus lately the offerings at off line retailer has been sub-par.

[@effinyu9554]

Macy's took over burdines in Florida and it sucks. Burdines knew Florida and sold relevant merchandise. Macy's ordered the same stuff for a store in Tampa as they do for a store in Wisconsin. As soon as September rolls around it's giant parkas, coats, thick sweaters and woolen socks. We dont need that stuff ever here. We need shorts, tshirts and windbreakers. But year after year it's the same thing.

[@MasicoreLord]

Didn't realize that. Guess the discount stores, like Walmart cater to the local demographics better.

[@socalindi8241]

Bealls is in Florida correct? I buy online and they have bathing suits, shorts, summer stuff all year around.

[@elisaastorino2881]

Exactly what happened when Macy's gobbled up our local stores. All the buying is done in NY and they buy millions of units to keep their price structure. Paying attention to local markets would cost more, and it's all about the bottom line with them. I'm still angry that they destroyed our two local department store chains and it's been 20+ years.

[@Medicinelife348]

I think SHEIN added to the downfall of many stores and in store shopping. The clothes are at a cheap price, they keep up with trends, fast trends. The bad thing is the quality of the clothes. But people don’t care bc they are like 3$ for a shirt.

[@gatita311x2]

I'm honestly going back to the department store. The Ross and Marshalls and Burlington and not the same anymore the quality have gone to the trash.

[@Xspence22]

Even if you make the argument that the quality of clothing isn’t as good at a tj maxx or Ross the thing about it is that it’s still shops the labels of the big brands at a significantly lower cost. That will always keep them ahead of the big brand stores. Big brand outlets will only last for a little while before they sink due to them not cutting prices to a value driven consumer. Consumers want fashion and quality (even if it’s fabricated) at a lower cost.

[@butwhataboutemma]

Shops like Shein are similar to this. Consumers want cheap, fast fashion at discount prices, even the quality takes a hit. The purpose of fast fashion isn't to last long, the purpose of fast fashion is to be, well, fast. Then it can fade into obscurity and nobody will really care.

[@wantsoobaroo]

Having some insider knowledge and depends on brands. 1st - they get leftovers that couldn't be sold in high-end retailers for 6+ x the cost of the item. 2nd - damaged goods from #1. 3rd - they have certain products that are much cheaper to manufacture and ONLY sell to tjmaxx and other like-retailers at 3+ x the cost of item.

[@AtotheZ7]

The hit or miss things helps them. My wife and i stop in to find something good. It keeps us coming in to just see. They are in locations around places we go to in the first place or on the way home.

[@trinaisspeakin4539]

It’s the thrill for me. This store may have the left side of a bookend and that store may have right side. It’s pretty fun.

[@Erin-rg3dw]

Though I generally avoid shopping at these stores anymore, me too. They might only have 5 of something like a shirt that you haven't seen anyone else wear, so you feel more unique, versus buying something that everyone else has. I recently bought a bunch of reusable Ziploc-style bags and Stasher that normally retail from Grove for much more. There's more of a "hunt" involved and you feel more rewarded for it.

[@aishabowboa7198]

Like 2 years ago I bought a jumpsuit from Express for $80. A couple months ago, I found the exact same jumpsuit (in a different color) at Marshall’s for $20

[@ssjjggjj5561]

That's exactly what these stores were originally made for...a place to offload out of season merchandise and sell it to people who didn't care it was out of season. But it was the same quality as that Express jumpsuit you bought full price in the store. But that isn't the case anymore...TJ etc say they sell "designer" but it's actually lower quality crap and Nicole Miller or whoever sold their naming rights.

[@FLOKADO]

I consider most clothing today, “disposable”. Most of its poor quality/cheap. Seems like the name brand store are buying from same sellers as Ross & TJ Maxx

[@ttrev007]

I think the real reason cheaper stores are more popular and that is people are poorer. As the middle class continues to shrink so will the buying power

[@kayleegraben]

My store didn't throw clothes away. They didn't donate either, they would keep the clothes on sales rack literally until they were bought or until an employee bought them for like maybe. 50 cents even. I loved working for T.J. Maxx i'm not going to lie. I was a Merchandise coordinator/ Supervisor. It was the happiest i've ever been in as an employee. I would have stayed there for many more years if I had not had serious complications come about due to mental illness. I will always reminisce I think on the job. It was a demanding job because our store was in the middle of two major cities it required multi tasking a lot. Like any retail job you wouldn't leave until store was back in tip top shape after closing. Still it was a lot of fun. Most employees were happy and positive.

[@quicklykay]

Merchandising must have been cool. I did little bits and pieces of it.

[@kayleegraben]

@@quicklykay yeh merchandising is cool..I was a merchandise coordinator for Forever 21 before I was hired on as a supervisor for TJ Maxx. I traveled some and set up stores. The floor sets and redoing them was time consuming. I remember I was only 18 years old and it was a gigantic store in a big city. I jumped right in and picked up the skills sets it required. My manager wanted me to travel to Mississippi with her because she like my ability to get things done. I got the worst pain in my back I thought I was going to die. Went to the doctor and though I had a terrible kidney infection and barely could walk I went anyway. Because idk the job made me feel important. It was cool. They fed us and we stayed in an awesome hotel. I think I succeeded the objectives like getting the floor sets set up for this new store. But, I was sick that my brain doesn't really recall now if I did a good job or not. I know I pushed through and I didn't tell her I was sick and on steroid and other meds. Anyway.. yeh. It can be fulfilling.

[@rawsunnata829]

I stopped going to Nordstrom because found them selling more and more crappy clothes at very high prices.

[@diamondlenasan]

Many years ago - and I mean many - I used LOVE shopping at Marshalls. There was one in Connecticut I went to in the later 70's and when I'd return. Then, in Florida shopped at some in the 80's. That was when would would find that one special item... beautiful quality clothes and shoes - sure, there may only be one or two, so you'd better get it. Wool, silk, really nice things. Leather shoes and in abundance in my size (10!). Then, I notice that the three stores, Maxx, Marshalls and whatever the other one is, have the same junk. Flimsy clothing, nothing of quality, shoes are plastic (sorry , no such thing as "vegan leather") and it looks like the same tractor trailer backed up at each store and dumped their junk off. People who shop there now and don't know what they used to have think they are getting great deals. The clothing is one step up from rags. And the other people commenting are correct. It is nearly impossible to find decent clothing even at "better" stores. Look at how thin jeans have gotten for example. I am extremely disappointed in what is out there in general. thank goodness I don't work in an environment like I used to where I had to wear decent tailored clothing, because I don't know what I'd do.

[@kimwarner1681]

Talbots is still good, at least the one by me was. Some of their things were a little old for my age but I like preppy conservative & found some nice blouses , sweaters & pants for work. Casual clothes, I like their denim shirts , and loved their Christmas velvet skirts. Their shoes I didn’t care for , no support & were about 100 per pair. Their boots are good though, very nice quality.

[@JA-vv8wy]

I personally find the price and quality of J. Crew Factory to be superior to the main brand of J. Crew. I’d also like to say that you can tell a difference from clothing purchased from TJ Max or Marshall’s compared to higher named brands. Even with the brand name on them, they just look cheaply made and you can tell it’s not good quality.

[@charlesirving4857]

Hey KZbinfam, Guess what? Your friendly neighborhood fashion historian here used to sling clothes at Marshalls back in the golden age of off-price shopping (aka the early 90s). Let me tell you, SF and LA Ladera Heights in los Angeles were like fashion goldmines back then. Purple Label Ralph Lauren for chump change? You bet! But, let's be real, today's market ain't the same. The treasure hunt thrill is kinda gone, replaced by endless racks of fast fashion. That's why I totally agree with your comments on Don't waste your precious time go to the vintage stores

[@Commentator541]

Basically we need more real things. I don’t want cheap clothes at a premium price and would rather buy a discounted real thing.

[@TheChampagnebubble]

I remember reading somewhere that Outlets stores and Off-price stores have their own clothes collections that are made cheaper than the actual brand. So, you think you're paying for a brand, but actually you're buying a cheap knock-off version. Nowadays, if I want a good price, quality piece of clothing, I go to a local thrift store (not the big ones like Salvation Army where your money feeds the administrators pockets). Yeah, you have to take time to shop the good old way, but it's better for your wallet and actually good for the environment.

[@DeadAir21]

The rise of off price store is because of consumer taste. Since about 2010, Americans have preferred cheap clothing that they can buy in volume, wear a few times, then move on to the next clothing item. Americans would rather spend their expendable income on technology, and experiences.

[@timberwolfe1645]

Though you re kind of FORCED to pay a lot for technology. They inflate it that way

[@DeadAir21]

@@timberwolfe1645 it comes in waves. Cell phones were subsidized in the beginning because people either didn’t want or couldn’t afford to buy a new phone at retail. Then the industry changed to full retail prices about 5-6 when the demand for new phone technology were hitting their peak. Now the technological advancement for cell phones have plateaued and people are keeping their phones longer so companies have gone back to selling phones at a discount, they just don’t give you the discount up front anymore.

[@elisaastorino2881]

@@timberwolfe1645 oh yes. At the beginning of the pandemic, I was forced to buy a new computer to work from home. I paid easily twice as much as the going price pre pandemic, and I had a really hard time finding one at all. Long story short, I had to consider myself lucky to get screwed.

[@quicklykay]

I bet I haven’t been in any of those stores in five years. It’s sad to hear of the decline in quality merchandise. I bought some beautiful things in the 90’s and mid 2000’s.

[@Boxagami]

Doesn't matter what store you go to shop, could be Dollar General or Macy's.... most of the stuff comes from one country.... CHINA

[@johnl.7754]

It’s what the majority of consumers want….not the fault of retailers

[@monacoofthebluepacific2571]

Oh well 😉

[@justrandomthings319]

Not true.

[@elisaastorino2881]

@@johnl.7754 not really. Manufacturers decided to take production overseas years ago to pad their profit margin, so for the past couple of generations, people have grown accustomed to buying sweatshop junk because it's all there is.

[@kspin996]

I've noticed clothing quality suffering at all levels. I would be willing to pay more for higher quality fabric, lining, and stitching, but even Macy's workwear is not good quality anymore. There isn't a point in spending more when the product doesn't look better or last longer. I had the same problem with White House Black Market. Nice looking clothes, but the pant seam let go on the second wear. And they didn't allow a refund or even a coupon. Terrible customer service. I've switched to Stitch Fix to avoid hours of wasted time at the mall.

[@Spiritfba]

Shocker: people can’t afford department stores any more. They will soon be a relic of the past like the affordable quality homes and dinner parties our parents/grandparents had.

[@bamboozled1668]

There is SUCH a difference in quality of goods based on store location... I love thrift stores in high income areas..but not when the clothes are organized by color as opposed to size..yes nice aesthetic but what a nightmare