Spring Spendervention: TJ Maxx and Marshalls

This past January, I was given the opportunity to enjoy some fun shopping experiences at TJ Maxx and Marshalls.  (As if I needed convincing).  Both stores are high on my list for discounted name brand clothing and accessories.  The TJ Maxx in our area is HUGE and definitely has far more clothing and shoes than some others that I've been to.  So they come in handy when we're searching for those particular things that we'd have a hard time paying retail prices to get. 

Let's start with a little story.  Once upon a time, long, long ago, Shaun had a pair of Ralph Lauren Polo khaki shorts that he loved.  He loved them so much that after about 5 years of wear, he wore several holes into them that rendered them quite unusable in any public situation.

I finally managed to relegate them into the trash and for several years after, every time it came time to get new shorts, Shaun would mournfully lament the fact that the beloved shorts were gone and that a new pair was well beyond our budget.  This year, he commandeered one of my gift cards and left on a mission.  When he came home, he waved his TJ Maxx bag in the air triumphantly.  A replacement pair of Polo shorts had been acquired.  He was quite pleased.  And at over 65% off retail price, The bargain hunter in me was pleased.

So yes, we like our TJ Maxx.  We're also Marshalls fans.  Marshalls tends to have things beyond clothes and shoes, such as housewares, toys, etc.  Recently, we "redid" our upstairs bathroom.  We didn't have it in the budget to replace the vanity or lighting fixture, but with a little paint, the room was well on its way to a needed update.  To complete the redecoration, we got an adorable curtain and two pretty matching towels from Marshalls for far less than what it would have cost at a department store.  And now my bathroom has transcended from outdated to cute in a few easy steps.  (I'll have pictures soon, I promise!)

I have a million happy stories of how we end up saving money at these stores.  The long and short is that in this economy?  Who has the cash to pay full price for anything?  Yeah, neither do I.  So do yourself a favor and if you're going to spend some money, at least save as much as you can and head to Marshalls and TJ Maxx first.