Since the TJX companies own all three companies, many people ask, what’s the difference between TJ Maxx vs Homegoods vs Marshalls? The truth is that the TJX family stores share many similarities. However, consumers must note the existing differences. This will help you know what is more favorable in one store compared to another. That way, you can save yourself the headache of visiting each store to conduct further analysis.
Please note the following: T.J. Maxx is famous for its designer items and jewelry. The store has a broader selection of clothing and accessories. Marshalls offers an extensive collection of shoes but focuses on home goods and decor. On the other hand, HomeGoods exclusively sells TJX home items, focusing on furniture and decor.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences and similarities between these stores and find out the pros and cons of shopping at each retailer. We’ll also discover which store is right for you. Let’s delve in.
Contents
Quick Overview of T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods, and Marshalls
● T.J. Maxx
Sometime back, Christine Lee of HomeGoods told Housekeeping magazine that the stores always receive their shipments overnight. Hence, mornings are the best times to shop for new arrivals. Lee states that Mondays are often T.J. Maxx’s catch-up days after jam-packed weekends. Therefore, even if you shop on weekdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays would be the best days.
To get the best deals from T.J. Maxx, you can also request a staff member at any local retailer to inform you when they will restock next. That way, you can schedule some time to ensure you’re there during the restocking.
● HomeGoods
HomeGoods exclusively sells TJX home items while focusing on furniture and decor. HomeGoods offers a wide selection of items that keeps changing. So, you may still need to find out if the item you spotted today will still be available in the coming days.
● Marshalls
Together with T.J. Maxx, its sister company, they carry the slogan “Your Surprise Is Waiting and Never Boring, Always Surprising.” It’s said that even though other stores have fantastic deals, Marshalls is one of those retailers offering astoundingly great prices.
Differences Between T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods, and Marshalls
Despite the many similarities with the TJX family stores, there are notable differences that can help you make the best purchase decision. T.J. Maxx and Marshalls operate like department stores, selling different product varieties. Right from cosmetics to pet supplies, you’ll find a touch of various commodities. However, TJ Maxx, which focuses more on clothes and jewelry and has an extensive department of these commodities, appears to be the more high-end retailer of all three stores.
HomeGoods differs from Marshall’s and T.J. Maxx in that it offers TJX home items, in addition to other home and décor brands (Crown Mark, Ralph Lauren Home, Murano Glass, etc). The retailer primarily focuses on home items, such as furniture and decor, with a vast collection. They keep stocking different varieties. Hence, you can hardly predict the product diversification in store from one moment to another.
While T.J. Maxx is recognized for its designer products and jewelry, notably its Runway collection, Marshalls carries more footwear and has expanded its men’s section. They also have the junior’s section, ‘The Cube.’
Comparison Chart
Here’s a comparison chart highlighting T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods, and Marshalls’ main differences:
| Aspect | T.J. Maxx | Marshalls | HomeGoods |
| Ownership | TJX Companies | TJX Companies | TJX Companies |
| Product Range | Clothing, Accessories, Home Goods, Shoes, Beauty, Jewelry, Toys | Clothing, Accessories, Shoes, Home Goods, Beauty, Jewelry | Home Goods, Furniture, Décor, Rugs, Kitchenware, Bedding |
| Focus | Fashion & Home Goods | Fashion & Home Goods | Home Decor & Furnishings |
| Pricing | Discounts on Brand-Name Merchandise | Discounts on Brand-Name Fashion and Home Goods | Discounted Home Goods and Furnishings |
| Store Layout | Organized, Department Store Style | Organized, Department Store Style | Organized, Department Store Style |
| Inventory | Varied, depends on location | Varied, depends on location | Varied, depends on location |
| Brand Selection | Mix of designer, brand-name, and lesser-known brands | Mix of designer, brand-name, and lesser-known brands | Focus on unique and eclectic items from various brands |
| Online Presence | Online shopping available | Online shopping available | Online shopping available (website launched in 2021) |
Although the table gives a broad perspective, it’s crucial to remember that certain products and inventory can differ between locations and over time. For the most recent and correct information, it is advised to visit the websites or the stores in person.
Pros and Cons of Shopping at Each Store
T.J. Maxx
Pros
- There exists a fun-friendly working atmosphere between regular customers and employees.
- TJX price tags have different color schemes to help you know whether you’ll get a good deal. For example, white tags refer to regular-priced items. Red tags refer to clearance prices, while purple tags refer to designer items.
- They tend to capitalize on orders that were previously canceled.
- You can save more on their regular end-of-season merchandise sales.
Cons
- Prices can be unpredictable. Sometimes, you may buy some nice clothing at $29.99 but still find the same item available in-store for $5 less than the previous buying price. This can happen when T.J. Maxx buys the same item from different sellers, or the staff might miss some commodities when marking them down.
- Not all T.J. Maxx stores have runway departments. So, you may be forced to shop online or use the store locator to find a different ‘T.J. Maxx store near me’ that features the item you want.
Marshalls
Pros
- Marshalls is a great place to return items you don’t seem to like or may not fit as well as you’d like.
- Has friendly and helpful store attendants.
- There’s a thrill in hunting goods, such that you never know what you’ll get in store.
- Offers great prices and incredible deals.
- You can make some good bargains.
Cons
- You can end up overspending on things you don’t need, especially when you buy goods at low prices.
HomeGoods
Pros
- Customers get a wide variety of affordable home items, including decor and furnishings.
- They tend to restock frequently, so you can easily find current and unique items.
Cons
- You can hardly predict what’s in store from one moment to another.
- The chain store’s overall product quality may be inconsistent.
Which Store is Right for You?
There’s no particular answer as to which store is right for you. It all depends on your product’s needs. Marshalls offers more home products and children’s items than T.J. Maxx. On the other hand, T.J. Maxx emphasizes jewelry, accessories, and handbags more than Marshalls. HomeGoods offers a wide variety of furniture and home decor.
FAQs
Who owns T.J. Maxx and Marshalls?
TJX Companies, Inc., a leading off-price retailer of home fashions and apparel in the U.S., owns T.J. Maxx and Marshalls.
Is HomeGoods and T.J. Maxx the same?
HomeGoods and T.J. Maxx are not the same; they are only sister brands owned by TJX companies. However, each store varies by size, location, and product offerings. Nonetheless, you’ll find some U.S. locations that merge HomeGoods and T.J.Maxx.
Are Marshalls and T.J. Maxx the same?
No, Marshalls and T.J. Maxx are not the same; it’s just that they are sister brands under the same company. However, the two retailers still share similarities; they sell closely related products. They are also remarkable places to return items you might dislike or that are not fitting or appropriate. Besides, prices at Marshalls and T.J. Maxx are almost similar, and their store layouts appear nearly identical.
Is Marshalls cheaper than T.J. Maxx?
Not really. Some shoppers find cheaper goods at Marshalls, while others find some items cheaper at T.J. Maxx. So, whether Marshalls is cheaper than T.J. Maxx depends on the specific things you’re shopping for. Both stores have indeed related price structures, with some crossover in merchandise. However, each retailer still has unique points that appear stronger than the others.
Why can T.J. Maxx sell so cheaply?
T.J. Maxx can sell cheaply because they have more flexible buying models. They can collect unwanted goods from suppliers at massive discounts, far from their regular wholesale prices.
They take advantage of various opportunities, such as:
- Department store cancellations
- Excess manufacturer products
- Closeout deals occur when particular vendors wish to clear their commodities at the end of a season.
Hence, with their off-price chains, they can buy surplus goods and sell them immediately at lower prices. This strategy helps them maintain their customers’ tremendous value.
Conclusion
T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods, and Marshalls are all owned by TJX Companies. Despite the existing similarities, there are differences in each of the store’s offerings. Marshall’s and T.J. Maxx offer nearly the same products but still differ.
How much lower the prices could be at these stores depends on what product you’re shopping for. Even though these retailers have the same price structures, each has unique areas that are more powerful than the others.
T.J. Maxx is renowned for its designer items and jewelry, with a broader selection of clothing and accessories. Marshalls has a more expansive collection of shoes, but with a focus on home goods and decor. Besides, HomeGoods exclusively sells TJX home items while focusing on furniture and decor.
References:
For over ten years, Eric has served as a manager, advisor, and marketer in the retail and consumer service sector. Moreover, he is the head writer and managing editor at thestoregeeks.com. Eric is a father of two and an avid shopping geek.
