11 Things You Should Buy at Discount Stores (And 7 Things You Shouldn’t)
Who among us hasn’t burned a good chunk of the day wandering the racks of a T.J. Maxx or Marshalls?
Although discount department stores are in fact a big business in the United States, U.S. Census Bureau data going back to 1992 shows a peak in discount department store sales around the early 2000s, only to see a relatively steady descent in monthly sales since then. Total revenue for discount department stores is predicted to reach roughly $107.3 billion in 2025, per market research company IBISWorld, down from last year.
But make no mistake: Americans love their big-box sale stores. Discount stores once again made the National Retail Federation’s list of fastest-growing retailers, including Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, Five Below and Aldi. The latter in particular experienced 13.5% sales growth year-over-year and made it to number seven on the list.
Even though we love them, maybe there can — and should — be a method to the madness. The reality is not every item is created equal. Certain products are a must-buy at discount stores while there are others that you should probably avoid. We put together a guide to help you figure out where to get what.
What Should You Buy at Discount Stores?
So what’s worth it at discount stores? Not all items are made equal. And it’s not just price that should be taken into account, but the quality and durability of the items available. Sure, you may be able to get a pair of boots or a desk for cheap at Marshalls, but how long will they actually last? Here are our suggestions for items that will come to you at a discount — and last a while.
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1. Office Supplies
If you’re anything like us, perhaps you abscond almost immediately to the back of a T.J. Maxx or Marshalls, searching for office supplies. There’s no such thing as too many pencil containers.
But don’t just go for the cute items. Think household staples, like Scotch tape and masking tape. And though the prices may be cheaper, it’s also important to note their relative size. Make sure you’re getting an item for the same amount as competitors but at a lesser price.
2. Reading Glasses
Having trouble reading the fine print? It may be time for you to get reading glasses—and we know where to get a stylish and inexpensive pair. Bloggers who are embarking on their first pair of reading glasses in a long time recommend the Dollar Store, T.J. Maxx and Marshalls as places to find good pairs.
3. Pet Supplies
Need to stock up on some items for man’s best friend? Discount retailers have you covered. Blogger Krazy Coupon Lady (as reported in Business Insider) notes that the pet section has toys as cheap as $2 and dog beds under $25. She even says their prices are frequently cheaper than Walmart. Online, we spy pet sweaters, cat scratchers and pet gates for competitive prices.
4. Towels
Who doesn’t want to spruce up their towel collection and introduce a new member to the linen family? At T.J. Maxx, you can buy sets of towels from Laura Ashley, Caro Home and Chaletti for prices between $14.99 and $59.99.
5. Storage Containers
You know when you’re trying to organize your winter sweaters or your old papers and can’t stand the sight of yet another plastic bin? Discount retailers are the place to get decorative baskets and storage containers to keep everything housed in the right place—and looking stylish while doing so. We’re a fan of this $24.99 storage basket.
6. Pillows
Aside from towels, consumers can get a high quality pair of pillows for as little as $20. Whether you want decorative pillows that read “Good Vibes Only” or an extra set for your guest bedroom, you’ll likely be able to find something that doesn’t break the bank.
7. Frames
Picture frames are a staple in any home and a great way to house either art or your family’s favorite photos. But they can be pricey. That’s why buying a frame from a discount retailer is a good way to get a high-quality item without paying the market price. Frames online start as low as $6.99.
8. Clothes Hangers
Many of us have gotten to that point where you buy a new article of clothing and realize you have nowhere—and nothing on which—you can hang it. At Marshalls or T.J. Maxx, you can find a wide range of aesthetically pleasing velvet hangers at low prices.
9. Notebooks
For all those addicted to office supplies and elegant stationery, we implore you: get your notebooks at a discount retailer. Not only will you have a cute selection to choose from, but the prices will surprise you.
10. Coffee Table Books
Here’s one you probably won’t expect, but you may find your next coffee table book at T.J. Maxx or Marshalls. Whether you want to stock your home with books full of recipes or beautiful images of glamorous interiors, you’re sure to find something interesting at a good price.
11. Nonperishable food
OK, so we would never advise you to do your full grocery shopping at T.J. Maxx or Marshalls, but you may just find some cheaper snacks and nonperishable goods, like coffee or spices. And don’t fret about not finding name-brand goods. You may even be able to get Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts coffee if you look hard enough, says Allrecipes’ Bailey Fink.
What Shouldn’t You Buy at Discount Stores?
1. Heavy-Duty Furniture
For avid fans of HomeGoods, TJX’s home-themed outpost, this one might upset you. But experts caution against buying heavy-duty furniture like nightstands or dressers from T.J. Maxx and Marshalls. Some products may end up at the store because of reduced quality, like failed inspections, according to USA Today’s Reviewed.
2. Kitchen Supplies
The kitchen section at these stores is usually extensive and full of all the objects your kitchen lacks. Beware the cheap price tags: while you don’t need to buy the absolute best whisk, you probably don’t want to buy the absolute worst one. And since you’ll be using these tools almost every day, it may make more sense to invest. This advice also comes from Reviewed.
3. Yoga Mats
Yes, there may be a section full of charming yoga mats, but don’t get tempted. Much like kitchen supplies, if you are a card-carrying yoga practitioner, you’ll be using your yoga mat most weeks—maybe even most days. Based on USA Today’s Reviewed, T.J. Maxx’s yoga mats simply won’t last and are too flimsy for a regular yoga practice.
4. Bed Sheets
Although towels are a good buy from discount retailers, that other popular linen — you know, bed sheets — may not be. If you want sheets with natural fibers like cotton and linen, you won’t find them easily at T.J. Maxx, according to Business Insider. While the name-brand sheets may cost less and look good on the shelf, they won’t have the longevity you need.
5. Swimwear
The problem with discount retailers like T.J. Maxx and Ross is that the merchandise always looks good. But that doesn’t mean it can go the distance. As The List explains, a bathing suit needs to be made of durable material to tough it out in the sun and the sand. You may want to shell out full price for that.
6. Beauty Products
The beauty section at discount retailers can be so tempting—how do they have the entire MAC special edition palette or Lancome mascara? But there’s so much we don’t know about who has handled the products and where they have come from. As USA Today’s Reviewed says, previous customers may have already used the products as a sample. Do you want to be slicking on lipstick every day that’s already been worn by someone else?
7. Charging cables
Sure, it’s not the sexiest item, but your charging cables basically become members of the family at this point. Reviewed warns against buying tech products from T.J. Maxx or Marshalls, and we’re inclined to agree—you wouldn’t want to find out that the USB cable you spent $15 on doesn’t actually work.
Writer Elizabeth Djinis is a contributor to The Penny Hoarder, often writing about selling goods online through social platforms. Her work has appeared in Teen Vogue, Smithsonian Magazine and the Tampa Bay Times.
