11 Things You Should Buy at Discount Stores (And 7 Things You Shouldn’t)
Who among us hasn’t enjoyed 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. We 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. We’ve spotted toys in the clearance pet section as cheap as $2. Online, we spy pet sweaters, dog beds, 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 $9.99 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. We found frames online starting as low as $6.
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 — including name brands. And considering coffee prices have skyrocketed in 2025, you may want to make a discount store your first stop for finding your favorite java.
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. If you do find a piece you love, use the same tips for vintage thrifting, evaluating it for sturdiness, stains and damage.
2. Kitchen Supplies
The kitchen section at these stores is usually extensive and full of all the objects your kitchen lacks. If you need a piece for an occasional dinner party or special meal, you’ll likely be fine shopping at a discount store. But beware the cheap price tags for longer-term investments: while you don’t need to buy the absolute best whisk, you probably don’t want to buy the absolute worst one. If you’ll be using these tools almost every day, it may make more sense to invest.
3. Yoga Mats
Yes, there may be a section full of charming yoga mats that are fine if you’re just trying out yoga for the first time. But if you’re a card-carrying yoga practitioner, you’ll be using your yoga mat most weeks—maybe even most days. The cheap yoga mats you’ll find at discount stores aren’t typically built for durability and could end up flaking or losing their grip over time. Better to invest in a quality mat if you downward dog on a regular basis.
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 offer 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. And if you see an abundance of a single product or shade, be aware that these items may have been heavily overstocked and close to their expiration date.
7. Charging cables
Sure, it’s not the sexiest item, but your charging cables basically become members of the family at this point. But while those earbuds or charging cables might be cheap, the ones you’ll find at discount stores are often off-brands that aren’t as high of quality. You don’t want to bring home your “deal” only to discover 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.
