You’ve probably heard by now that TK Maxx has hit Australia, opening 35 stores along the East Coast.
For anyone who loves shopping, or likes nabbing a bargain, it’s big news. Huge in fact.
See the US retail giant has made a name for itself overseas by being insanely affordable. Not your “payday treat” kind of affordable. We’re talking your “I’m basically a millionaire in this store” kind of affordable.
Which makes shopping not only more enjoyable and guilt-free, but more or less an essential activity. Am I right?
Keen to discover whether the new store lives up to the hype — and delivers on choice, quality and experience — we sent two of our very own shopping addicts in, armed with a challenge.
We gave Now To Love‘s Lifestyle Editor, Amber M, and Lifestyle Writer, Amber E, $200 spending money each and gave them just 20 minutes to shop and rate TK Maxx.
Here’s what happened…
Shopper 1: Amber M, 33, Lifestyle Editor
“I’ve never actually been to TK Maxx before, but I’m keen to see if it’s as good as everyone says. I know they have a bunch of international suppliers and stock pretty much everything from baby clothes and beauty products to cookware and cashmere, so I’m hoping to pick up some bits for my new apartment and shop for my nieces, too. That’s probably all I can grab for $200 realistically, but we’ll see how I go.”
Amber M’s purchases:
Girls’ designer coat, size 7, $69.95
Enamel stock pot, $39.95
Girls’ outfit, size 2-3 (sweatshirt and leggings), $24.95
Activewear capri pant, $24.95
Large ceramic bowl, $21
Ceramic water jug, $14.95
Muslin face cloth (3 pack), $3.95
TOTAL: $199.70
“I cleaned up! I can’t believe I managed to get my eldest niece a designer coat and still have enough money left to get a heap of stuff for my apartment — including good cookware for under 50 bucks. There’s so much to choose from, you could easily lose hours in there; but if you’re in a rush like we were, the setup makes it quick and easy. Things are well signposted and new clothes are always at the front of the store so you only need to look there if you’re a regular customer (now me). Other bits are categorised by size — why can’t everyone do that? It’s so much simpler. The only thing I didn’t get, which I’m going back for, is a gorgeous mint green top that was $50. I don’t even need to wait ‘til pay day at that price.”
^ One cushion or 20? Amber M in homewares heaven.
Shopper 2: Amber E, 25, Lifestyle Writer
“I’ve shopped in TK Maxx overseas so the new Australian stores have a lot to live up to! I’ve always loved their designer items; and they do a lot of Italian leather, great denim and affordable accessories too, so I’m keen to check those out as I could do with some new sunnies and boots, too. If I have any money left over, I’ll head straight for the beauty products.”
Amber E’s purchases:
Designer high-waisted, slim fit jeans, $99.95
Designer denim shirt, $29.95
Designer aviator reflective sunglasses, $16.95
iPhone 6 case, $12.95
Oval foundation brush, $9.95
Organic dark chocolate, $4.95
Body scrub, $3.95
Deluxe exfoliating glove, $2.95
TOTAL: $181.60
“I found myself in the denim section first and was really impressed. It’s crazy to think you can pick up a pair of designer jeans (loved by Miranda Kerr, Victoria Beckham and Jessica Alba, no less!) for under $100. Though slightly smaller than some of the international stores’ designer offering, the brands on offer were all premium, yet so reasonably priced. I could’ve easily gone crazy snapping up designer dresses, tops and bags, but I settled for just jeans and sunnies in the end. The beauty section was also good — and where I spent a LOT of time. They had heaps of brushes and tools, as well as cult overseas products I’d seen online. In the end, I actually ended up running out of time, but I’m very proud of my haul: a new outfit, phone case and tons of new beauty loot to play with.”
^Amber E: “You can never have too many bags.”
Things we learnt about shopping at TK Maxx:
If you see something you like, buy it. It’s unlikely to be there next time you visit as, unlike other shops, TK Maxx works on an off-price model which means they have a super-fast stock turnover. Their buyers are constantly sourcing product both locally and overseas throughout the year, not just each season. Good news for newness, bad news for that shirt you didn’t buy that you can’t stop thinking about.
New clothes are always on 4-way racks. You don’t have to go hunting for pretty new things to buy, they get pride of place on the 4-way racks around the aisles so they’re easy to spot (and shop).
Don’t mistake value for cheap. While the prices are low, the quality is not. You’ll find high-quality Italian leather, British china, Spanish linen and Portugal cotton in store, as well as A-grade quality Aussie goods.
There is no stock room. New products come straight from the delivery truck onto the shop floor. Bonus: you know straight away if something isn’t in your size.
Set yourself a budget and time limit. Have we mentioned that we could have lost hours in there? Err on the side of caution and come prepared with an idea of what you’re looking for, a rough budget and a deadline.
Stay in touch. The easiest way to stay up-to-date on new stock and special events is to sign up to the newsletter. You’ll be the first to hear about new product drops and any specific or seasonal events. For example, when they get an influx of toys in time for the school holidays.
TK Maxx is an off-price retailer that sells top brands, up-and-coming labels, high-quality fashion and one-off gems at a great discount. Opportunistic buying and a no-frills operation means TK Maxx can pass significant savings onto customers.The average store receives several deliveries a week so stock is consistently fresh and there’s always something new to discover. Find your nearest TK Maxx store here.
Brought to you by TK Maxx
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
