Hey there, fashion lover! If you‘re like me, you‘re always on the hunt for amazing deals on designer clothes and accessories. One of my all-time favorite places to score bargains is Marshalls. I mean, who doesn‘t love finding a Tory Burch purse or Rag & Bone jeans for a fraction of the retail price?
But here‘s the thing: Marshalls isn‘t the only store where you can snag these kinds of deals. There‘s actually a whole category of retailers called "off-price" that follow a similar model. In this post, I‘m spilling all the tea on the best stores like Marshalls so you can maximize your savings (and your style!).
What Exactly Is an Off-Price Store?
Before we dive into my list, let‘s break down what off-price means. Essentially, off-price retailers buy up excess inventory, overstock, and past-season styles from department stores, brands, and manufacturers. Because they‘re buying this merchandise at a steep discount, they can then turn around and sell it to consumers for way less than the original retail value.
Marshalls is one of the most well-known off-price stores, but it‘s far from the only one. The concept has actually been around for decades. According to the National Retail Federation, the first off-price chains like TJ Maxx and Ross emerged in the 1970s and ‘80s to compete with traditional department stores by offering brand-name goods at bargain prices.
Fast forward to today, and the off-price retail industry is booming. A 2021 report from Research and Markets found that the off-price apparel market in the US is expected to grow by over $18 billion from 2020 to 2025. As traditional retailers struggle and consumers become more budget-conscious, off-price stores are gaining ground.
My Top Picks for Stores Like Marshalls
Now that you‘ve got the scoop on off-price retail, let‘s talk about the best places to shop (besides Marshalls, of course!). Here are my favorite stores for designer deals:
1. TJ Maxx
It‘s impossible to talk about stores like Marshalls without mentioning TJ Maxx. The two chains are actually owned by the same company and have a ton of overlap in terms of their product selection and store experience.
One key difference is that TJ Maxx has more of a focus on designer fashion, especially with its dedicated section called The Runway. This is where I always head first to look for those extra discounted designer gems. I once scored a gorgeous Rebecca Taylor dress for 70% off retail!
2. Nordstrom Rack
If Nordstrom is a fashionista‘s classic department store, then Nordstrom Rack is a dream for bargain-hunting fashionistas like myself. It offers many of the same high-end brands as Nordstrom, but at seriously slashed prices.
Nordstrom Rack is one of my go-tos for workwear especially. The selection of blazers, pencil skirts, and sheath dresses from brands like Theory, Boss, and Lafayette 148 can‘t be beat. Plus, I love how well-organized and easy to shop the stores are compared to some other off-price retailers.
3. Saks Off 5th
On the luxury end of the off-price spectrum, we have Saks Off 5th. This is where you go to find those drool-worthy designer names like Chanel, Chloe, and Prada for less.
Granted, the prices aren‘t as low as what you‘ll find at Marshalls or TJ Maxx, but the selection is much more high-end. Saks Off 5th is also a great place to score deals on contemporary designer denim from the likes of Frame and Mother. I snagged my all-time favorite pair of black skinnies there for under $100!
A Deeper Dive Into Deals
Of course, the brands and deals you find at off-price stores totally vary based on location and timing. To give you a better sense of the savings, check out these recent designer scores spotted by fellow bargain shoppers:
| Store | Brand | Item | Original Price | Off Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marshalls | Kate Spade | Crossbody Bag | $250 | $79.99 |
| TJ Maxx | Rag & Bone | High Rise Skinny Jeans | $255 | $59.99 |
| Nordstrom Rack | Tory Burch | Miller Flip Flops | $198 | $89.97 |
| Saks Off 5th | Coach | City Tote | $350 | $139.99 |
The savings are pretty incredible, right? And these are just a handful of examples. I‘ve personally found everything from Vince cashmere sweaters to Stuart Weitzman boots to a Missoni dress while I was hunting through the racks at my local off-price stores.
According to Sara Griffin, a managing director at Accenture, nearly three quarters of shoppers say they‘re now more inclined to buy from off-price retailers than before the pandemic. "Off-price is winning the most market share right now. Consumers are definitely more value-conscious," she told CNBC.
Tips for Strategic Off-Price Shopping
Okay, so now you‘re up to speed on all the best stores like Marshalls for bargain hunting. But to really maximize your off-price shopping experience, you need a game plan. Here are my tips for finding the very best deals and designer scores:
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Check for price adjustments. TJ Maxx and Marshalls mark down items every 30 days if they haven‘t sold. Those red tags signal something has been discounted multiple times and is often a final sale.
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Crack the tag code. At Marshalls and TJ Maxx, a price ending in .00 means the item is full price, .99 signals the first markdown, and .49 or .79 means a final markdown. Use this to gauge how good of a deal you‘re getting.
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Know when to go. Most stores get new stock shipments multiple times per week, often on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Shop early in the week for the best selection.
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Get social. Follow your favorite off-price retailers on Instagram and Facebook for a heads up on new arrivals, clearance events, and special promotions.
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Don‘t sleep on e-commerce. In addition to shopping in-store, check out the online presence for TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and other off-price retailers. The selection is more limited, but you can sometimes find web-exclusive deals!
Bargain shopping is both an art and a science, so give yourself some time to learn the ropes. "Embrace the ‘treasure hunt‘ shopping experience by having fun and keeping an open mind," says Consumer Reports of making the most of stores like Marshalls and TJ Maxx.
The Future of Off-Price Retail
As off-price stores continue to gain popularity, they‘re also starting to evolve and expand. E-commerce is becoming a bigger priority for chains like Saks Off 5th and Nordstrom Rack as they try to engage the next generation of bargain shoppers.
Meanwhile, TJ Maxx and Marshalls are experimenting with new store concepts to provide a more exciting and discoverable shopping experience. Recent examples include The Cube, a smaller format store with a constantly rotating selection, and Marshalls SPARKS, an interactive concept space designed to better connect with younger consumers.
Industry expert Sara Griffin sees off-price retail continuing to thrive, even as traditional department stores and specialty boutiques struggle to adapt to shifting consumer habits in the wake of the pandemic. "For brands that were heavily reliant on wholesale, off-price is now the best place to be other than having a strong DTC channel," she told Vogue Business.
My Final Take
At the end of the day, shopping at stores like Marshalls is all about the thrill of the find. Sure, you can snag great deals on premium denim, chic handbags, cool sneakers, and cozy sweaters. But it‘s that feeling when you uncover a one-of-a-kind designer piece in your size (and at a price that seems too good to be true!) that really keeps bargain hunters like me coming back for more.
My best advice? Start with my list of top off-price stores, but don‘t be afraid to explore your local discount shops and outlet malls too. Be patient, stay persistent, and get creative while you shop. I promise the fashion treasures you discover will be so worth the hunt!
What‘s the best bargain you‘ve ever found at Marshalls or another off-price store? I‘m always looking for new designer deals and style steals to score, so let me know in the comments. And if you have any questions about navigating the off-price fashion scene, drop those too. Happy shopping, bargain besties!
