The Chaos that is TK Maxx

[kiwidreamer]

Today was my second TK Maxx visit ever during my 10yrs in the UK, I went to one in my first week 'fresh off the boat' from NZ and it scared the heck out of me and I've never been back. However ten years and two babies later I'm really trying to get myself out of a HUGE style black hole so after hearing TK Maxx mentioned a few times on here I thought I'd take another look today.

Same story tho, utter CHAOS, how does anyone find anything nice????? Is it kinda like the Poundshop (I'm all class LOL) where you just accept it for what it is and take a punt you might or might not find something brilliant on any given day (spiderman socks and stickers today whoop!).

Any tips??

I only look at the shoes I can't be arsed with anything else I used to look at the coats but got fed up with finding all the nice ones where only in size 8, so shoes only

Historically I have had some fantastic stuff from TKMAxx (1990s - Patrick Cox shoes, 2000s - DKNY coat, 2010s - an amazing skirt with horses on it for £7, some Philosophy/TIGI goodies). What I do is just scan the rails really quickly and if there is some fabric I like the look of I have a look at the garment. Your eye generally falls on the good quality stuff. Then you can assess whether the garment is worth trying on. My wardrobe is somewhat wide ranging though, I am not a "classic" dresser and never have been...

If you hate the jumble sale-ness of it, try looking online. The website is really well laid out and the delivery is very fast. They had a whole load of liberty and Valentino scarves on there last time I looked.

I've found the only way to shop there is to send my Mum in, well briefed on what I'm looking for. She has endless patience for rummaging and a good eye.

I go look at the shoes & she gathers things for me to try on.

I also think it's the only place I've ever bought winter costs for DD. I miss it now that I'm in NZ.

I love TKMaxx. I normally go to the one in Guildford. I found some All Saints tops there for £20 the other day. Moschino blouse for about £50, and many other lovely things. You just have to get there early and patiently look through the rails.

Agreed, you do need to be in a particular frame of mind to tackle TKMaxx. And I would avoid weekends like the plague. If your store has late night opening, best to go midweek for a reasonably peaceful rummage.

I've had some great things over the years, and love the home dept in particular. I don't get to go as often as now have dc, and fully endorse what a pp said about not taking the kids!!

I don't go expecting to get anything, so that way I'm not disappointed.

Oh, and DH gets all his pants from there (jeep, ck, crew etc).

I used to loathe tk maxx but am a true convert now. We got loads of le cruset, i got a micheal kors leather jacket, and so much all saints clothing that it now makes up the majority of my wardrobe. Best way to shop there is to look for one or two brands, i look for all saints and know their product so can spot it without looking through the rails. It can be hit and miss, but when they have good stock it is fantastic.

Agree with sleepyfergus - weeknight late evenings are the best!! The one closest to me is open till 9pm every night. I went on a Monday night after work and there were only 2 other people there!

you just have to have the time to browse properly, i got some levi curve the other day for £24 and a French Connection jumper which was £19.99 reduced from £94!

In general I can't deal with the women's section. Years ago when I was a student I managed to get Diesel and Seven For All Mankind jeans from the one in my uni city. It has only recently opened up where I live now and the only things I've bought for myself there are Tigi hair products. My local store just seems to stock tat in the women's section, but the men's bit is good (DH has picked up shirts, knitwear, underwear) and I've got some baby stuff as well - our branch always has shedloads of Grobags.

Spotted once in Bournemouth branch: Ralph Lauren knitwear and shirts, Barbour trenchcoat. Didn't buy though.

I got dh a lovely Moschino tie yesterday reduced from £95 down to £12 99.

I love it but need to be in the right frame of mind.

I always go alone, never, ever with the dc. You need to be seriously focused to get the best deals.

Rarrrrrr! All these positivity about TK Maxx and I can't find anything on the website I like.....just like in the store!

Anyone fancy finding me a practical (Merrell style) coat, for a petite?

Another Kiwi that LOVES TK Maxx, I've accumulated a ton of Le Creuset and other stuff and now have to pay to ship it back home! Haha.

Everything in ours is so rummaged as to be filthy. Hateful place.

Its like a jumble sale in our one and could do with a good clean. Wasn't bothered a few years back when it was good value but now its becoming more expensive, i expect better!

Some great tips there from people. I must admit Im not a big TK Maxx fan, but will have a wander in from time to time (its next to where I park in town) and have a look. I dont think I have ever bought clothes there for myself. DH has often found the odd item and DD1's winter coat is from there. I did see a lovely winter coat for me last year, but it wasn't in my size.

The one at Monks Cross just outside of York is crap, the one in York is OK. The one in Leeds is good and so is the one in Darlington. I haven't been to any others.

Agree home department is brilliant. Am now pondering if Im going to give it a go in TK Maxx for clothes and see if I can't kit myself out in designer gear. Dont need anything ATM, but next time I go I will try TK Maxx first.

I'm another TK Max fan. You do need to leave the kids elsewhere, have patience, start at one end of a row and just skim down it as fast as possible. Labels and quality will stand out amongst the tat. Ignore sizing as stuff tends to get put back in the wrong place. It does take longer to look but it means that you might find that gem in your size that everyone else has missed.

Popped in to my local branch today and bought a mid year diary (Italian leather cover) for £5.99

Saw some lovely wool/silk/cashmere scarfs by Moschino for just under £40. I may go back for one.

Saw some Paul Costello bags/purses too.

Triumph bras

Bourjois/Nails Inc/ ELF/Pupa/ Elizabeth Arden/Barielles/ Essie/Lancome cosmetics.

TK Maxx is probably the thing I miss most about the UK now I have moved. All the nice clothes I have are from there: Burberry raincoat, Birger Day/Gianbatistta Vialli/All Saints dresses, lovely handbags, sunglasses and shoes. Baby has many lovely clothes from there, Aden and Anais linens and Avent breast pump and bottles. Husband is also a big fan for smart work clothes and gym kit.

Agree with getting there early (especially for kids stuff) to find the good stuff. Also scanning the rails for fabrics that look like they are good quality.

Another TK Maxx lover here.

I go to the one in Leyton or the one in New Cross, both are pretty good.

I tend to buy mainly accessories and in the past year or so have purchased:
Bags/ purse - Osprey and Calvin Klein
Umbrella - Lulu Guinness (except I lost it after 6 months and it was SO DAMN PRETTY )
Suitcase - Samsonite
Sunglasses - Michael Kors, Chloe and Miu Miu

Plus loads of stuff for Xmas pressies including books for children, some craft kits etc.

My favourite store ever is the Bournemouth one. It was aces.

Mr Palooza buys most of his clothes from Tacky Max as he is a total chav label snob.

I popped in for a mooch today and there were lots of Merrell Wakefields for £59.99 in black and purple.