How I Shop Marshalls and What I Found

Do you shop at Marshalls? I ask because if you’ve ever been into a Marshalls, T.J. Maxx or Home Goods, you know that these stores are quite unique and really require a different mindset for shopping them. So I thought today I’d share a beautiful top I found at Marshalls recently, but also my thoughts on this unique shopping experience.

I used to really struggle with shopping at stores like Marshalls, T.J. Maxx and Home Goods. I felt overwhelmed by their loose organization and the inability to know exactly what I’d find in stock. But now Marshalls is usually the first stop on my list when I begin shopping for a desired item.

In the small, off-the-beaten-path town where I live, we don’t have a huge selection of retailers. I have to drive well over an hour into Tucson to find a variety of department stores, national brand shops and boutiques. So out of necessity I learned how to shop Marshalls.

Marshalls, T.J. Maxx and Home Goods are sister stores that all operate on the premise of a constantly rolling inventory. These stores do not stock a set inventory, but instead their buyers swoop in and buy quality products that have been overproduced by designers or over-ordered by other retailers. So you never know what you’re going to find on their racks and shelves. And the selection is similar but inconsistent at their various locations. In fact, I overheard our store’s manager telling a customer that our store (located relatively near the Mexico border and serving a military community) receives very different merchandise than the stores in Tucson, just 80 miles away.

So it’s true. You never know what you’ll find at these off-price retailers. And what they have is, well, what they have. They can’t order more sizes, different colors or additional inventory.

But don’t let that overwhelm you like it once did me. Instead, ask the manager at your nearest Marshalls when they receive shipments and when they usually have most of their new stock on display. Then plan weekly or bi-weekly trips to make a quick run-through, looking only at what is new and what fills a need you may have.

What do I buy at Marshalls? I love to buy hostess gifts and birthday presents for girlfriends there. Marshalls have unique and beautiful table linens, dish towels, decorative items, picture frames and specialty food items that make perfect small gifts.

I also buy liquid soaps, pajamas, hair and skin treatments, seasonal decorations and party napkins and plates at Marshalls. And I’ve even bought accent furniture, luggage, bed and bath linens and dishes there. And all of those items were excellent quality at greatly reduced prices. In fact, I’m able to buy interesting, boutique brands there that I can’t find anywhere else in my area.

When I shop Marshalls I usually go in with a budget instead of a wish list. Because I have no idea what I may find, I set a small budget – sometimes $10, sometimes $50 or more if I’m actually shopping for something specific like Christmas – and get a shopping cart on my way in. Then as I browse the store I add to my basket things that strike my fancy, and I try on clothes that I like. But before I check out, I sort back through my finds and put much, maybe most if not all of it back where I found it. Yep, I do that.

Because honestly, a lot of what I find and even “fall in love with” at Marshalls are not things I need or even knew I wanted before I came into the store. They’re just things that struck my fancy! But every now and then, if the price is right – and it often is at Marshalls – and the attraction is strong, I buy something that I get a lot of enjoyment out of.

Like this festive bell sleeve pullover blouse. Y’all, it is so fun. And it was a good purchase for me. It retailed at $54.00 and I bought it for $16.99. That’s the kind of savings you get…with a little time and patience and perseverance…at Marshalls.

By the way, you can’t shop Marshalls or Home Goods on the Internet, but a few years ago T.J. Maxx did introduce online shopping. You might want to check it out.

So, do you shop at Marshalls? What do you love there? Or why do you not care for it? I’d love to hear from you.

(And no, I’m getting nothing from Marshalls or the sister stores for this post. I just really enjoy shopping there so I thought I’d share!)

I’m linking up again with Jo-Lynne Shane and all the Fashion Friday gals. Be sure to check those out too!

Blessed for My Day

I had a dear uncle pass away this week. Uncle Gus and my Aunt Ida taught me how to snow ski and water ski. I have such fond memories of visiting them as a child when they lived in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania. For a while they lived right at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains, and I specifically remember when they took my brother and me to swim in an icy cold, spring fed pond just down the road from their house. Brrr! My uncle was a great outdoors-man and we had a lot of adventures with him.

But the thing I treasure most about my Uncle Gus is that he was always such a great listener. He would look you square in the eyes and ask question after question about your life. And he really seemed interested in what you had to say. What a special and unique quality to have. And my Uncle Gus makes me want to be a better listener, too. Because in the long run, the people who listen to us make a greater mark on our lives than even the people who spoke volumes to us.

“But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.” ~ James 1:19b