My first “big girl” job was at age 15 and I was responsible for cleaning a small women’s boutique every Saturday. I wasn’t too keen on cleaning bathrooms but I loved when the store would get busy and I was asked to work on the floor. I would steam the new clothing, organize the racks and chit-chat with the customers. In retail, every day is an adventure but I really enjoyed it. When I turned 16, I applied for a position at the local T.J. Maxx. I stayed on staff for almost 2 years until I left for college. I still go back to that T.J. Maxx every time I go home to visit my parents. I’ve included photos of some of my favorite finds and listed shopping tips I have learned over the years from my time as an employee and now loyal customer.

ATTITUDE: First things first, don’t set yourself up for failure. T.J. Maxx takes some work, so make sure you’ve eaten, you’re in a good mood and have plenty of time to take on the store.

TIMING: New shipments hit stores every Tuesday-Friday and usually the staff arrives very early in the mornings to do markdowns and place new product on the floor. Tuesday-Friday mornings are prime time to get the best deals and see the latest merchandise. Because there are no new shipments over the weekend, Mondays are not an ideal day to go because everything has been picked over throughout the weekend.

DEPARTMENTS: This sweater above is from the Juniors department. You will know this because the long sequence of numbers under the logo will start with a 15. I try my best not to throw these garments in the dryer because there is a 90% chance they will shrink. I also usually size up in this department.

PURSES: My mother found this pearl encrusted evening bag for me. Remember to browse the wallets section. This is usually where purses without a long strap or two handles are displayed.

GET THE CART: My mother and I have a superstition that if you grab a cart when you first walk in, you won’t find anything to fill it. So we always browse first, find a million things we love and then when we can’t fit anything else in our arms, we grab a cart. Whatever your personal shopping habits, make sure you locate a cart sometime during the process. It makes browsing more enjoyable and allows you to grab anything and everything you find interesting – especially if you are shopping for big or bulky items like the coat above.

SIZING: Be sure to look at garments outside your usual size. I’m usually a medium but I was searching through the extra larges and found this jumpsuit gem. Sizing is different for every brand so be sure to try something on if you like it. If something is larger, you can always belt it!

THE HUNT: If you see something you like and the store does not have your size, check another local T.J. Maxx. Chances are good they have similar inventory. Take a picture of the item and the tag and an associate should be able to determine if the item is in the store inventory.

EMPLOYEES: Speaking of employees….get to know your local store staff. The associates have a wealth of knowledge and the inside scoop when it comes to discounts, getting extra discounts if something is damaged, finding product in the store and putting product on hold. Also, it’s just a nice thing to do. I always enjoyed getting to know the regular customers and appreciated when they recognized me and treated me kindly.

SHOES: From my experience, the shoe displays and organization is up to the employee also responsible for the fitting room. This can become pretty hectic and sometimes shoes are put back in the wrong section. If you see a style you love, make sure to look through every size and row. There’s always a chance something was inadvertently put back incorrectly.

RUNWAY: If you are looking for designer deals, make sure the store you are visiting has the department “The Runway”. Not every store has this special department, so be sure to check. This is a specific section filled with high-end designer and boutique brands. These pieces will be on the pricier side but still deeply discounted.

JEWELRY: I bought these earrings for $4 because one of the clasps was slightly bent. It was a simple fix with a pair of pliers I had at home. Check through “as is” or “damaged” merchandise and determine if it is a quick fix you can do yourself. It is well worth the effort.

STICKERS: A blue sticker means the item is part of a 2-piece set. A purple one means it is part of “The Runway” department. A red sticker means the price has been discounted. A yellow sticker means the price is final and these major discounts typically happen in January and July.

GET IT BEFORE IT’S GONE: I was debating between two winter coats and thought about waiting to come back with my mother to make a decision. However, I’ve learned from past shopping excursions if I don’t get it now, it will likely later be gone. T.J. Maxx has a 30-day return policy. If you see something but are unsure, buy it NOW and return it later. After 30-days, you can return the merchandise with your receipt for store-credit.

CLEARANCE: Take the time to search the clearance racks. I usually find the best trendy pieces (including this pirate-esque long sleeve) in these racks because people don’t know what to do with it or it looks strange on the hangar. If you have the slightest inclination for a piece, put it in your cart and try it on. The results may surprise you.

LOCATION: Finally, remember not all stores are created equal. I personally dislike shopping at some T.J. Maxx stores because it is picked through, messy and crowded. At other stores, it is a completely different shopping experience for me. If you have a bad trip at one location, don’t immediately condemn the others.

HAPPY SHOPPING!